Child Development – Special Education – Associate in Science Degree, Certificate of Achievement

Top Code:

1305.20

The field of child development/early childhood education studies involves the study of the developmental patterns and learning theories of children from birth to age twelve. The study of Children with Special Needs fall within this discipline. The Certificate of Achievement Child Development - Special Education prepares students to work with children with Special Needs in the 13 categorical areas as mandated by Federal Agencies.

Professionals in this field invoke the term development as a way to understand the child’s growth and learning and to inform practice. The Child Development (CHDV) discipline at Pasadena City College offers a curriculum that guides students on various pathways, which may include the attainment of a Transfer Degree (wherein, they can transfer to a 4-year institution and obtain advanced degrees), or an Associate of Science Degree, and/or a Certificate of Achievement in Child Development that will lead students to immediate career opportunities working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and children with special needs. Courses provide a theoretical foundation and prepare students for careers in Teaching in Early Care and Education schools such as infant, toddler, preschool, or Pre-K programs, Elementary Schools (public or private), Before-and after-school programs, Family Child Care Homes, General Education Settings including parks and recreation programs, Medical Centers/Hospitals as a Child Life Specialist, Private Households, non-profit and governmental agencies concerned with the welfare of children, and Social and Human Service programs. Child Development coursework can also lead to work with elementary and secondary age students in a credentialed teaching position.

The Certificate of Achievement Child Development - Special Education meets the coursework requirement for the California Child Development Teacher (or Master Teacher) permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for employment in Public School Programs (Title 5) and for employment in community care facilities under Title 22 of the California State Department of Social Services. Additionally, a number of courses meet General Education requirements for the Associate in Science Degree and Associate of Science-Transfer Degree. Completion of the Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer (AS-T) ensures transfer students will complete the lower division general education requirements as well as many of the lower division major requirements for a bachelor’s degree in Child Development prior to transferring to a CSU.

Requirements for the Associate Teacher Child Development Permit1:
Completion of 16 required core units as follows: PSYC 021, CHDV 010, CHDV 015, CHDV 020, and CHDV 013A and CHDV 013AF.  Completion of these courses with a C or better must be verified by official transcripts. At least 50 days of experience in an instructional capacity, working at least three hours per day within the last two years in a child care and development program is also required.

Requirements for the Teacher Child Development Permit1:
Completion of the Certificate of Achievement Child Development - Special Education major requirements plus 16 additional general education units as follows: at least one course each in Humanities, Social Sciences, Math and/or Science, and English. Completion of these courses with a C or better must be verified by official transcripts. 175 days of experience in an instructional capacity, working at least three hours per day within the last four years in a child care and development program is also required.

Requirements for the Master Teacher Child Development Permit1:
Completion of the Certificate of Achievement Child Development - Special Education major requirements, six additional units in one area of specialization (infant-toddler, multi-cultural, math and science, early intervention, special education, language and literacy or administration), two units of Adult Supervision course work (CHDV 119), plus 16 additional general education units as follows: at least one course each in Humanities, Social Sciences, Math and/or Science, and English; completion of these courses with a C or better must be verified by official transcripts. 350 days of experience in an instructional capacity, working at least three hours per day within the last four years in a child care and development program is also required.

Requirements for the Site Supervisor Child Development Permit1:
Completion of the Certificate of Achievement Child Development - Special Education major requirements, completion of an associate degree or 60 semester units, plus six additional units of course work in administration and supervision: CHDV 012A, Administration I: Programs; CHDV 012B, Administration II: Personnel and Leadership; and CHDV 119, Adult Supervision and Mentoring in Early Care and Education. Completion of these courses with a C or better must be verified by official transcripts. 350 days of experience in an instructional capacity, working at least three hours per day within the last four years in a child care and development program is also required. This experience must include at least 100 days of supervising adults in a child care and development program.

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Permits are issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Depending on initial placement, students may be required to take additional English and ESL courses.

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

Program Outcomes

  • Explain using original written and/or oral presentations the theories and practices of the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical developmental areas of young children with Special Needs.
  • Evaluate important factors in planning a child education program while considering the ethical issues involved in working with young children who have been diagnosed with a mild, moderate, or severe special need.
  • Compare and contrast the skills necessary in working with and supporting diverse family, structures, and program practices as related to children with special needs.
  • Support developmentally appropriate practices and all relevant curriculum standards that support children’s special needs development.

Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement 

CHDV 010PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF TEACHING YOUNG CHILDREN3
PSYC 021DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: THE CHILD3
or PSYC 021H HONORS DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: THE CHILD
CHDV 013APRACTICUM IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT – A2
CHDV 013AFFIELD PRACTICE IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT-A2
CHDV 014OBSERVATION AND ASSESSMENT OF YOUNG CHILDREN3
CHDV 015CHILD, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY3
CHDV 016HEALTH, SAFETY AND NUTRITION3
CHDV 017TEACHING CHILDREN IN A DIVERSE SOCIETY3
CHDV 020INTRODUCTION TO CURRICULUM PLANNING3
CHDV 030INTRODUCTION TO CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS3
CHDV 035INTRODUCTION TO CURRICULUM AND STRATEGIES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS3
CHDV 105CHILDREN WITH CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS3
CHDV 122PRACTICUM IN EARLY INTERVENTION/SPECIAL EDUCATION2
CHDV 122FFIELD PRACTICE IN EARLY INTERVENTION/SPECIAL EDUCATION1
ENGL 100READING AND WRITING SKILLS4
or ENGL 001A READING AND COMPOSITION
or ENGL 001AH HONORS READING AND COMPOSITION
or ESL 005 ADVANCED ACADEMIC ENGLISH
Total Units41

Recommended Electives

CHDV 024DSPECIAL TOPICS IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT - WORKING WITH PARENTS2

Visit the Program Mapper for a suggested sequence of courses.

General Education Requirements for the Associate in Science Degree