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Certificate of Achievement
Child Development - Language and Literacy Specialization

The following courses will prepare students to effectively facilitate and support the language development of children. It will also provide essential information regarding Emergent Literacy and how it supports the development of effective reading skills in children.

Child Development - Language and Literacy 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 2025-2026 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
CDEV C1000 - Child Growth and Development (formerly CD 106)M3.0
CDEV C1000 - Child Growth and Development (formerly CD 106) (3.0 units)

(Formerly ECE 106. CD 106)

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: CDEV C1000 or PSY 112)

Students examine the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identify developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis is on interactions between biological processes, environmental, and cultural factors. Students may engage in various methods of observing children's development to evaluate individual differences and analyze development characteristics at various stages according to developmental theories.
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)

(Formerly ECE 110)

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 120 - Experiences in Language ArtsM3.0
CD 120 - Experiences in Language Arts (3.0 units)

(Formerly ECE 120)

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 interested in promoting and facilitating the language development of children. The course is a study of the philosophies, principles, and implementation of language arts experiences for children from birth to early adolescence. The theoretical bases of language development and systems of teaching literacy are addressed. Literature, dramatics, flannel board stories, puppetry, and storytelling are incorporated into the course as strategies for language acquisition as well as literacy activities. 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.

CD 229 - Literacy Development for ChildrenM3.0
CD 229 - Literacy Development for Children (3.0 units)

(Formerly ECE 229, ECE 028B)

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 interested in facilitating and supporting literacy development in children enrolled in group care and educational environments. Focus is on effective skills and techniques utilized by teachers and caregivers to enhance the development of emergent literacy skills throughout childhood. Students develop knowledge of the sequence of literacy and language development, developmentally appropriate practices in classroom environments, and a balanced literacy approach. Effective assessment and curriculum and techniques to promote skill development are also introduced. 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 - Language and Literacy Specialization COA program12.0 
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.


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