Academic Catalogs

Child Development and Education

Child Development and Education 

Coursework in the Child Development and Education Department emphasizes the theoretical and practical knowledge needed for working with culturally diverse children from birth through age eight. The department offers a variety of certificates and degrees depending on age groups and needs of children. The various certificate and degree programs provide developmentally-appropriate based knowledge and courses designed to teach students how to provide competent care and interactions for children.

College students in our Child Development and Education program will experience a comprehensive program that prepares them to work with young children, birth to age 8.  Our courses reflect the idea that children build knowledge through the experience of play.  We emphasize the importance of understanding how children develop at different ages and the cultural, linguistic, and social influences that shape them.  At the core of working with young children and their families is a positive and reciprocal relationship.  Within that relationship, we come to see the child as a unique individual with unique needs and interests, which is the foundation of an effective early childhood professional.

Throughout the program, students will learn about developmentally appropriate practices, plan open-ended creative experiences, observe and document children’s play, and implement a whole curriculum based on the interests and needs of the children with whom they work.  Another important aspect of working effectively with children and families is the practice of anti-bias curriculum.  Students will learn specific practices to ensure inclusiveness for all children and their families.

Our college classes require a high level of rigor, which prepares students to enter the workforce and collaborate with colleagues.  The faculty work closely with students and mentors them throughout the program.

Careers related to Child Development and Education
The following are possible careers which relate to working with young children and supporting families:

  • Infant-toddler or preschool teacher, private or public childcare programs
  • Transitional kindergarten or early elementary school teacher
  • Special needs aide/paraprofessional, or special education teacher in a preschool
  • Behavior Interventionist
  • Preschool Program Director or Site Supervisor
  • Department of Education –Quality Start OC
  • Zero to Three – Field Specialist provides training and assistance to Head Start/Early Head Start programs
  • Child Life Specialist – works with children in a hospital setting
  • College instructor
  • Leader in recreation programs
  • Before and after school care
  • Education Coordinator
  • Parent Educator and/or Parent-Child Educator
  • Children’s Home Society – Resource and referral specialist
  • Community Care Licensing Analyst
  • Speech & Language Pathologist/Assistant

Department Contact Information

Laurie Campbell, Program Coordinator and Professor of Child Development and Education
lcampbell@occ.cccd.edu 

Jenny Chaiyakal, Professor of Child Development and Education
Jchaiyakal@occ.cccd.edu 

Jeanette Ellis, Professor of Child Development and Education
jellis@occ.cccd.edu 

Kara Jones, Instructor of Child Development and Education
kjones68@occ.cccd.edu 

Child Development and Education department website

Credit Courses

CDE A1023 Units (54 lecture hours; 10 other hours)  
Teaching in Diverse Contemporary Classrooms  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Introduction to teaching and learning skills for potential teachers. This course will address the qualities of an effective teacher, components and purposes of an effective professional portfolio, and critical issues in diverse contemporary classrooms. Course includes ten hours of arranged fieldwork. Formerly known as EC A102.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A102

CDE A1122 Units (36 lecture hours)  
Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Applied Behavioral Analysis  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
This course will provide an overview of the foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorder in children, Applied Behavioral Analysis treatment, and evidence-based intervention for treatment. This will include collecting Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence ABC data, and learning operations to increase/strengthen behavior and weaken/decrease behavior. Enrollment Limitation: SLPA A112/ALH A112; students who complete CDE A112 may not enroll in or receive credit for SLPA A112 or ALH A112.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A112

CDE A1263 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Teaching in a Diverse Society  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Examination of the development of social identities in diverse societies as they apply to young children, families, programs, classrooms, and teaching. Various classroom strategies will be explored emphasizing culturally and linguistically appropriate anti-bias approaches. Formerly known as EC A126. C-ID: ECE 230.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A126

CDE A1273 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Health, Safety, and Nutrition  
Prerequisite(s): CDE A180 or HMDV A180 or concurrent enrollment.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Introduction to the laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures and early childhood curriculum related to child health, safety, and nutrition. The key components that ensure physical health, mental health and safety for both children and staff will be identified along with the importance of collaboration with families and health professionals. Focus on integrating the concepts into everyday planning and program development for all children. Formerly known as EC A127. C-ID: ECE 220.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A127

