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.
Students receiving this degree must meet the following requirements:
- Complete the District General Education Pattern or Cal-GETC.
If transferring to a CSU or UC students are strongly recommended to complete the Cal-GETC General Education Pattern. Students looking to transfer to an out of state or private college should consult with a counselor for the appropriate GE pattern selection. - Complete with a “C” or better each course as specified by the major.
- Maintain an overall GPA of a 2.0 or better in all degree applicable coursework.
- Meet the 12-unit residency requirement.
| 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 and Practices of 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.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term 1 | Units | |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing or Academic Reading and Writing - Honors | 4 |
| Citrus GE Area A3: Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| CHLD 110 or PSY 206 | Early Childhood Development or Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| CHLD 112 | Principles and Practices of Childhood Education I | 3 |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Spring Term 1 | ||
| CHLD 114 | Home-Child-Community Relations | 3 |
| CHLD 116 | Introduction to Curriculum | 3 |
| Citrus GE Area A2: Oral Communication and Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| Biological or Physical Science | 3 | |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Term 2 | ||
| 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 |
| Citrus GE Area C: Arts and Humanities | 3 | |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Spring Term 2 | ||
| CHLD 156 | Practicum in Early Childhood Education | 2 |
| CHLD 156L | Practicum Lab | 1 |
| Citrus GE Area E: Personal Health and Wellness | 3 | |
| Cal-GETC Area 6: Ethnic Studies | 3 | |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| UC/CSU Elective | 3 | |
| Units | 15 | |
| Total Units | 61 | |
The Child Development Map was created using the Citrus College Local General Education pattern.
Students planning to transfer are encouraged to use the Cal-GETC pattern and meet with a counselor to develop a Student Educational Plan that supports their educational and transfer goals.
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.