Degrees & Certificates
Degrees and Certificates
- A.A. Degree in Child Development
- Certificate of Achievement in Child Development and Educational Studies
- Certificate of Proficiency in Child Development: Spanish Early Childhood Education
- A.S.-T Degree in Early Childhood Education
- Certificate of Achievement in Early Childhood Education
- Certificate of Achievement in Early Intervention Assistant
- Certificate of Achievement in School Age Child Care
- A.A. Degree in Liberal Arts: Elementary Education Emphasis
A.A. Degree: Child Development
The Associate Degree prepares students to transfer to four year colleges and universities and provides an introductory sequence of classes leading to careers in child development and elementary and secondary education. Students completing an A.A. degree are also eligible to apply for a California Child Development permit at the Teacher level. The Child Development Permit Matrix was developed to ensure a career pathway for child development professionals in state or federally funded programs.
Program Learning Outcomes: After completing the Associate Degree in Child Development a student will be able to:
- articulate five major child development theories and translate these theories into appropriate classroom environments that include learning centers and materials.
- plan developmentally appropriate curriculum activities in the four domains of development: Cognitive (intellectual), Affective (social-emotional), Psychomotor (physical) and Language Development.
Graduates will:
- function within the scope of approved state and nationally accredited early childhood and childcare competencies.
- practice within professional and legal standards, ethical principles, and demonstrate a sensitivity to language and cultural differences of the children, families, and staff where they will be working or completing their cooperative work experiences.
- apply principles of written and verbal communication, and research to communicate relevant, accurate and complete information.
- apply child development principles and sensitivity to theory and applications of working with families of children with special needs.
- demonstrate an ability to design, develop and implement curriculum, appropriate educational environments, and successful teaching practices that enhance development in children in the early years.
Associate Degree in Child Development: Associate degree students need to complete the required courses and student teaching practicum and General Education requirements. In order to qualify for the California Child Development Permit, coursework in required classes must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or higher.
Student Teaching Practicum: Associate Degree students are required to complete a two-semester Student Teaching Practicum in an approved child development site under the supervision of a Gavilan College instructor. The Student Teaching Practicum consists of CD 30A & B, a two semester curriculum course, (CD 30A - Practicum I - Early Childhood Field Experience and CD 30B - Practicum II: Advanced Early Childhood Field Experience, 4/4 units). Prerequisites for CD30A are completion of CD 1, CD 2/or CD40, CD32 and CD 5 or CD7.
Requirements (Core courses not required):
CD1Principles and Philosophies of Early Childhood Education3
CD2Early Child Development OR3
CD 40Child Development3
Note: CD 2 is recommended if you are planning to work with infants through preschool age children.
CD4Observing and Assessing Children3
CD9Child Health/Nutrition and Safety3
CD19Introduction to Careers with Children2
CD20Children's Language and Literature3
CD32Introduction to Curriculum3
Electives - Any CD courses (3 units)
Student Teaching Practicum:
CD 30APracticum I - EC Field Experience/Reflective Practice Seminar4
CD 30BPracticum II: Advanced Early Childhood/TK Field Experience4
Choose one:
CD5Child/Family and Community OR3
CD7Cultural Context of Child and Family in a Diverse Society3
General Education Requirements: (35 - 39 Units)
A student may complete the Gavilan College A.A./A.S. general education, the CSU-GE Breadth or the IGETC pattern, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60 unit total. See a counselor for details. NOTE: A course may be used to satisfy both general education and major requirements. See "Double Counting Rule".