CDE A1303 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Language Arts for Children  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Development of literacy skills in children ages birth to 5 years. Included are activities such as book selection, storytelling, finger plays, flannel stories, language centers, early writing, alphabetic and phonemic awareness. Formerly known as EC A130.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A130

CDE A1323 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Science and Math for Young Children  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Physical and natural science activities that encourage children's thinking and problem solving skills. Emphasis on the development of programs and materials that allow for exploration and/or experimentation. Formerly known as EC A132.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A132

CDE A1553 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children  
Prerequisite(s): CDE A180 or HMDV A180 or concurrent enrollment.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
An examination of the underlying theoretical principles of developmentally appropriate practices applied to programs, environments, relationships and teaching strategies in supporting all areas of development for all children. Emphasis on the value of play in supporting all areas of children's development. Formerly known as EC A155. C-ID: ECE 120.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A155

CDE A1562 Units (27 lecture hours; 27 lab hours)  
Early Childhood Lab: Interactions with Young Children  
Prerequisite(s): CDE A155 or EC A155 or concurrent enrollment.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Beginning practical experiences that focus on establishing relationships with children and developing guidance, observation, play entry, and collaboration techniques in facilitating learning. Participation in this course has the following requirements: Proof of measles, pertussis, and flu vaccinations, negative TB test results within the last year, and fingerprint clearance through Community Care Licensing. Directions and paperwork for fingerprint clearance will be emailed to the student upon enrollment. Formerly known as EC A156.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A156

CDE A1573 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Guidance for Young Children  
Prerequisite(s): CDE A155 or EC A155 or concurrent enrollment.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Course covers theories of behavior, guidance techniques, and parent communication. Emphasis on developing an understanding of children's behavior and encouraging positive esteem while helping the child work toward self-control. Formerly known as EC A157.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A157

CDE A1653 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Observing and Recording Child Behavior  
Prerequisite(s): CDE A155 and CDE A180 or EC A155 and HMDV A180.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
This course focuses on the appropriate use of assessment and observation strategies to document development, growth, play and learning to join with families and professionals in promoting children's success. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools are explored. Formerly known as EC A165. C-ID: ECE 200.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A165

CDE A1743 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Collaborating with Families in Inclusive Environments  
Prerequisite(s): CDE A210 or HMDV A210.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Practical approaches to building relationships with parents through effective communication techniques and supporting families of children with identified or suspected special needs. Formerly known as EC A174.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A174

CDE A1753 Units (45 lecture hours; 45 other hours)  
The Teaching Profession  
Advisory: ENGL A100 and CDE A180.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Examination of opportunities, requirements, responsibilities, and rewards in teaching. Skills needed and problems encountered in the classroom will be covered. Course includes 45 hours arranged fieldwork. Formerly known as EDUC A200. C-ID: EDUC 200.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A175

CDE A1803 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Child, Growth and Development  
Advisory: ENGL A099.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
A study of growth and development from conception through adolescence. Emphasis on theories of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development using standard research methodologies and identifying typical and atypical development. Analyze how cultural, economic, political, and historical contexts affect children's development. Observations directed to further insight into change during childhood years. Formerly known as HMDV A180. C-ID: CDEV 100.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A180

CDE A1823 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Middle Childhood Development and Guidance  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Growth and development of the child from 5-12 years of age including physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development, and techniques for guidance of the school age child. Focus is on identifying common developmental qualities of school-age children and find positive approaches to individual, group, and environmental management. Formerly known as HMDV A182.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A182

CDE A1843 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Infant Development and Relationships  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Growth and development of the child from birth to two years: current theories and adult-infant relationships along with practical applications for relating to and caring for infants. Formerly known as HMDV A184.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A184

CDE A1903 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Family, School and Community Partnerships  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Examines the connections between the homes, schools, and communities in which children live. Explores historical, legal, social, political, and cultural influences affecting the development of children, pre-school through high school, educational access and equity. Introduces the various models and approaches for building meaningful partnerships with culturally and linguistically diverse families and communities. Formerly known as HMDV A190. C-ID: CDEV 110.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A190

