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
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.
Child Development, AS
State Control Number: 10802
Program Code: CLDEV.AS
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: Yes
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.
To earn this degree, complete the major coursework with “C” grades or better and all of the following graduation requirements: 60 minimum degree-applicable units (including a maximum 4 units of activity); 2.0 minimum overall GPA; 12 degree-applicable units through VVC; Information Competency; Global Citizenship; Kinesiology, and the VVC General Education pattern. Courses may count in one area only, either in the major or in a general education category. Courses counted in one AA/AS major may not be used in another AA/AS major.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CHDV 100 | Child Growth & Development | 3.0 |
| CHDV 106 | Child, Family, and Community | 3.0 |
| CHDV 110 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3.0 |
| CHDV 142 | Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3.0 |
| CHDV 150 | Introduction to Curriculum | 3.0 |
| CHDV 160 | Observation and Assessment | 3.0 |
| CHDV 200 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3.0 |
| CHDV 210 | Practicum | 4.0 |
| Total Units | 25 | |
Early Childhood Education, AS-T
State Control Number: 31802
Program Code: ECDT.AS or ECDT.IGETC.AS
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: Yes
The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education for Transfer degree is to prepare students for transfer to the California State University system. The Victor Valley College (VVC) Child Development Program has is aligned with the state-wide early childhood Curriculum Alignment Project (CAP); providing students a discipline-wide accepted core of eight quality courses that lay the foundation for transfer into upper division programs in Child Development, Human Development, Early Childhood Education and related majors. This TMC degree is in full alignment with our existing AS in Child Development degree and will provide an additional option for those students desiring to transfer to a CSU.
To earn this degree complete the major coursework listed here with “C” grades or better and the following graduation requirements: 60 CSU transferable units; either the CSU General Education or IGETC (for CSU or UC) pattern; and a 2.0 minimum overall CSU GPA. Courses used in the major may also be counted in the general education areas. Courses used for this major may also be used to earn other degrees at VVC.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CHDV 100 | Child Growth & Development | 3.0 |
| CHDV 106 | Child, Family, and Community | 3.0 |
| CHDV 110 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3.0 |
| CHDV 150 | Introduction to Curriculum | 3.0 |
| CHDV 160 | Observation and Assessment | 3.0 |
| CHDV 210 | Practicum | 4.0 |
| CHDV 142 | Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3.0 |
| CHDV 200 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3.0 |
| Total Units | 25 | |
Elementary Teacher Education, AA-T
State Control Number: 42301
Program Code: ETET.AA or ETET.IGETC.AA
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: Yes
The Associate of Arts in Elementary Education for Transfer (AA-T), also identified as the Elementary Teacher Education AA-T Degree, is designed to provide lower-division coursework for the students to develop depth in content area subject matter requirements for teaching at the elementary school level. As a result of successful completion of coursework leading to Elementary Teacher Education AA-T Degree, the student will gain the knowledge and foundations of the established and recent theories of child development and will be able to apply human development theory to observation and have the opportunity to participate in practice in supervised fieldwork in kindergarten through eighth-grade settings. The successful student will analyze and engage in critical thinking about the teacher’s role in early learning and development settings. The Elementary Teacher Education AA-T Degree is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer from community college student status with an Associate Degree in Elementary Teacher Education to the California State University (CSU) System. In addition, the option to major in either a General Track Liberal Studies Program or an Integrated Liberal Studies/Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Program.
To earn this degree complete the major coursework listed here with “C” grades or better and the following graduation requirements: 60 CSU transferable units; either the CSU General Education or IGETC pattern; the Basic/Golden 4 requirements; and a 2.0 minimum overall CSU GPA. Courses used in the major may also be counted in the general education areas. Courses used for this major may also be used to earn other degrees at VVC.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CHDV 105 | Introduction to Elementary Education | 3.0 |
| CHDV 100 | Child Growth & Development | 3.0 |
| BIOL 100 | General Biology | 4.0 |
| CHEM 100 | Introductory Chemistry | 4.0 |
| GEOL 121 | Earth Science With Lab | 4.0 |
| MATH 114 | Mathematical Concepts for Elementary School Teachers | 3.0 |
| CMST 109 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| ENGL 101.0 | English Composition and Reading | 4.0 |
| ENGL 102.0 | Composition and Literature | 3.0 |
| GEOG 104 | World Regional Geography | 3.0 |
| HIST 103 | World History to 1500 | 3.0 |
| HIST 117 | History of U.S to 1876 | 3.0 |
| POLS 102 | Introduction to American Government And Politics | 3.0 |
| List A | ||
| Select one course from the following | 3.0 | |
| Critical Thinking & Composition | ||
| Introduction to Logic | ||
| Introduction to Critical Thinking | ||
| List B | ||
| Select one course from the following | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Art | ||
| History and Appreciation of Dance | ||
| Introduction to Music | ||
| Introduction to Theatre | ||
| Total Units | 49 | |
Level I: Associate Teacher Certificate of Achievement
State Control Number: 04968
Program Code: CHILD1.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: Yes
