The Child Development program provides courses that prepare students to enter the field of early childhood education. Courses are designed to give students fundamental skills in working with children in a variety of settings, as well as a strong theoretical understanding of children’s development.
Career Opportunities
Infant/Toddler Caregiver, Early Childhood Teacher, Early Childhood Program Administrator, Child Development Specialists, Family Child Care Provider, Owners of In-Home Child Care, Those seeking to open a Child Care Center, Child Life Specialist, Elementary School Teacher, Early Intervention Teacher, Emerging Leaders in ECE, Social Worker, Therapist
Faculty
Hammond-Williams, Heather
Herzog, Emma
Visser-Jones, Sandy
Transfer
- California State University: Degree Search for Child Development and Early Childhood Education
- Cal State San Bernardino: Early Childhood Development major
Local Bachelors Programs - Visit the High Desert Four-Year Universities website.
- UMass Global (formerly Brandman University) in Victorville, CA: Early Childhood Education major
- The University of La Verne, High Desert Campus: Child Development major
- Park University, Victor Valley: Early Childhood Education major
For the most up-to-date information on these programs and others, visit assist.org. Please stop by the Transfer Center in Building 23 or make an appointment with a counselor if you have questions.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program.
Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Integrate knowledge of the needs, the characteristics, and multiple influences on development of children birth to age eight as related to high quality care and education of young children.
- Design, implement, and evaluate environments and activities that support positive, developmental play and learning outcomes for all young children.
- Apply effective guidance and interaction strategies that support all children’s social learning, identity, and self-confidence.
- Develop and implement strategies that promote partnerships between programs, teachers, families, and their communities.
- Apply ethical standards and professional behaviors that demonstrate understanding and knowledge, deepening the commitment to the early care and education profession.
Child Development Courses
This course is intended for students from other colleges and universities to conduct and complete their observation assignments and/or fieldwork/practicum/student teaching experiences in Victor Valley Community College Child Development Instruction Lab (Center). The required hours may vary based on the assignment requirements. Individuals interested in completing their Fieldwork Experience at the VVC Child Development Center/Lab must have proof of the following immunizations: TDaP - Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis MMR - Measles, Mumps and Rubella Influenza vaccine (may choose to decline, but sign a statement) TB clearance (within the last 2 years) Documentation must be submitted at the Child Development Center (building 12) on or before the first day of class.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This survey course provides an introduction to early childhood education. Classroom instruction and practical experiences will include child development, child guidance, health and safety issues and curriculum exploration. This course will provide a foundation for continued course work in the field.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 45
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course presents positive guidance strategies to increase parenting, teaching and connections with children for college students that are parents/caregivers, future parents, foster parents and educators that work with children and families. The course will use evidence-based approach of attachment-based parenting practices and developmentally appropriate practices needed for working with children and provide the foundations of raising emotionally healthy children. Students will identify developmentally appropriate practices to make positive changes for children and parents. Emphasis will be placed on the connections between children's overall development, healthy coping skills for all, improve parenting skills, and positive child guidance strategies. Topics may include: how to create a secure parent-child attachment, understanding children's needs, development, and behavior, the effects of using punishment vs. positive child guidance strategies to guide and manage child behavior, and effective positive guidance strategies to use when a child has a problem/need or you need to set a limit or gain cooperation.
Lecture Hours: 2.2
Transfer: Not transferable
This course examines the major physical, psychosocial, and cognitive/language developmental milestones for children, both typical and atypical, from conception through adolescence. There will be an emphasis on interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors. While studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies, students will observe children, evaluate individual differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages. C-ID: CDEV 100. CSU,UC
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 101.0 is Strongly Advised
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
This course introduces students to the concepts and issues related to teaching diverse learners in today's contemporary schools; kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12). As this course is a requirement for the AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education, there is a specific emphasis on grades K-6. Topics include: teaching as a profession and career; historical and philosophical foundations of the American education system; contemporary educational issues; California's content standards and frameworks; and teacher performance standards. In addition to class time, the course requires a minimum of 45 hours of structured fieldwork/observation in a public school elementary general education classroom that represents California's diverse student population, and includes cooperation with at least one carefully selected and campus-approved certificated classroom teacher. C-ID: EDUC 200. CSU
Prerequisite(s): CHDV 100, Minimum grade C
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
An examination of the developing child in a societal context focusing on the interrelationship of family, school and community, with emphasis on historical and socio-cultural factors. The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful reciprocal relationships that support and empower families. C-ID: CDEV 110. CSU,UC
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 45 Minimum grade C, or eligibility for ENGL 101.0 is strongly advised.