Certificate of Achievement: Child Development and Educational Studies
The Child Development and Educational Studies Program (CDES) offers students an Associate of Arts degree in two main areas: 1) Child Development: Students completing the Associate Degree in Child Development may apply to become a teacher, master teacher, or site supervisor within the California Child Development and School Age Matrix. 2) Liberal Arts with emphasis in Elementary Education: The Associate Degree in Liberal Arts prepares students to transfer to 4-year colleges and universities, and begins a sequence of classes that leads to careers in child development, and elementary and secondary education.Required Core: (14)
CD1Principles and Philosophies of Early Childhood Education3
CD2Early Child Development OR3
CD40Child and Adolescent Development3
CD5Child/Family and Community OR3
CD7Cultural Context of Child and Family in a Diverse Society3
CD9Child Health/Nutrition and Safety3
CD19Introduction to Careers with Children2
Required Electives: (10)
CD4Observing and Assessing Children3
CD5Child/Family and Community OR3
CD7Cultural Context of Child and Family in a Diverse Society3
CD10Children with Special Needs3
CD12Computer Education for Teachers3
CD13Infant and Toddler Development and Care3
CD15Music and Movement for Children1
CD16Exploring Mathematics with Children1
CD17Exploring Science with Children1
CD18The Outdoor Classroom3
CD20Children's Language and Literature3
CD22Field Work and Service0.5 - 1
CD23Independent Study1 - 2
CD32Introduction to Curriculum3
CD97Introduction to Service Learning with Children3
CD98Special Topics0.5 - 3
Certificate of Proficiency: Child Development: Spanish Early Childhood Education
The knowledge and skills required for this certificate prepare students to work in child care and development programs in which the children speak Spanish.Requirements (Core courses not required):
CD1Principles and Philosophies of Early Childhood Education3
CD2Early Child Development3
CD5Child/Family and Community3
CD9Child Health/Nutrition and Safety3
CD13Infant and Toddler Development and Care3
CD160Child Care First Aid and CPR1
CD219Introduction to Child Development en Espa?ol1
Certificate of Achievement: Early Childhood Education
The Child Development and Educational Studies Program (CDES) offers students an Associate of Arts degree in two main areas: 1) Child Development: Students completing the Associate Degree in Child Development may apply to become a teacher, master teacher, or site supervisor within the California Child Development and School Age Matrix. 2) Liberal Arts with emphasis in Elementary Education: The Associate Degree in Liberal Arts prepares students to transfer to 4-year colleges and universities, and begins a sequence of classes that leads to careers in child development, and elementary and secondary education.CORE COURSES:.14 units
CD1Principles and Philosophies of Early Childhood Education3
CD2Early Child Development OR3
CD40Child and Adolescent Development3
CD5Child/Family and Community OR3
CD7Cultural Context of Child and Family in a Diverse Society3
CD9Child Health/Nutrition and Safety3
CD19Introduction to Careers with Children2
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Choose 10 units from list below:
CD4Observing and Assessing Children3
CD5Child/Family and Community3
CD7Cultural Context of Child and Family in a Diverse Society3
CD10Children with Special Needs3
CD12Computer Education for Teachers3
CD13Infant and Toddler Development and Care3
CD15Music and Movement for Children1
CD16Exploring Mathematics with Children1
CD17Exploring Science with Children1
CD18The Outdoor Classroom3
CD20Children's Language and Literature3
CD22Field Work and Service0.5 - 1
CD23Independent Study1 - 2
CD97Introduction to Service Learning with Children3
CD98Special Topics0.5 - 3
A.S.-T Degree: Early Childhood Education
The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer degree is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer into the CSU system to complete a baccalaureate degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or similar degree. The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer degree is designed to prepare students to work in a variety of early childhood settings. The two year program serves students wishing to work in entry level positions in public and private early childhood programs, as family child care providers, infant toddler care and in after school programs. The two year program serves students working on increased early childhood knowledge, supervised student teaching experiences and fulfillment of a academic requirements for a Child Development Permit at the Associate, Assistant or Teacher level. Completion of the Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer degree enables the students to complete the lower division general education requirements as well as the lower division major requirements for a baccalaureate degree in Child Development prior to transferring to a CSU. Students pursuing the transfer degree pursue a variety of careers with young children from birth to ten at the Teacher, Master Teacher, Director or Program Director level. Students also pursue careers in elementary and secondary education, early childhood special education, program administration, school counseling, child psychology, child advocacy, social work, and community services.REQUIREMENTS: (25 units)
CD40Child and Adolescent Development3
CD5Child/Family and Community3
CD1Principles and Philosophies of Early Childhood Education3
CD32Introduction to Curriculum3
CD4Observing and Assessing Children3
CD30APracticum I - Early Childhood Field Experience4
CD9Child Health/Nutrition and Safety3
CD7Cultural Context of Child and Family in a Diverse Society3
Associate Degree for Transfer Requirements:
In addition to passing all courses required for the major area of emphasis with a C or better (letter grading option only), completion requirements for the degree include:
1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(A) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education - Breadth Requirements.
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
2) Attainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
ADTs also require that students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis, or a "P" for any course taken on a 'pass-no-pass' basis.
