Child Development
The Child Development program explores the social/emotional, cognitive/language, and physical/motor growth and development skills of children from conception through adolescence. Students take child development courses to obtain a certificate or permit, to earn an Associate in Arts degree, to prepare for university transfer, or for professional enrichment. Career options include a variety of professions that serve children and their families, such as infant/toddler care, preschool teaching (including Head Start), elementary and secondary education, early childhood special education, program administration, school counseling, child psychology, child advocacy, social work, and community services.
Contact Information
Chair: Penny Skemp Dean: Al Taccone |
Department: Child Development Office: Building OC4800, 760.795.6811 |
Full-Time Faculty
Estrellita Moore Penny Skemp Mark Whitney |
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
The degree programs include the completion of a general education (GE) pattern of courses. The knowledge, skills, and abilities gained as a result of completing general education, referred to as GE outcomes, can be viewed here .
Child Development Associate Teacher Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to design and implement curriculum based on observation and assessment of young children to to support play and learning.
Child Development Master Teacher Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to design, implement, and evaluate effective program practices to successfully manage an early childhood classroom.
Child Development Site Supervisor Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to design, implement, and evaluate effective program practices to successfully manage an early childhood classroom.
Child Development Teacher Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to design, implement, and evaluate effective program practices to successfully manage an early childhood classroom.
Early Intervention and Inclusion Certificate of Achievement
PSLO: Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to adapt early learning activities and classroom strategies that meet the individual needs of young children.
Associate Degrees
Associate in Arts Degrees
Child Development Associate Teacher
Child Development Master Teacher
Child Development Site Supervisor
Child Development Teacher
Students may earn one of the above-named associate degrees by completing a certificate of achievement and the general education courses required for MiraCosta College's Associate in Arts degree (see Associate Degrees ). Students should meet with a MiraCosta counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written educational plan for the specific degree or certificate they wish to earn.
Certificates
The Child Development program certificates are designed to prepare students for employment as teachers, aides, directors, and entrepreneurs in preschools, child care centers (including infant/toddler facilities), and family child care programs. Courses are also appropriate for parents, nannies, camp counselors, recreation leaders, elementary school teaching assistants, social service and health care practitioners, administrators, and others working with children.
Certificates meet the course requirements for teachers and directors of private child care programs licensed by the California State Department of Social Services (Title 22), Community Care Licensing. The program also meets the course work requirements for the Child Development Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Child development programs that are state or federally funded (Title 5 programs, such as Head Start and state preschools) follow the Child Development Permit matrix.
The Child Development program offers six certificates to meet the individual student's needs. Because the certificates follow the Child Development Permit matrix and are sequential, students can continue to earn additional certificates. Course work completed for the Assistant and Associate Teacher certificates provides the foundation for more specialized courses and a wider range of career options with the Teacher, Master Teacher, Site Supervisor, Entrepreneurship, and Early Intervention and Inclusion certificates.
Certificate of Achievement
Child Development Associate Teacher
This certificate exceeds the minimum teaching requirements for centers regulated by Title 22. It also meets the Associate Teacher Permit requirements for provision of instruction and supervision of assistant teacher-level staff in Title 5 schools.
Required courses: | ||
CHLD 105 | Programs and Curriculum in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
CHLD 112 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
or CHLD 113 | Child and Adolescent Growth and Development | |
CHLD 205 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
CHLD 210 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
Select at least 6 elective units from the following: | 6 | |
Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood | ||
Child Behavior and Guidance | ||
Programs for Infants and Toddlers | ||
Science and Math for Young Children | ||
Language and Literacy in Early Childhood | ||
Art for Young Children | ||
Music and Movement for Young Children | ||
Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood | ||
Parent /Teacher Partnerships | ||
Children with Special Learning Needs | ||
Total Units | 18 |
Note: To be eligible for the State of California Child Development Permit—Associate Teacher, students must also complete an experience requirement of 50 days of 3 or more hours per day within 2 years.
Certificate of Achievement
Child Development Master Teacher
This certificate exceeds the minimum teaching requirements for Title 22 schools. It is designed to meet the Master Teacher requirements for Title 5 child development programs. This includes providing instruction, supervising assistants, associate teachers, and teacher-level staff, and serving as coordinator of curriculum and staff development.
See notation for 16-unit general education requirement.