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
This course provides an introduction to the critical principles and practices of the field of early childhood education. Emphasis is placed on introducing students to interaction strategies that build meaningful relationships, provide for guidance and discipline, and support play and exploration. Students will consider developmental theory and its implications on interaction through play and relationships. The course will provide a brief overview of the field of early childhood education, and introduce students to developmentally appropriate practices of observation, assessment and curriculum planning. C-ID: ECE 120. CSU
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 45, Minimum grade C or eligibility to ENGL 101.0 is strongly advised
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Applies current theory and research to the care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. Examines essential policies, principles and practices that lead to quality care and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children birth to 36 months. CSU
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
A study of infants and toddlers from pre-conception to age three including physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional growth and development. Applies theoretical frameworks to interpret behavior and interactions between heredity and environment. Emphasizes the role of family and relationships in development. CSU
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This curriculum course prepares students to support the young child's creative development. Students will select, develop and present art materials and activities for young children. An understanding of the California Preschool Learning Foundations, California Content Standards, appropriate developmental art experiences and the creative process will be stressed. The course emphasizes the importance of developing a classroom environment that promotes creative expression. CSU
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course will focus on the young child's language acquisition and literacy development. Emphasis will be on introducing students to developmentally appropriate activities and practices, which will foster language and literacy development. The course will allow students to develop curriculum materials. It will satisfy the program/curriculum requirement for licensing and credentialing.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Introduces the variations in development of children with special needs ages birth through eight and the resulting impact on families. Includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws relating to children with special needs, and the identification and referral process. CSU
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Covers curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with special needs in partnership with their families. Focuses on the use of observation and assessment in meeting the individualized needs of children in inclusive and natural environments. Includes the role of the teacher as a professional working with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and cultural competence. CSU
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 101.0 is Strongly Advised
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
An introduction to appropriate practices in school-aged programs and curriculum based upon knowledge of the development of the child ages six to twelve. Exploration of curriculum units that include creative art, music, and literature. CSU
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0 or ENGL 101H
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course introduces the laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures of health, safety and nutrition which promote optimal health and positive attitudes toward wellness in the growing child at home and at school. Included will be identification and prevention of health problems; practical aspects of developing safe and healthy environments; and promoting good nutrition and food habits. C-ID: ECE 220. CSU
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course will focus on children's acquisition of science and math concepts with an emphasis on the California Preschool Learning Foundations, California Content Standards, the National Council of Teachers Mathematic Standards and National Science Education Standards. Students will be introduced to developmentally appropriate activities and practices. This course will also focus on the teacher's role in establishing an environment rich in opportunities for a child's self-directed learning. CSU
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course focuses on musical activities and experiences through which children develop skills, concepts and attitudes. It will introduce students to gross motor development in the early years and how to facilitate this development with music and movement activities. Students will select, develop and present music and movement activities leading to a comprehensive file of classroom activities to be implemented in one's own early childhood setting. CSU
Lecture Hours: 36.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
The study and application of curriculum design principles for early childhood educational programs. Course includes planning and evaluating developmentally appropriate activities and experiences that promote physical cognitive, creative, social and emotional growth in children. Planning a comprehensive unit of study is also included. C-ID: ECE 130. CSU
Recommended Preparation: CHDV 100 and CHDV 110, ENGL 45 or Eligibility for ENGL 101.0 is strongly advised
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course presents a developmental, relationship-based, child-centered approach to the guidance and discipline of young children, including children with disabilities, mental health concerns, early trauma, and contextual connection. Specifically, discussing influential theories, effective guidance methods for early childhood teachers and other professionals working with children, and communication with parents. This course will cover appropriate strategies used by classroom teachers in various settings, students will identify developmentally appropriate behaviors, why children may struggle in the classroom what affects their behaviors, and the various influences that affect children's behavior. Students will analyze children's behaviors and select strategies to make positive changes. Emphasizes the connection between children's social and emotional development and their success in the classroom, and how the teachers' perceptions, experiences, cultural concepts, and behavior influence child behaviors. CSU
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course presents an evidence-based approach for working with young children who may have experienced trauma, understanding trauma, and the impact of trauma on child development. Specifically, the course will provide effective safety-based strategies focusing on trauma-informed care for early childhood teachers and other professionals working with children and communication with parents. This course will cover trauma-informed care strategies used by classroom teachers in various settings, and students will identify young children's responses to trauma and stress, implications for mental health and stress response, and design safe classrooms environments when working with children exposed to trauma. Students will analyze children's behaviors and educators' classroom approaches which will identify strategies to make positive changes for both children and educators based on trauma-informed care approach. Emphasizes the connection between children's social and emotional development, healthy coping skills, children's triggers in the classroom, and how the teachers' perceptions, experiences, cultural concepts, and behavior influence child behaviors. This course will discuss and provide healthy coping skills to prevent educators' high risk for compassion fatigue. (Recommended preparation: Successful completion of ENGL 101 is Strongly Advised).
