Child Development Program
Overview
The Child Development Program comprises three classes focused on competency-based learning, emphasizing theories of human development and growth. Additionally, there is a fourth competency-based class dedicated to special education.
Students gain practical experience through field observations and interactions with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. These practical components include studying program goals, guidance techniques, health and nutrition practices, and creating conducive indoor and outdoor environments. The program also covers special education requirements, effective curriculum planning—including play-based activities and projects that foster family and societal relationships—and project-based experiences in child development program supervision.
Key areas of emphasis include program development, supervision, evaluation, recruitment and retention of staff and volunteers, staff relations, facility maintenance, business practices, health and nutrition for staff and students, parental involvement, and public relations.
The competencies in these courses are aligned with the California High School Academic Content Standards and the California Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards.
Child Development 1: Foundations
Brief Course Description: This course provides students with project-based experiences in child development programs. Instruction includes an orientation, workplace safety policies and procedures, techniques on communications and critical thinking, and employability skills. This course includes guided observations and fieldwork experience with groups of young children.
- Course Prerequisites:
- Prior completion of STEP Orientation
Child Development 2: Curriculum
Brief Course Description: This course provides students with project-based experiences in child development curricula. Emphasis is placed on the principles and practices of effective curriculum planning including play-based curricular activities and activities that enhance familial and societal relationships of students. This course
includes guided observations and fieldwork experience with groups of young children.
- Course Prerequisites:
- Prior completion of STEP Orientation
- Certificate of Completion: Preceding Child Development
Child Development 3: Supervision
Brief Course Description: This course provides students with project-based experiences in child development program supervision. Emphasis is placed on program development, evaluation, recruitment and retention, and health and nutrition. This course includes guided observations and fieldwork experience with groups of young children.
- Course Prerequisites:
- Prior completion of STEP Orientation
- Certificate of Completion: Preceding Child Development
Education 4: Special Education
Brief Course Description: This competency-based course is the last in a sequence of four designed for teacher training. It provides students with project-based experiences in special education programs. Emphasis is placed on the policies, principles, and practices in special education.
- Course Prerequisites:
- Prior completion of STEP Orientation
- Certificate of Completion: Child Development 1, 2, 3
