Child Development

The Child Development Program explores the theories and concepts necessary for the healthy growth and development of children from conception through adolescence. Child development courses provide both the theoretical and practical skills and experiences necessary to obtain a transfer degree or gain employment in the field of early childhood education.

The department offers four degrees: The Early Childhood Education Associate of Science for Transfer Degree (ECE AS-T), the Child and Adolescent Development Associate of Arts for Transfer Degree (AA-T), the Elementary Teacher Education Associate of Arts for Transfer Degree (AA-T), and the Associate of Science Child Development Degree. Departmental degrees focus on theoretical and applied knowledge of Child Development and Developmentally Appropriate Practice in education. Students who complete the appropriate coursework to earn the Early Childhood Education Associate in Science for Transfer degree (ECE AS-T), the Elementary Teacher Education Associate of Arts for Transfer Degree (AA-T) or the Child and Adolescent Development Associate of Arts for Transfer degree (AA-T) will achieve junior status to the California State University system, and will be given priority admission to our local CSU campus. 

Students completing appropriate coursework may earn the following certificates of achievement: Child Development Teacher, Child Development Master Teacher, or Child Development Master Teacher-Early Intervention. Students completing the appropriate courses may earn the following skill awards: Child Development Associate Teacher or Infant and Child Development Associate Teacher Skill Award.

Faculty

NameOffice Room NumberPhoneEmail
Bokowski, Lakisha CI 251626-852-8088lsimpson@citruscollege.edu
Hahn, Shelley CI 246626-914-8876shahn@citruscollege.edu

Contact Information

Division
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Dean
Dr. Salima Allahbachayo (Interim)
Administrative Secretary
Gayle Allen
Division Office
CI 120
Division Phone Number
626-914-8860

This discipline prepares students to do the following:

  • Acquire knowledge, communication, and foundational teaching skills necessary to work in the teaching profession.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyze, and apply theories of early childhood education and child development.
  • Demonstrate global consciousness to work with diverse cultures, families, and individuals and teach children.
  • Acquire knowledge and foundational teaching skills necessary to work in the teaching profession.
  • Apply effective guidance and teaching strategies that support social growth, learning, and identity development and promote self-confidence.
  • Design, implement and evaluate environments and activities that support positive relationships, social skills and learning out comes for children.

CHLD 100
Introduction to Education and Teaching Grades K-12
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course is an introductory course for students wishing to explore the teaching profession in the K-12 setting. Topics include an introduction to teacher performance expectations and California Standards for the teaching profession. Other topics include pedagogical strategies, curriculum design, California subject matter standards, use of technology in today's classroom and the importance of current issues and legislation. In addition, students are REQUIRED to observe 45 hours in a PUBLIC ELEMENTARY CLASSROOM to complete the course successfully.

CHLD 110
Early Childhood Development
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; CSUGE D9)
54 lecture hours
Equivalent to: HDEV 110

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

This introductory course examines the major physical, cognitive, and psychosocial developmental milestones for children from conception through early childhood. There will be an emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors. While studying development, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages.

CHLD 111
Child Development Youth - Adolescence
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU; UC; CSUGE D7)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course examines the major physical, cognitive/language and psychosocial developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from middle childhood through adolescence. There will be an emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors. While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development.

CHLD 112
Principles of Early Childhood Education I
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
54 lecture hours
Equivalent to: HDEV 112

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course is designed to introduce students to the theoretical principles of developmentally appropriate practice as applied to programs and environments with an emphasis on the role of relationships, constructive adult-child-parent interactions, and teaching strategies that support physical, social/emotional, creative and intellectual development for all young children regardless of their individual and diverse needs. Observation, analysis and assessment of programs for young children will be required. The course includes a review of the historical roots of early childhood programs and the evolution of professional practices promoting advocacy, ethics, professional identity and career pathways.

CHLD 114
Home-Child-Community Relations
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU; CSUGE D7)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

The processes of socialization focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community. Examines the influence of multiple societal contexts. Explores the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children’s development.

CHLD 116
Introduction to Curriculum
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

Developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for young children. Explores teaching strategies and curriculum development based on theoretical frameworks, observation, and assessment. Emphasizes the teacher’s role in supporting development and learning across the curriculum, including the content areas of language and literacy, math, science, social studies, and creative experiences.

CHLD 120
Literacy for Children
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course will explore teaching strategies, interactions and environments necessary to nurture language development and literacy skills during early childhood. Students will analyze developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports children's emerging listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students will survey children's picture books and learn techniques to enhance literacy development across the curriculum.