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course offers an in-depth study of current observation and assessment approaches to understand and articulate development in children birth through age 8. Guided by developmental theory, students will learn how observation and assessment influence the design of early childhood settings, understanding and guiding child behavior, curricular plans, communication with families, and support program quality. Student must be aware that homework for this course involves observing children in a variety of settings. C-ID: ECE 200. CSU
Prerequisite(s): (CHDV 100) and (CHDV 106) and (CHDV 110) and (CHDV 150 Minimum grade C; and TB clearance, an influenza shot, (TDap) pertussis and measles immunization.)
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Course will explore diversity in early childhood settings; anti-bias curriculum, culturally relevant environments, developmental issues, advocacy, and attitudes towards culture, race, gender, etc. C-ID: ECE 230. CSU
Prerequisite(s): (CHDV 100) and (CHDV 106) and (CHDV 110) and (CHDV 150 Minimum grade C)
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0 or ENGL 101H
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course focuses on the integration and application of child development theory to facilitate learning among young children. Students will complete 108 lab hours of supervised field experience at the campus Child Development Center or with an approved Mentor Teacher in the Community. Emphasis is placed on developing effective teaching strategies, play-oriented curriculum planning based upon observation and assessment, discipline and guidance techniques, cooperative relationships with staff and families, professional ethics and assessment of one's own professional competence. C-ID: ECE 210. CSU
Prerequisite(s): (CHDV 100) and (CHDV 106) and (CHDV 110) and (CHDV 150, Current (within a year) medical verification of absence of tuberculosis (TB). Must provide verification of an influenza shot, (TDap) pertussis and measles immunization (SB792), Minimum grade C)
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 36.0; Lab Hours: 108.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Methodsand principles of supervising student teachers, volunteers, staff, and other adults in early care and education settings. Emphasis is on the roles and development of early childhood professionals as mentors and leaders. This course is designed to fulfill three of the six semester units of administration required for the Site Supervisor Permit. CSU
Prerequisite(s): (CHDV 100) and (CHDV 106) and (CHDV 110) and (CHDV 142) and (CHDV 150) and (CHDV 160) and (CHDV 200) and (CHDV 210 Minimum grade C)
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 36.0; Lecture Hours: 2.25
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Introduction to the administration of early childhood programs. Covers program types, budget, management, regulations, laws, development and implementation of policies and procedures. Examines administrative tools, philosophies, and techniques needed to organize, open, and operate an early care and education program. This course is designed to fulfill three of the six semester units of administration required for the site supervisor permit.CSU
Prerequisite(s): (Completion of State Department of Health Standard and CHDV 100) and (CHDV 106) and (CHDV 110) and (CHDV 142) and (CHDV 150) and (CHDV 160) and (CHDV 200) and (CHDV 210 Minimum grade C)
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Effective strategies for personnel management and leadership in early care and education settings. Includes legal and ethical responsibilities, supervision techniques, professional development, and reflective practices for a diverse and inclusive early care and education program. This course is designed to fulfill three of the six semester units of administration required for the Site Supervisor Permit.
Prerequisite(s): (CHDV 100) and (CHDV 106) and (CHDV 110) and (CHDV 142) and (CHDV 150) and (CHDV 160) and (CHDV 200) and (CHDV 210 Minimum grade C)
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only