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Certificate of Achievement
Child Development - Preschool Teacher

The following courses meet the minimum educational requirements under Title 22 (Department of Social Services-DSS) to qualify the student to teach in a state licensed preschool or childcare program (private for-profit or private nonprofit).

Completion of these courses will also qualify a student to apply for a Child Development Permit at the Assistant level through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The Assistant Level Permit will qualify a student to teach in state or federally funded programs. These courses also meet the unit requirements for the Associate Teacher Level on the Child Development Permit Matrix (work experience is also required for this permit level). The student must have attained a grade of “C” or higher in each course.

Child Development - Preschool Teacher 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 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 102 - Nutrition, Health and Safety for ChildrenM3.0
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.

Total Semester Units:15.0 
Total Units for Child Development - Preschool Teacher COA program 15.0 
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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