Academic Catalogs

Child Development Lead Teacher, Associate in Science Degree

Banner Code: 1_AS_CDLT

Control Number: 42117

Financial Aid Eligible


This degree provides students with knowledge, competencies and practical experiences that promotes comprehensive development of young children ages 3 to 5 years old. Students will focus on understanding developmentally appropriate practice, effective learning strategies, and how to create and implement a high-quality classroom for young children. The practicum component of the program will support the student as they transfer theoretical knowledge of learning to work with young children in early care and education programs. The program is available for early childhood educators, parents, administrators, and health care professionals. A grade of “C” or higher is required in all courses. This degree includes 34 units of emphasis. This degree aligns with the 24 units required for a Master Teacher level Child Development Permit, issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This degree option would also benefit students who aspire to enter the workforce in a career pathway. The degree meets Title 22 licensing requirements for employment in early care and education programs.

Program Outcome

Meets the child development course requirements of the Child Development Permit at the Master Teacher level and provides enhanced employability, the holder can be employed as a Lead Teacher or as a supervising team member. 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.

Review Graduation Requirements and General Education

Course Title Units
Required Courses
CDE A126Teaching in a Diverse Society3
CDE A127Health, Safety, and Nutrition3
CDE A131Creativity for Children3
CDE A155Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children3
CDE A156Early Childhood Lab: Interactions with Young Children2
CDE A157Guidance for Young Children3
CDE A165Observing and Recording Child Behavior3
CDE A180Child, Growth and Development3
CDE A190Family, School and Community Partnerships3
CDE A200ECE Program - The Curriculum3
CDE A201Early Childhood Practicum - Field Experience3
CDE A277Adult Supervision in Early Childhood Programs2
Restricted Electives
Complete a specialization certificate listed below:9-12
Total Units43-46
Specialization Certificates

Child Development Administration Specialization, Certificate of Achievement
Child Development Curriculum Specialization, Certificate of Achievement
Elementary Education Specialization, Certificate of Achievement
Infant and Toddler Specialization, Certificate of Achievement
Working with Exceptional Children Specialization, Certificate of Achievement

Requirement Units
Program Major Units 43-46
AS General Education Option 1, 2, or 3 Varies
Transferable electives to satisfy unit requirement Varies
Total Minimum Degree Units 60-61

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.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
CDE A126 Teaching in a Diverse Society 3
CDE A131 Creativity for Children 3
CDE A180 Child, Growth and Development 1 3
CDE A155 Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children 3
OCC AS GE Area A1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units15
Semester 2
CDE A156 Early Childhood Lab: Interactions with Young Children 2
CDE A127 Health, Safety, and Nutrition 3
CDE A190 Family, School and Community Partnerships 3
Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better): 2 3-4
Intermediate Algebra (or Higher)  
Complete One Course from Specialization Certificate 3 3
 Units14-15
Summer
OCC AS GE Area C1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units3
Year 2
Semester 1
CDE A157 Guidance for Young Children 3
CDE A165 Observing and Recording Child Behavior 3
CDE A200 ECE Program - The Curriculum 3
OCC AS GE Area A2 - CHOOSE ONE 4 3-4
Complete One Course from Specialization Certificate 3 3
 Units15-16
Semester 2
CDE A201 Early Childhood Practicum - Field Experience 3
CDE A277 Adult Supervision in Early Childhood Programs 2
OCC AS GE Area C2 - CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE Area B - CHOOSE ONE 3-4
Complete One Course from Specialization Certificate 3 3
 Units14-15
 Total Units61-64
1

OCC AS GE Area D

2

 Math requirement needed if not met by HS Algebra 2, OR take 3-4 degree applicable elective units if already met, *100-level Math courses satisfy AS Math Requirement and OCC AS GE Area A2.

3

9-12 units required from One Specialization Certificate

4

Required if level MATH A100+ was not taken; if Math A100+ was taken, needs to take degree applicable elective units.