Having this certificate will allow an individual to meet the requirements for work in the majority of “private” (Title 22) early childhood programs. If a student wishes to work in “state and federally” funded programs (i.e. Head Start and CA State Preschool), they must obtain the Associate Teacher “Permit” from the office of California Teacher Credentialing. Students must meet the following two requirements to obtain this state issued “permit”: 1) Meet all “educational” requirements (this “certificate” satisfies all “educational” requirements for the Associate Teacher Permit). 2) Satisfy an “experience” requirement by completing 50 days of experience (of 3 or more hours per day) within the last two years. Note: While the VVC certificate does not satisfy experience requirements; students obtaining an AS Degree in Child Development are exempt from documenting the 50 days work experience.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Complete all of the following with a C or better | ||
| CHDV 100 | Child Growth & Development | 3.0 |
| CHDV 106 | Child, Family, and Community | 3.0 |
| CHDV 110 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children 1 | 3.0 |
| CHDV 142 | Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3.0 |
| CHDV 150 | Introduction to Curriculum | 3.0 |
| ENGL 101.0 | English Composition and Reading | 4.0 |
| Total Units | 19 | |
Level II: Teacher (Pre School) Certificate of Achievement
State Control Number: 07589
Program Code: CHILD2.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: Yes
This certificate satisfies all requirements for the Teacher Permit, issued by the State of California. The permit qualifies one to hold positions at the teacher level in State and Federally Funded programs such as Head Start and State Preschool. (Permit applications can be obtained through the Child Development Department.)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Complete all of the following with a C or better | ||
| CHDV 100 | Child Growth & Development | 3.0 |
| CHDV 106 | Child, Family, and Community | 3.0 |
| CHDV 110 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3.0 |
| CHDV 142 | Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3.0 |
| CHDV 150 | Introduction to Curriculum | 3.0 |
| CHDV 160 | Observation and Assessment | 3.0 |
| CHDV 200 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3.0 |
| CHDV 210 | Practicum | 4.0 |
| ENGL 101.0 | English Composition and Reading | 4.0 |
| General Education Units 1 | 18.0 | |
| Total Units | 47 | |
- 1
18 additional General Education Units. Must be Associate Degree applicable from the following categories: 6 units from Social and Behavioral Science, 6 units from Humanities, 3 units from Language and Rationality, and 3 units from Math or Science.
Experience requirement necessary to apply for the Child Development Permit: Evidence of working in an early childhood program for 175 days of 3 or more hours per day within the past 4 years. Use the Verification of Experience Form, which is included in the Permit Application, to document this experience. (This is not necessary for obtaining certificate from VVC)
Level III: Site Supervisor (Pre School) Certificate of Achievement
State Control Number: 07591
Program Code: CHILD3.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: No
This certificate satisfies all educational requirements for the Site Supervisor Permit, issued by the State of California. This permit qualifies one to hold positions at the Site Supervisor level in State and Federally Funded programs such as Head Start and State Preschool.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Complete all of the following with a C or better | ||
| CHDV 100 | Child Growth & Development | 3.0 |
| CHDV 106 | Child, Family, and Community | 3.0 |
| CHDV 110 | Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children | 3.0 |
| CHDV 142 | Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3.0 |
| CHDV 150 | Introduction to Curriculum | 3.0 |
| CHDV 160 | Observation and Assessment | 3.0 |
| CHDV 200 | Teaching in a Diverse Society | 3.0 |
| CHDV 210 | Practicum | 4.0 |
| CHDV 220 | Mentor Teacher/Adult Supervision | 2.0 |
| CHDV 239 | Administration of Children's Programs I | 3.0 |
| CHDV 240 | Administration of Children's Programs II | 3.0 |
| Elective Specialization Courses | ||
| Complete two courses from the following: | 6.0 | |
| Infant and Toddler Caregiving | ||
| Art Experiences for Young Children | ||
| Children's Language and Literacy Development | ||
| Introduction to Children With Special Needs | ||
| Basics of School-Age Child Care | ||
| Math/Science Experiences for Children | ||
| Music and Movement Experiences for Young Children | ||
| Total Units | 39 | |
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 45 Minimum grade C, or eligibility for ENGL 101.0 is strongly advised.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
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.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 45, Minimum grade C or eligibility to ENGL 101.0 is strongly advised
Lecture Hours: 54.0
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.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0
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.
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.
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.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Cooperative Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Cooperative Education is a 16-, 12-, or 8-week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Cooperative Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories. Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains. Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites.
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.
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.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0 or ENGL 101H
Lecture Hours: 54.0
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.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
Lecture Hours: 54.0
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.
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.
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.
Recommended Preparation: CHDV 100 and CHDV 110, ENGL 45 or Eligibility for ENGL 101.0 is strongly advised
Lecture Hours: 54.0
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.
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 101.0
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Methods and 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.
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
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.
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
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
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
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.