Child and Adolescent Development Associate in Arts for Transfer

The Associate in Arts in Child and Adolescent Development for Transfer (AAT) prepares students to demonstrate a basic understanding of child development theory and concepts, as well as preparation in lower-division coursework designed to enhance further developmental study. Studies include classical and contemporary research spanning conception through adolescence to promote the positive developmental outcomes essential to fostering healthy growth and learning of children and families in a diverse society. The major incorporates information from a variety of disciplines to provide a broad academic and professional foundation for working with children and families.

The major will provide students with the strong preparation necessary for pursuing studies at the university level in various careers such as children’s services, mental health, family support, youth programs, developmental research, teaching, early childhood education, public policy, social work, school psychology, child life and similar fields related to children and their families from infancy through adolescence. The coursework is designed to meet the needs of people planning to transfer to CSU into programs in Child Development, Human Development, Child and Adolescent Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Liberal Studies (Child Development and Elementary Education Tracks).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete this program will be able to:

Synthesize research-based theories including principles and practices of child and adolescent development and learning.
Utilize critical thinking skills to analyze, evaluate, and make decisions concerning complex contemporary issues and the interactions among individuals and across societies.
Use scientific methodologies to study human development from infancy through adolescence.
Demonstrate knowledge of development in all learning domains from conception through adolescence, including knowledge about typical and atypical development.

Graduation Requirements

The following is required for all AA-T or AS-T degrees:

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:

The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education –Breadth Requirements.
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. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Students must earn a “C” (or “P” Pass) or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Required Core (9 Units)

CDE 7 CHILD GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT 3 Units *
or
CDE 7H HONORS CHILD GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT 3 Units *
PSYC 1 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY 3 Units
or
PSYC 1H HONORS INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY 3 Units
PSYC 44 STATISTICS FOR THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES 3 Units *
or
MATH 10 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS 3 Units *
LIST A: (9 units)
CDE 15 CHILD, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY 3 Units *
and

Select two (6 units)
CDE 18 EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN 3 Units *
CDE 90 INTRO TO ELEMENTARY EDUCATION 3 Units *
CDE 101 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF TEACHING YOUNG CHILDREN 3 Units *
CDE 110 INTRODUCTION TO CURRICULUM 3 Units *
CDE 111 CHILD GUIDANCE AND COMMUNICATION 3 Units *
CDE 117 TEACHING IN A DIVERSE SOCIETY 3 Units *
CDE 120 OBSERVATION AND ASSESSMENT 3 Units *
CDE 123 INFANT AND TODDLER DEVELOPMENT 3 Units *
CDE 124 PRESCHOOL AND EARLY PRIMARY CHILD DEVELOPMENT 3 Units
CDE 126 SCHOOL AGE AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT 3 Units
HS 120 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT 3 Units *
SOC 10 INTRODUCTION TO MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 3 Units

Total Units for the Major: 18

*Course has a prerequisite, corequisite, limitation, or recommended preparation; see course description.