Rio Hondo College logo
Rio Hondo College logo
Rio Hondo College logo
Certificate of Achievement
Child Development

This curriculum is designed to meet the minimum educational requirements of the California Department of Social Services (DSS) to secure employment in state licensed private preschools and childcare centers as Infant/Toddler, Preschool or School-Age Teachers or as Program Director. The curriculum will also meet requirements for acquiring Assistant and Associate Teacher Level Child Development Permits from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing in order to secure employment in state and federally funded programs for children. All courses listed in Child Development electives, regardless of the catalog year or year taken, may be used as Child Development electives for the Certificate of Achievement under any catalog year.

The State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has several Child Development Permits available to students completing Child Development courses. See www.ctc.ca.gov/ credentials/CREDS/child-dev-permits.html for details

Child Development 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.

Apply Now!


Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2023-2024 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 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 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 Service Classification DS1 and applies toward the State of California Title 5 requirement for the Child Development Permit.

CD 208 - Child, Family and CommunityM3.0
CD 208 - Child, Family and Community (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, CSU

This course is designed for students desiring to work with children in a group setting, as well as for parents and others who wish to further their understanding of how the socio-cultural environment affects the developing child. The course examines the historical and contemporary interrelationship of family, school and community on child development. The process of socialization and identity formation will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families. This course meets the Department of Social Services Classification Indicator DS2 and the State of California Department of Education Title 5 Child Development Permit.

CD 111 - Early Childhood Education CurriculumM3.0
CD 111 - Early Childhood Education Curriculum (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 introductory course presents current concepts in childhood curriculum development and implementation. The student will design curriculum based on observation and assessment of young children to support play and learning using developmental, inclusive and anti-bias principles in collaboration with families to support all children; demonstrate knowledge of the teachers’ role in evaluating best practices and apply understanding of children’s learning and development. This course is meant for students who plan to create and implement children’s educational programs. This course is also designed to meet the State of California Title 22 Department of Social Service Classification Indicator DS3 and applies toward the State of California Title 5 requirements for the Child Development Permit.

CD 114 - Observation and AssessmentM3.0
CD 114 - Observation and Assessment (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 working towards a Child Development Permit. The course focuses on the appropriate use of assessment and observation strategies applied to document development, growth, play, and learning in order to join with families and professionals in promoting children’s success and maintaining quality programs. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment methods are explored. Advantages and disadvantages of observation techniques, observer bias, and cultural considerations are discussed. This course meets the Department of Social Services (DSS) Classification Indicator DS3 and applies toward the State of California Title 5 requirement for the Child Development Permit.

Total Semester Units:15.0 
2nd Semester
Select One: CD 102 / CD 103 / CD 115 / CD 118 / CD 119 / CD 120 / CD 211 / CD 213 / CD 224 / CD 226 / CD 229 / CD 232 / ED 110 M3.0
CD 102 - Nutrition, Health and Safety for Children (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 interested in working in group care and/or educational programs that enroll children from infancy to early adolescence. The course focuses on preventative health and safety practices in group care environments for both children and adults, and integrating these practices into daily program planning and development. The course also introduces students to the laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures, and child development curriculum related to child nutrition, health, and safety. Topics include prevention and recognition of infectious disease, immunization, dental and mental health, child nutrition, menu planning, sanitary food handling, injury prevention, emergency preparedness and evacuation, and providing services for children with special needs; as well as child abuse prevention, identification, and reporting responsibilities. The importance of program collaboration with families and health professionals also is addressed. This course meets the Department of Social Services (DSS) Classification Indicator DS7 and the State of California Department of Education Title 5 Child Development Permit.

CD 103 - Parenting (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 interested in learning how to understand and work effectively with parents, and to understand the parent-child relationships in their own lives. The course provides a framework for topics pertinent to current parenting concepts. Topics include understanding the parenting process from infancy to adulthood, parenting in diverse cultures, various lifestyles and family structures, alternatives to biological parenting, and understanding high-risk families.

