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1305.20The 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
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CHDV 010 | PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF TEACHING YOUNG CHILDREN | 3 |
| PSYC 021 | DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: THE CHILD | 3 |
| or PSYC 021H | HONORS DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: THE CHILD | |
| CHDV 013A | PRACTICUM IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT-A | 2 |
| CHDV 013AF | FIELD PRACTICE IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT - A | 2 |
| CHDV 014 | OBSERVATION AND ASSESSMENT OF YOUNG CHILDREN | 3 |
| CHDV 015 | CHILD, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY | 3 |
| CHDV 016 | HEALTH, SAFETY AND NUTRITION | 3 |
| CHDV 020 | INTRODUCTION TO CURRICULUM PLANNING | 3 |
| CHDV 030 | INTRODUCTION TO CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS | 3 |
| CHDV 035 | INTRODUCTION TO CURRICULUM AND STRATEGIES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS | 3 |
| CHDV 105 | CHILDREN WITH CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS | 3 |
| CHDV 122 | PRACTICUM IN EARLY INTERVENTION/SPECIAL EDUCATION | 2 |
| CHDV 122F | FIELD PRACTICE IN EARLY INTERVENTION/SPECIAL EDUCATION | 1 |
| CHDV 017 | TEACHING CHILDREN IN A DIVERSE SOCIETY | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| READING AND WRITING SKILLS | ||
| READING AND COMPOSITION | ||
| HONORS READING AND COMPOSITION | ||
| ADVANCED ACADEMIC ENGLISH | ||
| Total Units | 41 | |
Recommended Electives
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CHDV 024D | SPECIAL TOPICS IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT - WORKING WITH PARENTS | 2 |
Visit the Program Mapper for a suggested sequence of courses.