CDE A1991-2 Units (18, 36 lecture hours)  
Current Issues in Early Childhood and Education  
Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Current issues in the field of early childhood education, rotating through a variety of topics, such as working with parents, public policy, and curriculum updates. Formerly known as EC A199. Graded or Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A199

CDE A2013 Units (36 lecture hours; 84 other hours)  
Early Childhood Practicum - Field Experience  
Prerequisite(s): CDE A156, CDE A165, and CDE A200 or EC A156, EC A165, and EC A200.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Practical experiences in childcare programs that focus on the individualized curriculum that addresses all areas of development, routines, and the role of the teacher. Course also covers observation and evaluation of children in play situations, the development of indoor and outdoor environments, positive guidance and staff relationships. Participation in this course has the following requirements: Proof of measles, pertussis, and flu vaccinations, negative TB test results within the last year, and fingerprint clearance through Community Care Licensing. Directions and paperwork for fingerprint clearance will be emailed to the student upon enrollment. Formerly known as EC A201. C-ID: ECE 210.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A201

CDE A2103 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Introduction to the Exceptional Child  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Introduction to the exceptional child including the gifted, developmentally delayed, emotionally disturbed, speech and hearing impaired, visually impaired, orthopedically and neurologically impaired. The role of the teacher in supporting these children and their families and vocational opportunities are discussed. Formerly known as HMDV A210.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A210

CDE A2113 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Strategies for Inclusion  
Prerequisite(s): CDE A210 or HMDV A210 or concurrent enrollment.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Early Childhood Educators serve children with special needs often in the same setting as typically developing children. This class will prepare students so that they can provide quality, inclusive, teaching practices within a classroom setting. This class is an elective for some of our certificates. Formerly known as EC A240.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A211

CDE A2203 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Infant and Toddler Programs  
Prerequisite(s): CDE A184 or HMDV A184 or concurrent enrollment.
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Various kinds of programs for infants and toddlers, including philosophies and program emphasis, appropriate routine learning experiences, environments, and provisions for the health and safety of infants and toddlers. Focus on the role of the teacher in facilitating the child's growth through play. Formerly known as EC A220.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A220

CDE A2610.5 Units (9 lecture hours)  
Learning Title 22  
Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Point by point discussion of California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapters 1 and 2 regulations for child care program. Offered on a pass-no pass basis only. Formerly known as EC A261.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A261

CDE A2620.5 Units (9 lecture hours)  
Disaster Preparedness for Child Care  
Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass
Transfer Credit: CSU.
A study of considerations of natural or artificial disasters to assist child care providers in the development of a comprehensive plan to ensure an effective response to emergency situations. Offered on a pass-no pass basis only. Formerly known as EC A262.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A262

CDE A2643 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Understanding Child Abuse and Trauma  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Ways to identify children who are abused and programs to assist both the child and the offender. Discussion of state mandated reporting system and procedures in record keeping for the teacher and director in a child care program. Formerly known as EC A263.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A264

CDE A2753 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Early Childhood Administration Program  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Introduction to the supervision and administration of early childhood programs with an emphasis on theories, curriculum and program philosophies. Includes responsibilities of an administrator and criteria for quality programs, including regulations and laws. Examines effective leadership, budgets, policies, scheduling, and marketing strategies. Formerly known as EC A275.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A275

CDE A2763 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Early Childhood Management  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Effective strategies for supervision and management of personnel in an early childhood program with emphasis on reflective practices, leadership styles, professional development, team building, and communication. Includes financial and ethical issues, program evaluation, and parent involvement. Formerly known as EC A276.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A276

CDE A2772 Units (36 lecture hours)  
Adult Supervision in Early Childhood Programs  
Grading Mode: Standard Letter
Transfer Credit: CSU.
Methods and principles of supervising adults in early childhood programs. Emphasis on the role of experienced teachers who function as mentors while simultaneously addressing the needs of children, parents, and staff. Formerly known as EC A277.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing CDE A277