CD 115 - Creative Art Experiences for Children (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 a comprehensive study of creativity and its impact on child development. A developmental perspective is utilized as students explore creative art and its impact on the whole child, the artistic development process, aesthetics, the elements of art, specific art program approaches, artistic styles, facilitating and supporting creative art experiences for children, art assessment techniques, and specific art experiences. This course is appropriate for students interested in working with children in group care and educational environments. 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 118 - Development of Science and Math Experiences (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 preparing for a career in teaching children, and provides a framework from which to explore the theories, philosophies, principles, and implementation of science and math experiences for children from birth to early adolescence. Emphasis is placed upon theoretical and developmental foundations with practical application in the form of developmentally appropriate activities for use in schools and child care centers. 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 119 - Music and Movement for Children (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 interested in working with children in group care and educational programs, and offers a framework for providing developmentally appropriate music and movement principles and experiences for children from birth to early adolescence. The developmental characteristics of movement and music abilities, the basics of movement, and music education are outlined. Students participate in music- and movement-related 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 120 - Experiences in Language Arts (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 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 211 - Infant and Toddler 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,CSU

This course studies infants and toddlers from pre-conception to age three, including physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional growth and development. The focus of this course applies theoretical frameworks to interpret behavior and interactions between heredity and environment; it also emphasizes the role of family and relationships in development. This course meets the Department of Social Services (DSS) Classification Indicator DS4 and applies towards the State of California Department of Education Title 5 Child Development Permit.

CD 213 - Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers (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 applies current theory and research to the care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. The course examines essential policies, principles, and practices that lead to quality care and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children from birth to 36 months. The course meets the Department of Social Services (DSS) Classification Indicator DS4 and applies towards the State of California Department of Education Title 5 Child Development Permit.

CD 224 - Diversity Issues During Early Childhood, School Age and Adolescence (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 interested in working in children's programs and educational settings, and addresses the similarities, variety, and multiplicity found within programs and educational settings for young children, school age children, and adolescents. Topics covered include family values, culture, race, gender, social class, sexual preference, language, and abilities. Focus also is placed on developmental appropriateness in addressing diversity, parental perspectives, and the effects of diversity on the domains of development. This course meets the Department of Social Services (DSS) Classification Indicator DS 3 and applies towards the State of California Department of Education Title 5 Child Development Permit.

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 229 - Literacy Development for Children (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 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.

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.

ED 110 - Introduction to Teaching (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, CSU

This course is designed to introduce students to the profession of teaching through lecture and observation of K–12 classrooms and public schools. The major aspects of the teaching profession and the diversity of the public school system are examined and discussed, and students gain experience in all three levels of the K–12 system. This course is intended for students considering a career in teaching; 45 hours of structured fieldwork is required.

Select One: CD 102 / CD 103 / CD 115 / CD 118 / CD 119 / CD 120 / CD 211 / CD 213 / CD 224 / CD 226 / CD 229 / CD 232 / ED 110 M3.0
CD 102 - Nutrition, Health and Safety for Children (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 interested in working in group care and/or educational programs that enroll children from infancy to early adolescence. The course focuses on preventative health and safety practices in group care environments for both children and adults, and integrating these practices into daily program planning and development. The course also introduces students to the laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures, and child development curriculum related to child nutrition, health, and safety. Topics include prevention and recognition of infectious disease, immunization, dental and mental health, child nutrition, menu planning, sanitary food handling, injury prevention, emergency preparedness and evacuation, and providing services for children with special needs; as well as child abuse prevention, identification, and reporting responsibilities. The importance of program collaboration with families and health professionals also is addressed. This course meets the Department of Social Services (DSS) Classification Indicator DS7 and the State of California Department of Education Title 5 Child Development Permit.

CD 103 - Parenting (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 interested in learning how to understand and work effectively with parents, and to understand the parent-child relationships in their own lives. The course provides a framework for topics pertinent to current parenting concepts. Topics include understanding the parenting process from infancy to adulthood, parenting in diverse cultures, various lifestyles and family structures, alternatives to biological parenting, and understanding high-risk families.

