Child Development Courses

Study Child Development

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Our degrees and certificates in Early Childhood Education are designed to help you land rewarding jobs that work with kids. Read more about the benefits and opportunities for early childhood educators, early intervention specialists, preschool teachers, daycare workers, and more.

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CHD - Child Development
CHD-001: Child Growth and Development (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

This course is a study of typical and atypical child growth and development in all domains from conception through adolescence. There is an emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors within the family cultural context. Students observe children using investigative research methods, evaluate differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages.

AD1 - AA-AS Social & Behavioral Sci, AE - AA-AS Lifelong Learning, D - CSU Social & Behavior Sci
CHD-002: Child, Family, and Community (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

This course examines the effect of family and community on a child's development. Families, their functions, and changing family structure are examined. The factors and resources for early interventions and inclusions for families with children with differing abilities are explored. Interactions among the child, family, school, peers, media and community are discussed.

AD1 - AA-AS Social & Behavioral Sci, AE - AA-AS Lifelong Learning, D - CSU Social & Behavior Sci, E - CSU Life Long Learning/SelfDev
CHD-003: Language and Literacy for the Young Child (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

This course gives students an in-depth study of language development and the relationship to the reading process. Students develop a series of resource files which can be used as teaching aides in designing language activities and experiences.

CHD-004: Cognitive Experiences for Children (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

Will examine theories of cognitive development through research review and observation. Students will use information to plan curriculum.

CHD-005: Music and Movement (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

This course is a study of music and movement activities and how these activities affect the child's growth and development. Observation of children is required. Students develop a resource file of songs and music which they can use for curriculum design and lesson plans. Eligibility for ENG 001A and REA 054

CHD-006: Supervision and Administration (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

Prerequisite:CHD 001, CHD 002, and CHD 010. This course gives students skills and information about the effective application of supervision and administration procedures in early care and education programs. This course fulfills the State of California licensing requirements and partially fulfills the requirement for Site Supervisor or Program Director Child Development Permits.

CHD-007: Management Issues in Child Development Programs (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

Prerequisite CHD 006 This course is a continuation of CHD 006. The course covers effective strategies for personnel management and leadership in early care and education settings. This course partially fulfills the requirements for the Site Supervisor or Program Director Child Development Permit.

CHD-008A: Practicum A (1.5 Lecture/2.0 Lab) (Min Credits: 3.5)

Prerequisite CHD 001 and Prerequisite CHD 002 and Prerequisite CHD 010 and Prerequisite CHD 015 and Prerequisite CHD 026 This course gives students the opportunity to interact with children and demonstrate developmentally appropriate early childhood teaching competencies. Students work under the supervision of a practicum supervisor at the Mission College Child Development Center.

CHD-010: Principles and Practices in Education (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

This course is an introductory survey of the field of education. Students explore problems and potentials of education in today's world. This course is designed for those who are considering a professional career in education.

CHD-013: Teaching in a Diverse Society (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

Prerequisite CHD 001 This course is an examination of the development of social identities and the processes involved. Students explore how these processes impact work with young children and their families while exploring classroom strategies to support all children.

AD1 - AA-AS Social & Behavioral Sci, AE - AA-AS Lifelong Learning, D - CSU Social & Behavior Sci, E - CSU Life Long Learning/SelfDev
CHD-014: Art and Creative Development of Young Children (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

Students examine theories of artistic development and learn how creativity effects the child's overall development. Students will design developmentally appropriate lesson plans focusing on creative expression. Observation of children will be required.

CHD-015: Observation and Assessment of Children (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

This course focuses on the appropriate use of assessment and observation strategies to document development, growth, play and learning in order to join with families and professionals in promoting children’s success.Weekly observations are required. Eligibility for ENG 001A and REA 054 Prerequisite CHD 001 Prerequisite CHD 002

CHD-016: Infant and Toddler Development (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

Advisory CHD 001 This course provides students with an in-depth study of the child from years 0-3. It meets the Infant/Toddler State licensing requirement. Observation of children is required.

CHD-017: Child Health and Safety (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

This course is designed to give students the skills needed to be able to identify children's health problems. The course is designed for persons working with children in early childhood environments. Included in the course is the study of infectious diseases, preventative health practices, nutrition and health promotion. The course meets State AB 962 requirements.

AE - AA-AS Lifelong Learning, E - CSU Life Long Learning/SelfDev
CHD-018: Parenting Issues for Teachers (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

This course is designed to give the student the skills needed as teachers to effectively work with parents and diverse families of the children in their care.

CHD-020: The Child with Special Needs in the Community (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

This course is designed for students who are considering a career or certificate in special education or who desire to work with children with special needs and their families. The course introduces atypical development, disabilities, laws and policies and the impact a child with disabilities has on families. Eligibility for ENGL 001A and READ 054 Advisory CHD 001 , Advisory CHD 002

CHD-021: Children and Play (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

Students examine the history and theories of play and explore how developmental stages of play affect the child’s overall growth. Students gain skills to analyze the child’s development and to design lesson plans that include developmentally appropriate play experiences that further the child’s growth. Observations of children’s play are required. Eligibility for ENGL 001A and REA 054 Advisory CHD 001

CHD-022: Adult Supervision in Early Childhood Programs (2.0 Units) (Min Credits: 2.0)

This course gives students the skills necessary to assess program and staff performanceand supervise adults in early childhood settings. Students have opportunities to reviewprogram assessment models such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation self-study and to conduct self-assessments on leadership and communication styles. Career development strategies are also examined. This class partially fulfills the Site Supervisor or Program Director Permit requirements.

CHD-024: Positive Guidance in Early Childhood Programs: Managing Challenging Behaviors (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

This course assists students in learning positive guidance techniques to support children who are having challenging behaviors in early childhood programs. The course includes genetic, environmental, and cultural factors that impact the behavior of young children and practical strategies for intervention and prevention.

CHD-025: Inclusion Stategies and Curriculum in Early Childhood Education (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

This course focuses on the theories, research, and practical applications from the fields of both early childhood education and special education. This course assists students in designing effective curriculum and intervention strategies for children with disabilities who are being served in inclusive and natural environments. Advisory: CHD 001, CHD 002

CHD-026: Introduction to Curriculum (3.0 Units) (Min Credits: 3.0)

Prerequisite CHD 001 Advisory CHD 002 This course presents an overview of knowledge and skills related to providing appropriate curriculum and environments for young children from birth to age 8.