A.S. in Child Development
The curriculum leads to an Associate in Science degree and meets the educational requirements for employment as a teacher or assistant teacher in preschools and children’s centers.
A.S. Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the Child Development A.S. Degree will:
- Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyze, and apply theories of early childhood education and child development.
- Demonstrate global consciousness as they work with diverse cultures, families, and individuals and teach children.
- Acquire knowledge and foundational 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, developmental play and learning outcomes for children.
- Apply ethical standards and professional behaviors that demonstrate understanding, knowledge, and a deepening commitment to the child development profession and early childhood education.
This degree requires meeting the Citrus College General Education and proficiency requirements combined with successful completion (grades of “C” and above) of the following major requirements:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Three (3) units of Child Development | ||
| CHLD 110 | Early Childhood Development | 3 |
| or PSY 206 | Child Growth and Development | |
| Required courses: | ||
| CHLD 112 | Principles of Early Childhood Education I | 3 |
| CHLD 114 | Home-Child-Community Relations | 3 |
| CHLD 116 | Introduction to Curriculum | 3 |
| CHLD 144 | Health, Safety and Nutrition for Young Children | 3 |
| CHLD 150 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| CHLD 154 | Observing and Recording Behavior | 3 |
| Required practicum (fieldwork) course & lab: | ||
| CHLD 156 | Practicum in Early Childhood Education | 2 |
| CHLD 156L | Practicum Lab | 1 |
| Total Units | 24 | |
2-Year Curriculum Map Example
This map represents one possible pathway through the program and is only for reference.
*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.
Note: Co-requisite MATH course (2 units) and/or substitute ENGL 101E (5 units) may be needed based on placement.
| Fall Term 1 | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| CHLD 112 | Principles of Early Childhood Education I | 3 |
| CHLD 120 | Literacy for Children | 3 |
| CHLD 110 or PSY 206 |
Early Childhood Development or Child Growth and Development |
3 |
| ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H |
Reading and Composition or Reading and Composition - Honors |
4 |
| Units | 13 | |
| Winter Term 1 | ||
| MATH 165 or MATH 165H |
Introductory Statistics or Introductory Statistics - Honors |
4 |
| Units | 4 | |
| Spring Term 1 | ||
| CHLD 114 | Home-Child-Community Relations | 3 |
| CHLD 116 | Introduction to Curriculum | 3 |
| ARCH 250 |
History of Architecture: Prehistory to Mannerism or History of Architecture: Baroque to the Present Day or Art History - Fundamentals of Global Art History or Art History - Topics in Contemporary Art or History of Photography or Introduction to the Visual Arts or Motion Picture Appreciation or Motion Picture Appreciation - Honors or History of Dance or History of Rock and Roll or Introduction to Theatre Arts or Introduction to Theatre Arts - Honors |
3 |
| ENGL 103 |
Composition and Critical Thinking or Composition and Critical Thinking - Honors or Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking or Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking - Honors or Philosophy/Logic or Interpersonal Communication or Interpersonal Communication - Honors or Public Address or Public Address - Honors |
3 |
| Units | 12 | |
| Summer Term 1 | ||
| HIST 107 |
History of the United States before 1877 or History of the United States before 1877 - Honors or History of the United States since 1877 or History of the United States since 1877 - Honors or History of the African-Americans to 1876 or History of the African-Americans since 1876 or History of Women in the United States |
3 |
| Units | 3 | |
| Fall Term 2 | ||
| CHLD 150 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| CHLD 154 | Observing and Recording Behavior | 3 |
| ANTH 212 & 212L |
Introduction to Physical Anthropology and Introduction to Physical Anthropology Lab |
4 |
| ENGL 293 or ENGL 293H |
Children's Literature or Children's Literature - Honors |
3 |
| Units | 13 | |
| Winter Term 2 | ||
| CHLD 164 | The Child with Special Needs | 3 |
| Units | 3 | |
| Spring Term 2 | ||
| CHLD 156 | Practicum in Early Childhood Education | 2 |
| CHLD 156L | Practicum Lab | 1 |
| CHLD 144 | Health, Safety and Nutrition for Young Children | 3 |
| CHLD 121 | Art for Children | 3 |
| KIN 118 |
Meditation and Mindfulness or American Food And Culture: Global Origins, History, and Current Impacts or Fitness for Life or Health and Wellness in Society or Health and Wellness - Honors or Introduction to Nutrition |
3 |
| Units | 12 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
Note: Course selections may affect total unit value.
Career Opportunities
There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.
To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.