Required courses: | ||
CHLD 105 | Programs and Curriculum in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
CHLD 106 | Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood | 3 |
CHLD 109 | Child Behavior and Guidance | 3 |
CHLD 112 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
or CHLD 113 | Child and Adolescent Growth and Development | |
CHLD 200 | Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood | 3 |
CHLD 205 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
CHLD 210 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
CHLD 245 | Adult Supervision/Mentor Teacher | 3 |
CHLD 270 | Preschool Teacher Internship | 3 |
Select at least 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
Science and Math for Young Children | ||
Language and Literacy in Early Childhood | ||
Select at least 6 units from one area of specialization : | 6 | |
Infant/Toddler | ||
Programs for Infants and Toddlers | ||
Advanced Issues in Infant-Toddler Care | ||
Creative Arts | ||
Art for Young Children | ||
Music and Movement for Young Children | ||
Special Needs | ||
Parent /Teacher Partnerships | ||
Children with Special Learning Needs | ||
Consult faculty for other specialization options. | ||
Select at least 16 units in general education. | 16 | |
Include at least one course in each of the following: Humanities, Social Sciences, Math and/or Science, English. | ||
Total Units | 52 |
Note: To be eligible for the State of California Child Development Permit—Master Teacher, students must also complete an experience requirement of 350 days of 3 or more hours per day within 4 years.
Certificate of Achievement
Child Development Site Supervisor
This certificate is designed for students who will be single-site supervisors under Title 5 or center directors under Title 22. It allows holders to supervise master teachers, teachers, associate teachers, and assistants as well as to manage single-site programs, provide instruction, and serve as coordinators of curriculum and staff development.
Required courses: | ||
CHLD 105 | Programs and Curriculum in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
CHLD 106 | Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood | 3 |
CHLD 109 | Child Behavior and Guidance | 3 |
CHLD 112 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
or CHLD 113 | Child and Adolescent Growth and Development | |
CHLD 200 | Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood | 3 |
CHLD 205 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
CHLD 210 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
CHLD 245 | Adult Supervision/Mentor Teacher | 3 |
CHLD 250 | Administration of Child Development Programs | 3 |
CHLD 251 | Supervision of Child Development Programs | 3 |
CHLD 270 | Preschool Teacher Internship | 3 |
Select at least 3 elective units from the following: | 3 | |
Programs for Infants and Toddlers | ||
Parent /Teacher Partnerships | ||
Children with Special Learning Needs | ||
Total Units | 36 |
Note: To be eligible for the State of California Child Development Permit—Site Supervisor, students must also complete an Associate in Arts degree and an experience requirement of 350 days of 3 or more hours per day within 4 years, including at least 100 days of supervising adults.
Certificate of Achievement
Child Development Teacher
This certificate exceeds the minimum teaching requirements for centers regulated by Title 22. It also meets the Teacher Permit requirements for provision of instruction and supervision of assistant or associate teacher-level staff in a Title 5 (state or federally funded) child development program.
See notation for 16-unit general education requirement.
Required courses: | ||
CHLD 105 | Programs and Curriculum in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
CHLD 106 | Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood | 3 |
CHLD 109 | Child Behavior and Guidance | 3 |
CHLD 112 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
or CHLD 113 | Child and Adolescent Growth and Development | |
CHLD 200 | Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood | 3 |
CHLD 205 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
CHLD 210 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
CHLD 270 | Preschool Teacher Internship | 3 |
Select at least 3 elective units from the following: | 3 | |
Programs for Infants and Toddlers | ||
Science and Math for Young Children | ||
Language and Literacy in Early Childhood | ||
Art for Young Children | ||
Music and Movement for Young Children | ||
Parent /Teacher Partnerships | ||
Children with Special Learning Needs | ||
Select at least 16 units in general education. | 16 | |
Include at least one course in each of the following: Humanities, Social Sciences, Math and/or Science, English. | ||
Total Units | 43 |
Note: To be eligible for the State of California Child Development Permit—Teacher, students must also complete an experience requirement of 175 days of 3 or more hours per day within 4 years.
Certificate of Achievement
Early Intervention and Inclusion
This certificate is designed to train students to work with young children with special needs (birth to 8 years of age), with those who may be at risk for developmental delays and disabilities, and with their families. This certificate is appropriate for students working as an assistant or a paraprofessional in early intervention or early childhood special education, or as a teacher in an inclusive early childhood program.
Required courses: | ||
CHLD 105 | Programs and Curriculum in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
CHLD 109 | Child Behavior and Guidance | 3 |
CHLD 205 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
CHLD 230 | Parent /Teacher Partnerships | 3 |
CHLD 240 | Children with Special Learning Needs | 3 |
CHLD 270 | Preschool Teacher Internship | 3 |
CHLD 111 | Programs for Infants and Toddlers | 3 |
or CHLD 212 | Advanced Issues in Infant-Toddler Care | |
CHLD 112 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
or CHLD 113 | Child and Adolescent Growth and Development | |
CHLD 210 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
Total Units | 27 |
Certificate of Proficiency
Child Development Assistant Teacher
This certificate meets the minimum teaching requirements for private child care centers regulated by Title 22. It also allows students to assist in the instruction of children under the supervision of an associate teacher-level or above in a Title 5 child development program.
