Child Development
AS Degree Child Development · Mt. San Antonio College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Business Division
Child Development Department
This program provides a theoretical framework and practical experience developing skills necessary to work directly in preschool classrooms. Graduates can be employed at the teacher or master teacher level. The program develops students’ skills and abilities in observation and assessing, planning and executing activities, and classroom management based on developmentally appropriate practices. Degree requirements exceed the identified eight (8) courses for transfer by requiring additional practical experience and curriculum courses.
This degree requires the completion of General Education coursework plus the following:
Required Courses
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CHLD 1 | Child, Family, School and Community | 3 |
| CHLD 5 | Principles and Practices in Child Development Programs 2 | 3 |
| CHLD 6 | Introduction to Child Development Curriculum 2 | 3 |
| CHLD 11 | Child and Adolescent Development 2 | 3 |
| CHLD 64 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition of Children | 3 |
| CHLD 66 | Early Childhood Development Observation and Assessment 1 | 2 |
| CHLD 66L | Early Childhood Development Observation and Assessment Laboratory 1 | 1 |
| CHLD 68 | Introduction to Children With Special Needs 2 | 3 |
| CHLD 69 | Early Childhood Development Field Work Seminar | 2 |
| CHLD 91 | Early Childhood Development Field Work 1 | 1 |
| CHLD 84 | Guidance and Discipline in Child Development Settings | 3 |
| Choose one of the following sequences: | 3 | |
| CHLD 67 | Early Childhood Education Practicum 1 | |
| CHLD 67L | Early Childhood Education Practicum Laboratory 1 | |
| OR | ||
| CHLD 86 | Infant Toddler Practicum Seminar | |
| CHLD 87 | Infant Toddler Practicum Field Work Experience 1 | |
| Choose two courses from the following list | 6 | |
| CHLD 61 | Language Arts and Art Media for Young Children | |
| CHLD 62 | Music and Motor Development for Young Children | |
| CHLD 63 | Math and Science for Young Children | |
| Total Units | 36 | |
Note: These courses are acceptable for the Child Development requirements leading to the Child Development Permit.
Students must provide documentation of influenza, pertussis (TDap), and measles immunization, as well as TB clearance, as required by SB792 prior to being permitted to enroll in this class. Instructions on submitting documentation are available at Child Development Center.
Documentation of tuberculosis (TB) clearance is required.
Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:
- Understand and use a wide array of developmentally appropriate approaches, instructional strategies, and tools to connect with children and families and positively influence each child's development and learning.
- Be able to evaluate Early care and Education Program regulations, standards, and policies according to Title 22 California.
- Be grounded in Child Development knowledge (theory) and use their understanding of young children and their needs to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for each child.
- Understand that successful programs depend upon partnerships with children's families and communities. They use this understanding to create respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families and to involve all families in their children's development and learning.
- Understand that child observation, documentation, and other forms of assessment are central to the practices of all early childhood professionals. Students use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment strategies to positively influence the development of every child.
- Understand the importance of developmental domains and academic content areas. Students use their knowledge and other resources to design, implement, and evaluate meaningful challenging curriculum.
- Be able to identify and conduct themselves as members of the early childhood profession. They know ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to early childhood practices. They know ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to early childhood education.
- Be able to apply effective guidance and interaction strategies that support all children's social learning, identity, and self-confidence.
Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.