Units Required for the Major: 25
Double Counted Units: CSU: 6; IGETC: 3
General Education Requirements: (37 - 39)
Electives needed to get to 60 Units: CSU: 2; IGETC: 1
Total Units for the Degree: 60 Units
Certificate of Achievement: Early Intervention Assistant
The Early Intervention Assistant Certificate of Achievement is designed to meet the Early Intervention Assistant II requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and prepares students to work as early childhood interventionists and special education paraprofessionals at the Early Childhood Intervention Assistant II level. It meets California’s Prevention and Early Intervention’s requirements for state competencies for early childhood paraprofessionals and is appropriate for students who wish to work as assistants or paraprofessionals in early intervention, early childhood special education, or related child development or special education programs serving children with special needs. Students who complete this certificate and sixteen specified units of General Education will be eligible to apply for the California Child Development Teacher Permit, which is issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.Requirements (Core courses not required):
CD1Principles and Philosophies of Early Childhood Education3
CD2Early Child Development3
CD5Child/Family and Community3
CD9Child Health/Nutrition and Safety3
CD10Children with Special Needs3
CD13Infant and Toddler Development and Care3
CD19Introduction to Careers with Children2
CD35Establishing Positive Behavior in the Classroom3
CD36Curriculum Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms3
CD160Child Care First Aid and CPR1
CD190Occupational Work Experience/Child Development1 - 4
Choose one:
CD30APracticum I - Early Childhood Field Experience OR4
CD30BPracticum II: Advanced Early Childhood Field Experience4
Certificate of Achievement: School Age Child Care
The knowledge and skills in this certificate are designed to prepare students to work as leaders in programs for children aged 6-18. Work settings might include before and after school programs, youth sports activities, residential or day camps, dramatic arts programs, youth centers, and academic enrichmentCORE COURSES:.14 units
CD1Principles and Philosophies of Early Childhood Education3
CD2Early Child Development3
Choose one:
CD5Child/Family and Community OR3
CD7Cultural Context of Child and Family in a Diverse Society3
CD9Child Health/Nutrition and Safety3
CD19Introduction to Careers with Children2
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Select any 10-12 units from the following:
CD3Child Growth and Development During the School Years3
CD8AAmerican Education in a Changing World3
CD14AWorking with School Age Children3
CD14BBehavior Management&Guidance of School Age Children3
CD31Tutoring School-Age Children1
CD97Introduction to Service Learning with Children3
A.A. Degree: Liberal Arts: Elementary Education Emphasis
This emphasis recognizes that teachers play a vital role in the development of children, introducing them to numbers, language, science, and social studies. Elementary teachers facilitate student learning through interactive class discussions, educational activities, “hands-on” learning, and one-on-one assistance. This emphasis offers a core of interdisciplinary and specialized courses that provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for communicating concepts to children, and an introduction to social, political and economic issues that influence the field of public education.REQUIREMENTS:
Area A:
Complete the following required courses for 6 units:
CD8AAmerican Education in a Changing World OR3
CD8CIntroduction to Elementary Education3
CD8BTeaching Reading and Writing to Children3
Area B:
Choose any combination of courses for a minimum of 6 units:
CD2Early Child Development3
CD3Child Growth and Development During the School Years3
CD7Cultural Context of Child and Family in a Diverse Society3
CD14AWorking with School Age Children3
CD14BBehavior Management&Guidance of School Age Children3
CD31Tutoring School-Age Children1
CD 40Child Development3
CD97Introduction to Service Learning with Children3
PSYC2Early Child Development3
PSYC3Child Growth and Development During the School Years3
PSYC7Cultural Context of Child and Family in a Diverse Society3
PSYC 40Child Development3
Area C:
Choose any combination of courses for a minimum of 6 units:
Administration of Justice:
Allied Health
AJ20Juvenile Law and Procedure3
AH3The Person in the Life Cycle3
Art:
ART25AArt Methods OR3
CD25AArt Methods3
English:
ENGL2FChildren's Literature3
History:
HIST3History of California3
Mathematics:
MATH12Mathematics for Elementary Teachers3
Kinesiology:
CD6Games and Rhythms for Children3
KIN6Games and Rhythms for Children OR3
Theater:
THEA2AChildren's Theatre Repertory3
General Education Requirements: (35 - 39 Units)
A student may complete the Gavilan College A.A./A.S. general education, the CSU-GE Breadth or the IGETC pattern, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60 unit total. See a counselor for details. NOTE: A course may be used to satisfy both general education and major requirements. See "Double Counting Rule".