Required courses: | ||
CHLD 112 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
or CHLD 113 | Child and Adolescent Growth and Development | |
CHLD 210 | Child, Family, and Community | 3 |
Select at least 6 elective units from the following: | 6 | |
Programs and Curriculum in Early Childhood Education | ||
Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood | ||
Child Behavior and Guidance | ||
Programs for Infants and Toddlers | ||
Science and Math for Young Children | ||
Language and Literacy in Early Childhood | ||
Art for Young Children | ||
Music and Movement for Young Children | ||
Health, Safety, and Nutrition | ||
Total Units | 12 |
Courses
CHLD 105: Programs and Curriculum in Early Childhood Education
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.80)
This course examines the theories and principles of developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs and environments. It emphasizes relationships, constructive adult-child interactions, curriculum models, and program planning with effective teaching strategies. Topics include the historical roots of early childhood programs and the evolution of professional practices promoting advocacy, ethics, and professional identity. C-ID ECE-120.
CHLD 106: Introduction to Curriculum in Early Childhood
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.00)
This course introduces teachers of young children to designing early learning environments and planning curriculum in early care and education settings. It covers the relationship of theory and practice, the contributions of current research, the influence of different curriculum models and approaches, the role of observation, documentation and assessment in the curriculum planning process, and the incorporation of reflective teaching practices across the curriculum to meet the needs of all learners. Students will examine the teacher's role in supporting development and engagement for all young children.
CHLD 109: Child Behavior and Guidance
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.00)
This course examines the reasons for children's behavior in relation to appropriate teaching strategies and interventions. It explores effective techniques for dealing with children, including those with special needs. It addresses issues such as separation from parents, new experiences, routines, rules, regulations, peer interaction, fears, frustrations, and aggression. The course emphasizes how parents and teachers can provide children with guidance and discipline that promote self-control, feelings of security, competency, and self-esteem. Students learn how to access community agencies and family services to provide specialized support.
CHLD 111: Programs for Infants and Toddlers
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.90)
This course is specifically designed for caregivers of infants and toddlers. The class focuses on the growth and development of the child, birth through three years of age, within various social contexts. Topics include fostering relationships, implementing health and safety practices, designing early learning environments and activities, accommodating individual differences, and creating partnerships with parents and families. This course meets state licensing requirements for child care providers.
CHLD 112: Child Growth and Development
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 100.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.00)
This course covers the psychological and physical development of children from conception through age six. It relates major theories of physical, cognitive, language, and social/emotional development to the prenatal, infant, and preschool periods within cultural and family contexts. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for CHLD 112, CHLD 113, or PSYC 121.
CHLD 113: Child and Adolescent Growth and Development
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 100.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.00)
This course examines the major physical, cognitive, language, and psychosocial developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from conception through adolescence. It emphasizes interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors. While studying developmental theory and research methodologies, students observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for CHLD 112, CHLD 113, or PSYC 121. C-ID CDEV-100.
CHLD 130: Science and Math for Young Children
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.00)
This course provides teachers with knowledge and skills related to science and mathematics curriculum in early care and education settings. It focuses on understanding the ways in which children learn science and mathematics, the stages of children's cognitive development, the scientific process, content and standards of science and mathematics education, the teacher's role in the scientific process, and ways in which science and mathematics can be integrated across the early childhood curriculum.
CHLD 140: Language and Literacy in Early Childhood
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.00)
Development of early childhood language and communication skills and examination of emerging literacy and learning in early childhood. Creating, implementing, and evaluating an early literacy, language arts, and literature curriculum for the young child consistent with the CDE/CDD Preschool Learning Foundations for Language and Literacy and English-Language Development. Implications for home/school communication and effective parent/teacher partnerships.
CHLD 150: Art for Young Children
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.00)
This course provides teachers of young children with the skills and knowledge needed to develop aesthetic and perceptual awareness in the young child through exploration of various art media and developmentally appropriate activities and experiences. Topics include how our image of the child reflects the methods and materials provided for creative expression; the developmental stages of children's art and creative expression; studio and art center design; planning, documenting, and exhibiting children's art work; the teacher's role in the creative process; and how to integrate art and aesthetics across early childhood curriculum.
CHLD 160: Music and Movement for Young Children
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.00)
This course provides teachers of young children with the skills and knowledge needed to use music and movement experiences in the early childhood classroom to inspire creative expression. Topics include how our image of the child reflects the methods and materials provided for music and creative movement; the developmental stages of children's creative expression; the design of developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive, and individually adapted music and movement experiences; planning, documenting, and performing children's music and movement; the teacher's role in creative process; and the ways in which music and movement can be integrated across the early childhood curriculum.
