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Certificate of Achievement
Child Development - Special Education Specialization

The following courses will prepare students to work with children with special needs by providing introductory information regarding the types of special needs, statutory requirements for providing educational programing for children with special needs and techniques to facilitate and support the learning of children with special needs.

Child Development - Special Education Specialization students will be supported by a Student Success Team in the Behavioral and Social Sciences Area of Interest. Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
CD 106 - Child Growth and DevelopmentM3.0
CD 106 - Child Growth and Development (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*Credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following coursers: CD 106 or PSY 112)

This course provides an overview of human growth from conception to adolescence. The theories of development relevant to life through the teenage years are introduced, and the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of these early stages of life are addressed. This course is appropriate for students preparing for a profession working with children and their families, or those interested in furthering their understanding of child and adolescent development. This course is also designed to meet the Department of Social Services Classification DS1 and applies toward the State of California Title 5 requirement for the Child Development Permit.

CD 110 - Principles and Practices of Early Childhood EducationM3.0
CD 110 - Principles and Practices of Early Childhood Education (3.0 units)

Advisory:
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students who seek to work in educational programs for children from birth to age eight. The course examines the underlying theoretical principles of developmentally appropriate practices applied to programs and environments, emphasizing the key role of relationship, constructive adult-child interaction, and teaching strategies in supporting physical, social, creative, and intellectual development for all children. This course includes a review of the historical roots or early childhood programs and the evolution of the professional practices promoting advocacy, ethics, and professional identity. This course applies towards the childcare licensing category 3 (DS3) as authorized by Title 22 within the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), as well as the California teacher credentialing requirements for the child development permit.

CD 226 - Introduction to Special EducationM3.0
CD 226 - Introduction to Special Education (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for students who want to work in children’s programs or educational environments, preparing them to facilitate the learning and development of children with special needs. The course introduces the variations in the development of children with special needs, ages birth through eight, and the resulting impact on families; it also includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws relating to children with special needs, and the identification and referral process. This course applies toward the State of California Teacher Credentialing requirements for the Child Development Permit.

CD 232 - Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special NeedsM3.0
CD 232 - Curriculum and Strategies for Children with Special Needs (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course covers curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with special needs in partnership with their families. It focuses on the use of observation and assessment in meeting the individualized needs of children in inclusive and natural environments. Topics include the role of the teacher as a professional working with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and cultural competence. The course meets the Department of Social Services (DSS) Classification Indicator DS3 and applies towards the State of California Department of Education Title 5 Child Development Permit.

Total Semester Units:12.0 
Total Units for Child Development - Special Education Specialization COA program 12.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students will explain and demonstrate the principles of developmentally appropriate practice while planning for and interacting with children in the early childhood classroom.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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