CD 115 - Creative Art Experiences for Children (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 a comprehensive study of creativity and its impact on child development. A developmental perspective is utilized as students explore creative art and its impact on the whole child, the artistic development process, aesthetics, the elements of art, specific art program approaches, artistic styles, facilitating and supporting creative art experiences for children, art assessment techniques, and specific art experiences. This course is appropriate for students interested in working with children in group care and educational environments. 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 118 - Development of Science and Math Experiences (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 preparing for a career in teaching children, and provides a framework from which to explore the theories, philosophies, principles, and implementation of science and math experiences for children from birth to early adolescence. Emphasis is placed upon theoretical and developmental foundations with practical application in the form of developmentally appropriate activities for use in schools and child care centers. 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 119 - Music and Movement for Children (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 interested in working with children in group care and educational programs, and offers a framework for providing developmentally appropriate music and movement principles and experiences for children from birth to early adolescence. The developmental characteristics of movement and music abilities, the basics of movement, and music education are outlined. Students participate in music- and movement-related 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 120 - Experiences in Language Arts (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 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 211 - Infant and Toddler 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,CSU

This course studies infants and toddlers from pre-conception to age three, including physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional growth and development. The focus of this course applies theoretical frameworks to interpret behavior and interactions between heredity and environment; it also emphasizes the role of family and relationships in development. This course meets the Department of Social Services (DSS) Classification Indicator DS4 and applies towards the State of California Department of Education Title 5 Child Development Permit.

CD 213 - Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers (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 applies current theory and research to the care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. The course examines essential policies, principles, and practices that lead to quality care and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children from birth to 36 months. The course meets the Department of Social Services (DSS) Classification Indicator DS4 and applies towards the State of California Department of Education Title 5 Child Development Permit.

CD 224 - Diversity Issues During Early Childhood, School Age and Adolescence (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 interested in working in children's programs and educational settings, and addresses the similarities, variety, and multiplicity found within programs and educational settings for young children, school age children, and adolescents. Topics covered include family values, culture, race, gender, social class, sexual preference, language, and abilities. Focus also is placed on developmental appropriateness in addressing diversity, parental perspectives, and the effects of diversity on the domains of development. This course meets the Department of Social Services (DSS) Classification Indicator DS 3 and applies towards the State of California Department of Education Title 5 Child Development Permit.

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 229 - Literacy Development for Children (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 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.

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.

ED 110 - Introduction to Teaching (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, CSU

This course is designed to introduce students to the profession of teaching through lecture and observation of K–12 classrooms and public schools. The major aspects of the teaching profession and the diversity of the public school system are examined and discussed, and students gain experience in all three levels of the K–12 system. This course is intended for students considering a career in teaching; 45 hours of structured fieldwork is required.

CD 228 - Early Childhood Education PracticumM3.0
CD 228 - Early Childhood Education Practicum (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: CD 106, CD 110, CD 111, CD 114 and CD 208; Verification of immunizations against influenza, pertussis, and measles and freedom from tuberculosis are necessary to fulfill the lab requirement of this course.
Transfers to: CSU

In this capstone course the student will practice and demonstrate developmentally appropriate early childhood program planning and teaching competencies under the supervision of Child Development faculty and other qualified early education professionals. Students will utilize practical classroom experiences to make connections between theory and practice, develop professional behaviors, and build a comprehensive understanding of children and families. Child centered, play-oriented approaches to teaching, learning, and assessment; and knowledge of curriculum content areas will be emphasized as student teachers design, implement and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for all young children. This course is designed for students looking for a supervised field/laboratory experience in an early childhood setting. The course meets The Department of Social Services Classification Indicator DS3 and applies towards the State of California Department of Education Title 5 Child Development Permits. 3.4 consecutive hours of weekly supervised field experience at the Rio Hondo College Child Development Center are required. Schedule must be established prior to the start of the semester. Beginning times are typically 7:30am, 8:30am, 9:30 am or 1:45 pm. Verification of freedom from tuberculosis and immunizations against influenza, pertussis, and measles are required prior to the semester's start. For more information, contact CDCinfo@riohondo.edu.

