Child Development Associate Teacher
Associate in Science Degree Child Development and Education · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
This degree prepares students to work as an Associate Teacher or Co-Teacher in an early care and learning program. This includes identifying stages of development, preparing developmentally appropriate curriculum, facilitating children’s learning in all domains of development and supporting social skills. Students will gain hands on experience in a preschool classroom where they can develop effective teaching and interaction skills. Courses fulfill Title 22 licensing requirements, Title 5 early childhood education course requirements for the Child Development Permit at the teacher level, and 24 units of ECE required for Transitional Kindergarten teachers. A grade of “C” or better is required in all courses.
Program Outcome
Program Learning Outcomes
- Meets the child development course requirements of the Child Development Permit at the Teacher level and provides enhanced employability, the holder can be employed as a Preschool Teacher or as part of a teaching team. It meets the needs of transitional kindergarten teachers who are required to have 24 units of child development or early childhood education in addition to their bachelor’s degree and multiple subjects teaching credential.
Requirements
Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CDE A131 | Creativity for Children | 3 |
| CDE A155 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3 |
| CDE A156 | Early Childhood Lab: Interactions with Young Children | 2 |
| CDE A157 | Guidance for Young Children | 3 |
| CDE A180 | Child, Growth and Development | 3 |
| CDE A190 | Family, School and Community Partnerships | 3 |
| CDE A199 | Current Issues in Early Childhood and Education | 1-2 |
| CDE A200 | ECE Program - The Curriculum | 3 |
| Restricted Electives - Select one course: | 3 | |
| CDE A130 | Language Arts for Children | |
| CDE A132 | Science and Math for Young Children | |
| Total Major Units | 24 - 25 | |
| OCC AS General Education | up to 21 | |
| Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirements | varies | |
| Total Minimum Degree Units - OCC AS GE | 60 | |
- Some program major units may also meet GE requirements.
- Cal-GETC pattern (up to 34 units) may be substituted.
Program Sequence
These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| CDE A131 | Creativity for Children |
| CDE A180 | Child, Growth and Development 1 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 1A- CHOOSE ONE | 3 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 3 - CHOOSE ONE | 3 |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 | 3 |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| CDE A155 |
| CDE A157 |
| CDE A130or CDE A132 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 2 - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| CDE A156 |
| CDE A190 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 5 - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| CDE A199 |
| CDE A200 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 6 - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
- Satisfies OCC AS GE, Area 4
- Varies to reach minimum 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS