Child Development

The Cerro Coso Child Development and Education department is dedicated to working with early education professionals in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality early learning programs for young children. We have worked to develop an online program that addresses the needs of the small, rural communities of the Eastern Sierras as well as the variety of programs available throughout the state of California.

Programs Offered

Child Development

Child Development Associate Teacher Certificate
Child Development Master Teacher Certificate
Child Development Site Supervisor Certificate
Child Development Teacher Certificate
Early Childhood Education AS-T

The Child Development Program at Cerro Coso Community College offers various types of training & job opportunities for students and faculty:

• All classes and programs offered online—study and train at times convenient for YOU!
• Courses and programs aligned with the CHDV Permit Matrix.
• CAP aligned courses that allow for easier completion of program requirements.
• Online support opportunities to work with qualified Mentor Teachers through the California Early Childhood Mentor Program (CECMP) Virtual Mentoring Program.
• Reimbursement of educational costs for eligible students through the Child Development Training Consortium (CDTC).
• Hands on experience and training with young children at the Child Development Center/Lab Schools located in California City and Ridgecrest.

New Courses Online in Trauma Informed Care

CHDV C133 - Trauma and Early Childhood Development

This course provides an overview of the impact of early childhood traumatic experiences on physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Students explore the correlation between socialization and the impact of trauma on the developing child, factors that influence the effects of trauma on the child, and the role of partnering with families in supporting children’s overall well-being. Students are required to observe children and/or environments where children are in a group setting.

CHDV C233 - Trauma-Informed Care in Early Childhood Education

This course explores the concept of trauma-informed care in early care and education settings. Students investigate how to create safe environments so children feel comfortable to learn and explore, with special attention given to room design, materials, and routines. The course provides clear strategies for building trusting relationships with children and families. Students are required to observe children and/or environments where children are in a group setting.

Curriculum Alignment Project

The California Community Colleges Curriculum Alignment Project (CAP) engaged faculty from across the state to develop a 24 unit lower-division program of study supporting early care and education teacher preparation. Cerro Coso Community College is a fully aligned college for both the eight (8) degree and seven (7) specialization courses. The CAP courses have been accepted as the required core for the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degree in Early Childhood Education.

Child Development Center/Lab School

The Cerro Coso Child Development Center/Lab School has 3 locations, two in California City and one in Ridgecrest. Every location offers a developmentally appropriate program funded through the Department of Education. State Preschool and funded care are available to families who qualify. Cerro Coso students are given first priority.

Ridgecrest Child Development Center
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