Select One: CD 102 / CD 103 / CD 115 / CD 118 / CD 119 / CD 120 / CD 211 / CD 213 / CD 224 / CD 226 / CD 229 / CD 232 / ED 110 M3.0
CD 102 - Nutrition, Health and Safety for Children (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 interested in working in group care and/or educational programs that enroll children from infancy to early adolescence. The course focuses on preventative health and safety practices in group care environments for both children and adults, and integrating these practices into daily program planning and development. The course also introduces students to the laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures, and child development curriculum related to child nutrition, health, and safety. Topics include prevention and recognition of infectious disease, immunization, dental and mental health, child nutrition, menu planning, sanitary food handling, injury prevention, emergency preparedness and evacuation, and providing services for children with special needs; as well as child abuse prevention, identification, and reporting responsibilities. The importance of program collaboration with families and health professionals also is addressed. This course meets the Department of Social Services (DSS) Classification Indicator DS7 and the State of California Department of Education Title 5 Child Development Permit.

CD 103 - Parenting (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 interested in learning how to understand and work effectively with parents, and to understand the parent-child relationships in their own lives. The course provides a framework for topics pertinent to current parenting concepts. Topics include understanding the parenting process from infancy to adulthood, parenting in diverse cultures, various lifestyles and family structures, alternatives to biological parenting, and understanding high-risk families.

CD 115 - Creative Art Experiences for Children (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 a comprehensive study of creativity and its impact on child development. A developmental perspective is utilized as students explore creative art and its impact on the whole child, the artistic development process, aesthetics, the elements of art, specific art program approaches, artistic styles, facilitating and supporting creative art experiences for children, art assessment techniques, and specific art experiences. This course is appropriate for students interested in working with children in group care and educational environments. 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 118 - Development of Science and Math Experiences (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 preparing for a career in teaching children, and provides a framework from which to explore the theories, philosophies, principles, and implementation of science and math experiences for children from birth to early adolescence. Emphasis is placed upon theoretical and developmental foundations with practical application in the form of developmentally appropriate activities for use in schools and child care centers. 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 119 - Music and Movement for Children (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 interested in working with children in group care and educational programs, and offers a framework for providing developmentally appropriate music and movement principles and experiences for children from birth to early adolescence. The developmental characteristics of movement and music abilities, the basics of movement, and music education are outlined. Students participate in music- and movement-related 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 120 - Experiences in Language Arts (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 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 211 - Infant and Toddler 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,CSU

This course studies infants and toddlers from pre-conception to age three, including physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional growth and development. The focus of this course applies theoretical frameworks to interpret behavior and interactions between heredity and environment; it also emphasizes the role of family and relationships in development. This course meets the Department of Social Services (DSS) Classification Indicator DS4 and applies towards the State of California Department of Education Title 5 Child Development Permit.

CD 213 - Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers (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 applies current theory and research to the care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. The course examines essential policies, principles, and practices that lead to quality care and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children from birth to 36 months. The course meets the Department of Social Services (DSS) Classification Indicator DS4 and applies towards the State of California Department of Education Title 5 Child Development Permit.

CD 224 - Diversity Issues During Early Childhood, School Age and Adolescence (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 interested in working in children's programs and educational settings, and addresses the similarities, variety, and multiplicity found within programs and educational settings for young children, school age children, and adolescents. Topics covered include family values, culture, race, gender, social class, sexual preference, language, and abilities. Focus also is placed on developmental appropriateness in addressing diversity, parental perspectives, and the effects of diversity on the domains of development. This course meets the Department of Social Services (DSS) Classification Indicator DS 3 and applies towards the State of California Department of Education Title 5 Child Development Permit.

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 229 - Literacy Development for Children (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 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.

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.

ED 110 - Introduction to Teaching (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, CSU

This course is designed to introduce students to the profession of teaching through lecture and observation of K–12 classrooms and public schools. The major aspects of the teaching profession and the diversity of the public school system are examined and discussed, and students gain experience in all three levels of the K–12 system. This course is intended for students considering a career in teaching; 45 hours of structured fieldwork is required.

Total Semester Units:12.0 
Total Units for Child Development COA program 27.0 
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
Comments? Questions?
Contact Us

searchth-largeclosearrow-circle-o-downchevron-upchevron-downbarsmap-o linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram