Child and Family Studies
22 courses · Napa Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
CFS-121 Health, Safety & Nutrition
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will provide an introduction to the laws, regulations, standards, policies, procedures, and best practices related to health, safety, and nutrition in care and education settings for children birth through middle childhood. Includes the teacher's role in prevention strategies, nutrition and meal planning, integrating health safety and nutrition experiences into daily routines, and overall risk management.
CFS-122 Principles & Practices of Teaching Young Children
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Historical contexts and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education for children birth through age eight. Explores the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators. Identifies professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. Introduces best practices for developmentally appropriate learning environments, curriculum, and effective pedagogy for young children including how play contributes to children's learning, growth, and development.
CFS-124 Observation & Assessment
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CDEV-C1000 with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduces the appropriate use of assessment and observation tools and strategies to document young children's development and learning. The use of findings to inform and plan learning environments and experiences are emphasized. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools will be discussed, along with strategies for collaboration with families and professionals.
CFS-130 The Creative Process in Young Children
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFS-122 and CFS-124 with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will explore techniques that support the creative abilities of young children in the creative arts including explorations with textures and movement, color, representational drawing and painting, 3-dimensional media, and various art mediums. This course emphasizes a culture of inquiry and fostering children's long-term investigative approaches using art that is based on children's developmental progression and cognitive capacities.
CFS-135 The Cognitive Development of Young Children
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFS-122 and CFS-124 with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course explores cognitive development in young children including how they think and how they develop theories and concepts about the world around them. While exploring the maturation of the brain and development, students will investigate the materials and environments that support children's cognitive development, including the development of math, science, and critical thinking skills.
CFS-140 The Child, Family and Community
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
The processes of socialization focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community. Examines the influence of multiple societal contexts. Explores the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children's development, birth through adolescence.
CFS-145 Language Development & Early Literacy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
The development of language in young children and the role of literature are examined, including a detailed exploration of quality children's literature. The practical use of language and literature in a variety of early childhood settings will be discussed.
CFS-150 Infant and Toddler Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CDEV-C1000 with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- CSU
A study of infants and toddlers from pre-conception to age three including physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional growth and development. Applies theoretical frameworks of development, and the impact of pregnancy, birth, and early life experiences on a child emotionally, socially, cognitively, physically and behavior. Looks closely at the interactions between heredity and environment. Emphasizes the role of family, culture, caring and responsive adults, and attachment relationships on growth and development.
CFS-151 Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFS-150 with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Applies current theory and research to the care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. Examines essential policies, principles and practices that lead to quality care and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children birth to 36 months.
CFS-155 Sensitive Issues in Early Childhood
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is an introductory course on issues in life that affect children: marriage; separation and divorce; death; sex and sexuality; self-acceptance; cultural and racial identity; hospitalization; and child abuse. This course is designed for parents, individuals in the helping professions, early childhood students, and other interested persons.
CFS-165 Curriculum and Environments in Early Childhood Programs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CDEV-C1000 and CFS-122 with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for children birth through age eight. Students will use knowledge of children's development, theories of learning and development, and examples from various models of developmentally appropriate practice to plan environments and curriculum in all content areas to support children's development and learning integrated throughout indoor and outdoor settings. Students will examine teacher's role in supporting development and fostering the joy of learning for all young children using observation and assessment strategies emphasizing the essential role of play.
CFS-180 The Anthropology of Childhood
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Advisory
- Eligibility for ENGL-C1000 or equivalent with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- UC, CSU
A comparative study of childhood as experienced in a variety of world cultures. Explores different cultural patterns of child rearing and the differential experiences of childhood as they are influenced by race, class, gender and environmental variables. The role of women and girls as child bearers, caretakers and providers will be emphasized. The effects of rapid culture change on children will be studied with particular emphasis on poverty, armed conflict, and HIV/AIDS. Cross-listed with ANTH-180.
CFS-184 Teaching Children in a Diverse Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Examines the historical and current perspectives on diversity and inclusion and the impact of systemic societal influences on children's development, learning, and school experiences. Strategies for developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate anti-bias curriculum will be explored as well as approaches to promote inclusive and anti-racist classroom communities. Includes self-reflection on the influence of teachers' own culture and life experiences on teaching and interactions with children and families
CFS-185 Trauma and Early Childhood Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of CDEV-C1000 with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides an overview of trauma-informed care in early care and education, including the impact of trauma on the developing child, protective and resiliency factors, and the benefits and opportunities of partnering with families. It explores the impact of early childhood traumatic experiences on physical, cognitive, and psychological development throughout the lifespan.
CFS-190 Children with Special Needs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduces the variations in development of children with special needs ages birth through eight and the resulting impact on families. Includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws relating to children with special needs, and the identification and referral process.
CFS-196 Music and Movement in Early Childhood
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to teaching music and movement to young children. Basic elements such as beat, rhythm, timbre, dynamics, form, and melody will be explored in developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive ways. Songs, games, finger plays, rhymes, dances, and playing instruments wll be presented. Cross-listed with MUSI-196.
CFS-200 Early Intervention Strategies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Covers curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with special needs in partnership with their families. Focuses on the use of observation and assessment in meeting the individualized needs of children in inclusive and natural environments. Includes the role of the teacher as a professional working with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and cultural competence.
CFS-223 Student Teaching - Practicum
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture; 162 hours lab; 198 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFS-122, CFS-124 and CFS-140 with a minimum grade of C, a negative TB test, a Good Health Statement, required immunizations per regulations, and a fingerprint clearance.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Demonstration of developmentally appropriate early childhood program planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of ECE/CD faculty and other qualified early education professionals. Students will utilize practical classroom experiences to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors, and build a comprehensive understanding of children and families. Reflective practice will be emphasized as student teachers design, implement, and evaluate approaches, strategies, and techniques that promote development and learning. Includes exploration of career pathways, professional development, and teacher responsibilities.
CFS-225 Fieldwork in Early Intervention
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture; 162 hours lab; 198 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFS-200 with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with a field experience/practicum with children with special needs, including natural environments, inclusive environments, and self-contained environments. Students will apply theory and models of intervention in an early childhood special education setting or with a focus child in a general education classroom. This course includes a lecture and a 9-hour a week early intervention placement.
CFS-250 Adult Supervision and Mentoring in Early Care and Education
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 hours lecture; 36 hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course explores the methods and principles of supervising student teachers, volunteers, staff, and other adults in early care and education settings. Emphasis is on the roles and development of early childhood professionals as mentors and leaders.
CFS-270 Admin & Supervision of Early Childhood Programs 1
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFS-120 and CFS-140 with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to the administration of early childhood programs. This course covers program types, budget, management, regulations, laws, and implementation of policies and procedures. Examines administrative tools, philosophies, and techniques needed to organize, open, and operate an early care and education program.
CFS-271 Supervision & Administration of Early Childhood Programs II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours lecture; 54 hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of CFS-270 with a minimum grade of C.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Effective strategies for personnel management and leadership in early care and education settings. Includes legal and ethical responsibilities, supervision techniques, professional development, and reflective practices for a diverse and inclusive early care and education program.