CHLD 121
Art for Children
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Students will gain knowledge of developmentally appropriate art activities to use with preschool and early-school age children. Students will evaluate art and crafts materials used with children to nurture the development of creativity. Students will design developmentally appropriate art curriculum and explore ways to support creative thinking and experiences for children. Students will gain appreciation for art and creative thinking within diverse cultures and society at large.

CHLD 122
Music and Rhythms for Children
2 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
36 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course will provide the student with basic skills and techniques for using musical instruments, recordings and songs and develop rhythmic movement activities to use with preschool and early school-age children. Students will analyze, discuss and plan developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports children's music and movement appreciation, expression and knowledge. Previous music experience is not required.

CHLD 123
Science Experiences for Children
2 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
36 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course focuses on planning and implementing science experiences to engage preschool and early school-age children. Students will analyze and plan developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports children's understanding of life, earth and physical science concepts. This course provides exposure to formal, informal and incidental science activities and direct use of science materials to engage children's learning. Students will analyze the teacher's role in incorporating science concepts within the total program for children.

CHLD 124
Math for Children
2 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
36 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

The student will gain knowledge of practical mathematics activities to use with preschool and early-school age children. The student will plan developmentally appropriate math curriculum activities. This course focuses on analyzing relevant theories of child development to provide the student with opportunities to evaluate mathematical materials and activities for use in the early childhood education classroom.

CHLD 130
Infant Development and Group Care
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course focuses on the development of the infant and on the dynamics of infant group care. Emphasis will be on the translation of theories of development to appropriate practices in the classroom environment. Methods of providing care designed for physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development will be stressed. Appropriate culturally sensitive care of infants and toddlers is addressed. The health and safety requirements of the state and county are included.

CHLD 134
Parent-Child Interaction
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus D2; CSU)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course explores dynamics of the parent-child relationship. Students will analyze the process of being a parent, stages of parenthood, and consider both internal and external forces that influence parent-child interactions. A focus on children from birth to adolescence will include understanding developmental needs. A problem solving approach to the parent-child interaction will be examined to promote positive relationships within a harmonious family atmosphere.

CHLD 144
Health, Safety and Nutrition for Young Children
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course provides an overview of laws, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, and best practices related to health, safety, and nutrition in early childhood settings. Includes prevention strategies, nutrition, and meal planning for various ages and planning educational experiences to teach children positive health, safety, and nutrition habits. Key components that ensure physical and mental health and safety for both children and staff will be identified. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of collaborating with families and health professionals.

CHLD 150
Teaching in a Diverse Society
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

Examines the impact of various societal influences on the development of children’s social identity. Covers developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and anti-bias approaches. Self-examination and reflection on issues related to social identity, stereotypes, and bias will be emphasized.

CHLD 154
Observing and Recording Behavior
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): CHLD 110 or PSY 206; CHLD 112.

This course focuses on the appropriate use of assessment and observation strategies to document development, growth, curriculum and activities in early childhood. Emphasizes use of findings to inform and plan learning environments and experiences. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools will be explored, along with strategies for collaboration with families and professionals.

CHLD 156
Practicum in Early Childhood Education
2 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
36 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): CHLD 112, CHLD 114, CHLD 116 and CHLD 154; CHLD 110 or PSY 206.

Co-Requisite(s): CHLD 156L.

This course is designed to provide the student with opportunities to plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities in an early childhood setting. Emphasis is placed on developing professional relationships, planning and implementation of curriculum, environment design. A variety of programs and philosophies will be examined. Students will use practical classroom experiences to make connections between theory and practice and are required to be registered in CHLD 156L concurrently.

CHLD 156L
Practicum Lab
1 Unit (AA/AS; CSU)
54 lab hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): CHLD 112, CHLD 114, CHLD 116 and CHLD 154; CHLD 110 or PSY 206.

Co-Requisite(s): CHLD 156.

The student will have the opportunity for application of acquired knowledge and teaching skills directly in the early childhood classroom. The students will gain experience teaching activities to children and developing a professional attitude. NOTE: This class should be taken at the same time as CHLD 156 Practicum.

CHLD 160
Perceptual Motor and Movement Activities
2 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
36 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course will focus on evaluation of motor skills, planning and implementation of perceptual motor and movement activities appropriate for normal and motor-delayed young children. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the physical and psychomotor domain in the total development of the young child. Developmental motor activities will be examined that aid children in acquiring movement abilities and fitness, as well as facilitate social interaction and cognitive development. Participants will develop movement experiences for use in the classroom and in the planning of a motor development curriculum.

CHLD 164
The Child with Special Needs
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A presentation of different types of atypical development that interfere with physical, cognitive, social, behavioral and emotional growth from preschool through early school-age children. Emphasis on the importance of cultural sensitivity and family partnership. Includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws relating to children with special needs, and the identification and referral process.

