Child Development/Preschool Director (A.A.)
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
This option requires the Certificate of Achievement - Child Development/Preschool Director (which includes 3 classes on administration and supervision) + a 6-unit Specialty Option and the required general education courses at Cerritos College. Course work for this degree will fulfill Department of Social Services licensing requirements to be a director/administrator of an Early Childhood Program. This degree also meets the educational requirements for the Child Development Permit at the Site Supervisor level granted by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Create highly engaging, stimulating, and safe learning environments that promote the holistic development of young children.
- Examine children’s individual differences and plan intentional learning experiences based on the unique developmental abilities and interests of the children in their care.
- Apply critical thinking skills to explain early childhood and child development theories to inform teaching principles and practices.
- Observe, analyze, and document children’s learning and development while demonstrating proficiency in written and oral communication.
- Value positive relationships with others and demonstrate an inclusive and culturally responsive approach in interactions with children, families, colleagues, staff, and community.
Program Requirements
| Code Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Start with | ||
| Child Development/Early Childhood Certificate of Achievement | ||
| CDEV C1000 | Child Growth and Development | 3.0 |
| CDEC 111 | Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education | 3.0 |
| CDEC 112 | Introduction to Curriculum | 3.0 |
| CDEC 113 | The Child, Family, and Community | 3.0 |
| CD 124 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3.0 |
| CD 139 | Observation, Assessment, and Positive Guidance of Childhood Behavior | 3.0 |
| CDEC 161 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3.0 |
| CDEC 164 | Practicum Field Experience | 3.0 |
| Subtotal | 24 | |
| Add one of the 6-unit Optional Specialties (your choice) | 6.0 | |
Infant/Toddler Specialization | ||
| Infant and Toddler Development (3) | ||
| Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers (3) | ||
OR Special Education Specialization | ||
| Introduction to Children with Special Needs (3) | ||
| Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special Needs (3) | ||
OR ECE Curriculum Planning Specialization | ||
(Choose 2 out of the 4 below) | ||
| Exploring Creative Art Expression by Children (3) | ||
| Early Childhood Experiences in Language Arts and Social Sciences (3) | ||
| Music and Movement for Children (3) | ||
| Early Childhood Experiences in Mathematics and Science (3) | ||
| 6 Unit Specialty Option 6 Next complete these three classes | ||
| CDEC 166 | Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education (3) | 3.0 |
| CDEC 167 | Administration II: Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education (3) | 3.0 |
| CDEC 230 | Adult Supervision and Mentoring in Early Care and Education (3) | 3.0 |
| Total Units | 39 | |
ASSOCIATE OF ART DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
A.A. Degree – Child Development* – This option requires one of the Certificates of Achievement (Child Development/Early Childhood + 6-unit Specialty Option OR Child Development/Preschool Director + 6-unit Specialty Option) and the required general education courses at Cerritos College. Some courses may be transferable; see college catalog and counselor for more information. Petitions for the Certificate of Achievement must be made through the Cerritos College office of Admissions and Records. The deadline for submitting petitions is listed in the Schedule of Classes each semester