Child and Adolescent Development
ASSOCIATE IN ARTS FOR TRANSFER (AA-T)
The Child and Adolescent Development AA-T is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with a strong academic foundation in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from conception through adolescence. Integrating knowledge from developmental psychology, education, and human services, the degree prepares students for transfer to a California State University (CSU) to complete a bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development or related fields such as Human Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, or any degree deemed “similar” by the CSU campuses. It equips students for careers and advanced study in fields serving children, youth, and families, including child and adolescent care and education, social services, mental health, special education, public policy, and youth program leadership. This program will also partially meet educational requirements for the Child Development Teacher Permit and can serve as a foundational pathway into TK-12 teaching. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to ensure courses align with transfer and career goals.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Analyze major theories and perspectives of child and adolescent development—across biological, cognitive, social-emotional, and cultural domains—from conception through adolescence.
- Evaluate how cultural, social, and family contexts influence development.
- Apply equitable, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate practices in diverse communities.
- Interpret and apply research findings and basic descriptive statistics in understanding developmental processes and informing practice.
Program Requirements
| Code Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CDEV C1000 | Child Growth and Development | 3.0 |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3.0 |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 4.0-4.5 |
| or STAT C1000E | Introduction to Statistics | |
| or PSYC 210 | Elementary Statistics | |
| CDEC 113 | The Child, Family, and Community | 3.0 |
| Choose two courses from the following list: | 6.0 | |
| Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education (3) | ||
| Introduction to Curriculum (3) | ||
| Teaching in a Diverse Society (3) | ||
| Observation, Assessment, and Positive Guidance of Childhood Behavior (3) | ||
| Health, Safety, and Nutrition (3) | ||
| Infant and Toddler Development (3) | ||
| Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers (3) | ||
| Introduction to Children with Special Needs (3) | ||
| Total Units | 19-19.5 | |
ASSOCIATE IN ARTS FOR TRANSFER DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
1. Completion of 60 CSU-transferable semester units.
2. Achievement of a minimum GPA of at least 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. (Some majors may require a higher GPA. Students should consult with a counselor for more information.)
3. Completion of the major with a grade of "C" or better in each course or a "P" if the course was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis and the "P" is equal to a "C" or better.
4. Completion of the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).
Note: The CSU GE (California State University General Education-Breadth) or IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) pattern may be used in some cases; please see a counselor for details.