CDEC Child Development

Factors impacting the well-being of young children. Includes healthy behavior, food, nutrition, fitness, and safety practices. Focuses on local and national standards and legal implications of relevant policies and regulations. Course content is aligned with State Board of Educator Certification Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities standards. Requires students to participate in a minimum of 16 hours field experience with children from infancy through age 12 in a variety of settings with varied and diverse populations.

A study of appropriate infant and toddler (birth to 3 years) programs, including an overview of development, quality routines, learning environments, materials and activities, and teaching/guidance techniques. 16 lab hours required.

An exploration of principles, methods, and materials for teaching children music, movement, visual arts, and dramatic play through process-oriented experiences to support divergent thinking for children birth through age eight. 16 lab hours required.

A survey of information regarding children with special needs including possible causes and characteristics of exceptionalities, intervention strategies, available resources, referral processes, and the advocacy role and legislative issues. 16 lab hours required.

Based on the requirements for the Child Development Associate credential (CDA). Topics include CDS overview, observation skills, and child growth and development. The four functional areas of study are creative, cognitive, physical, and communication. 32 hour lab required.

An exploration of guidance strategies for promoting pro-social behaviors with individual and groups of children. Emphasis on positive guidance principles and techniques, family involvement, and cultural influences. 32 lab hours required.

A study of programs for the school age child, including an overview of development, learning environments, materials, activities and guidance techniques. 16 lab hours required.

A work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts. A learning plan is developed by the college and the employer. Department approval required. Student’s final course. 256 hour lab requirement may be done at student’s qualifying place of employment. 144 work-based or volunteer lab experience in an approved facility, final course taken.

A continuation of the study of the requirements for the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credential. The six functional areas of study include safety, health, learning environment, self, social, and guidance. 32 hour lab required.

Continuation of the requirements for the Child Development Associate credential (CDA). The three functional areas of study includes family, program management, and professionalism. 32 hour lab required.