CHLD 166
Speech and Language Development and Disorders
2 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
36 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course will cover children's acquisition of speech and language skills from birth to age five. Emphasis will be on normal language, articulation, fluency, and voice development. Included will be children's language learning strategies, adult teaching strategies, language and cultural differences, and an overview of communication disorders, as well as appropriate referral to a professional.

CHLD 168
Development Risk: Infants and Toddlers
2 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
36 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This class introduces the student to early intervention strategies that are positive and cost-effective for use with children who are developmentally delayed or at risk for developmental delay. Information on Early Intervention Part C of IDEA is included. Specific strategies for developmental intervention and child abuse reporting are also included. This class is appropriate for all professionals and paraprofessionals working with young children.

CHLD 169
Positively Guiding Challenging and Disruptive Behaviors
1 Unit (AA/AS)
18 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course provides an overview of challenging and disruptive behaviors in preschoolers. Students will analyze behavioral issues and explore strategies for nurturing children's developmental needs. Students will develop positive guidance techniques for modifying inappropriate behaviors. Topics of study include attention deficit disorder, aggression and other related topics.

CHLD 181
Infant and Toddler Caregiver: Relationships
1 Unit (AA/AS)
18 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This is one of four one-unit classes in Infant and Toddler Caregiving based on the Responsive Caregiving approach. Students in this class will examine the impact of teacher/parent relationships on the quality of Infant and Toddler Caregiving and review and evaluate techniques for supporting families. This class partially meets the licensing requirement for 3 units in infant and toddler care and development.

CHLD 182
Infant and Toddler Caregiver: Socialization and Emotional Development
1 Unit (AA/AS)
18 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This is one of four one-unit classes in Infant and Toddler Caregiving based on the Responsive Caregiving approach. Students in this class will study infant and toddler temperaments, stages of social and emotional development, appropriate guidance, and responsive curriculum for group care. This class partially meets the licensing requirement for 3 units in infant and toddler care and development.

CHLD 183
Infant and Toddler Caregiver: Learning and Development
1 Unit (AA/AS)
18 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This is one of four one-unit classes in Infant and Toddler Caregiving based on the Responsive Caregiving approach. Students in this class will learn to recognize cues and to follow the child's interest in order to facilitate the infant's or toddler's discoveries and learning. Understand the process of growth and change in intellectual/mental abilities such as thinking, reasoning, and understanding. Students will learn to base the curriculum on the child's interest and readiness. This class partially meets the licensing requirement for 3 units in infant and toddler care and development.

CHLD 184
Infant and Toddler Caregiver: Environments and Routines
1 Unit (AA/AS)
18 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This is one of four one-unit classes in Infant and Toddler Caregiving based on the Responsive Caregiving approach. Students in this class will learn to set up a safe, intimate, and interesting environment for infants and toddlers. They will also learn to evaluate infant and toddler care environments in terms of health and safety issues. Students discuss how to intentionally plan indoor and outdoor play environments. This class partially meets the licensing requirement for 3 units in infant and toddler care and development.

CHLD 190
Administration of Early Childhood Education Programs I
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): CHLD 112 and CHLD 114; CHLD 110 or CHLD 111 or PSY 206; Students who meet one of the following conditions may take this course: (1) Students who possess a California Child Development "Teacher" level permit on the statewide permit matrix or (2) Students with two years of work experience at the teacher level in early childhood education.

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of administration of early childhood education programs. Includes specific topics of curriculum development and evaluation; staff selection, supervision and evaluation; laws and regulations; site development and supervision; budgeting and fiscal management; parent education; health and safety supervision; time management and problem solving techniques. This class meets state requirements for supervision of Title XXII preschool programs. This course is designed to fulfill three of the six semester units of administration required for the site supervisor permit.

CHLD 191
Administration of Early Childhood Education Programs II
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): CHLD 112, CHLD 114 and CHLD 116; CHLD 110 or PSY 206; Student may substitute other courses for CHLD 112 but must have 12+ units of child development.

Introduction to the policies and procedures specific to state funded programs. Includes Title V regulations, evaluation of programs utilizing the state mandated Program Quality Review, development of proposals and grant requests for state or other funding, process of promulgating regulations, affecting proposed regulations, staff development and training, development of program policies. Includes reflective practices for a diverse and inclusive early care and education program. This course is designed to fulfill three of the six semester units of administration required for the Site Supervisor Permit.

CHLD 194
Adult Supervision and Mentoring
3 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): CHLD 156 and CHLD 156L.

This course covers all aspects of supervising the adult learner in Early Childhood Education programs including: policies and procedures for selection and supervision of staff, professional development, leadership and motivation, team building, conflict resolution, and supervision and evaluation. Emphasis is on the roles and development of early childhood professionals as mentors and leaders.