Educational Paraprofessional (Instructional Assistant)
AS Degree Child Development · Mt. San Antonio College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Business Division
Child Development Department
This degree program prepares paraprofessionals to work with children in a variety of ways that enhance learning. Graduates will be able to assist classroom teachers in working with K-12 students, including students with special needs. This associate degree certifies that paraprofessionals are “highly qualified” as specified by federal legislation.
This degree requires the completion of General Education coursework plus the following:
Required Courses
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| CHLD 1 | Child, Family, School and Community | 3 |
| Choose one course from the following: | 3 | |
| CHLD 10 | Human Growth and Lifespan Development 1 | |
| CHLD 10H | Human Growth and Lifespan Development - Honors 1 | |
| CHLD 11 | Child and Adolescent Development 1 | |
| PSYC 14 | Developmental Psychology | |
| PSYC 14H | Developmental Psychology - Honors | |
| PSYC 15 | Introduction to Child Psychology | |
| CHLD 50 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| CHLD 68 | Introduction to Children With Special Needs 1 | 3 |
| EDUC 10 | Introduction to Education | 3 |
| EDUC 16 | Aspects and Issues in Teaching | 3 |
| Required Electives | ||
| Choose two course from the following: | 6 | |
| CHLD 51 | Early Literacy in Child Development | |
| CHLD 74 | Program Planning for the School Age Child | |
| CHLD 80 | Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special Needs | |
| CHLD 84 | Guidance and Discipline in Child Development Settings | |
| Total Units | 24 | |
- Documentation of tuberculosis (TB) clearance is required.
Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Identify a variety of effective teaching strategies.
Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.