CHLD 200: Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.00)
This course focuses on the appropriate use of observation and assessment strategies to document child growth and development, appraise child behavior, and plan for learning in quality early childhood programs. The course also explores recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, documentation, and various assessment methods. Students conduct and analyze child observations. C-ID ECE-200.
CHLD 205: Health, Safety, and Nutrition
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.00)
This course provides those who care for children an overview of health, safety, and nutrition issues. Students develop skills and techniques in ways to promote physical and mental health, identification and management of common childhood illnesses, menu planning and nutritional analysis, safety management and injury prevention, child abuse identification and prevention, and program planning. Topics also include culturally and developmentally appropriate practice, collaboration with families and health professionals, policies and regulations, children with special needs, and current issues. C-ID ECE-220.
CHLD 210: Child, Family, and Community
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 100.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in SOC 210.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.00)
This course examines the developing child in a societal context and focuses on the interrelationships of family, school, and community as agents of socialization from historical, socio-cultural, and contemporary perspectives. The course highlights the processes of socialization and identity development, demonstrating the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families in a culturally diverse society. C-ID CDEV-110.
CHLD 212: Advanced Issues in Infant-Toddler Care
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: CHLD 111.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.90)
This course helps infant and toddler caregivers and directors interpret and apply the guidelines for quality care for children birth through three years of age. Topics include the role of the infant care teacher, new insights into early learning and development, the central role of families, guidelines for operating quality infant/toddler programs and facilitating learning and development with infants and toddlers as well as program leadership and policies. This course meets state licensing requirements for child care providers and is aligned with the California Infant/Toddler Learning and Development Program Guidelines and Curriculum Framework, and it can be combined with CHLD 111 as an area of specialization for the Master Teacher Permit/Certificate.
CHLD 230: Parent /Teacher Partnerships
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.00)
This course examines the role of preschool teachers and administrators in establishing effective partnerships with parents in the school setting. Students develop skills and techniques in parent-teacher conferencing, home-school communication, parent education, group contacts with parents, and parent involvement in early childhood education. Topics include parenting styles, cultural and developmental diversity, family dynamics, and community resources and support systems.
CHLD 240: Children with Special Learning Needs
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.20)
This course focuses on learning to work with children with disabilities, challenging behaviors, and other special learning needs in inclusive early childhood settings. Topics include how individual child needs are assessed, how they impact families, and how programming and curriculum can be adapted to meet the needs of all young children, including those from culturally diverse backgrounds.
CHLD 245: Adult Supervision/Mentor Teacher
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.80)
This course offers a study of the methods and principles of supervising and mentoring teachers, assistant teachers, student teachers, parents and volunteers in early childhood classrooms. Emphasis is given to the knowledge, skills and competencies of classroom teachers who must function not only as mentors to new teachers, but also address the needs of children, parents, and other staff. Attention is given to methods of effective communication, problem-solving, and negotiation in establishing positive interpersonal relations.
CHLD 250: Administration of Child Development Programs
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.80)
This course is designed for directors of early childhood programs and focuses on the administrative tools needed to manage a child development facility. Topics include licensing and state regulations, policy development, working with diverse populations, budgets, funding, health and safety guidelines, program planning and evaluation, and planning of new early childhood programs.
CHLD 251: Supervision of Child Development Programs
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.80)
An advanced course in the design, coordination, and evaluation of early childhood settings to include program organization, personnel management, leadership, professional development, in-service training, and effective staff supervision. Additional focus includes strategies for partnering with parents, motivating staff, and fostering effective community relations within diverse cultural contexts.
CHLD 270: Preschool Teacher Internship
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Must complete 120 hours of non-paid work.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 6 hours. (1305.80)
Students demonstrate early childhood teaching competencies under guided supervision in the campus Child Development Center or with a designated Mentor Teacher in the community to make connections between theory and practice and developing professional behaviors. Students apply comprehensive understanding of children and families; developmentally appropriate, child-centered, play-oriented approaches to teaching and learning; and knowledge of curriculum content areas. They design, implement and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for all young children. Students become informed advocates for high quality and appropriate educational practices and policies.
CHLD 292: Internship Studies
Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.
CHLD 296: Topics in Child Development
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (1305.00)
This course gives students an opportunity to study topics in Child Development that are not included in regular course offerings. Each Topics course is announced, described, and given its own title and 296 number designation in the class schedule.
CHLD 298: Directed Study in Child Development
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor and department chair approval and successful completion of 12 units of college work with at least a 3.0 grade-point average.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours
Laboratory 6 hours
Laboratory 9 hours. (1305.00)
This course allows students to pursue a special area of interest in order to achieve specific goals beyond the scope of existing courses within the discipline. Students work independently and interact directly with an instructor on an individual basis and as prescribed by the Directed Study Agreement.
CHLD 299: Occupational Cooperative Work Experience
Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Cooperative Work Experience is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.