This course examines the major developmental milestones of children, both typical and atypical, from conception through adolescence. Physical, psychosocial, and cognitive development are studied, with an emphasis on the interactions between maturational processes and environmental factors including language, culture, and diversity. Students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages while studying developmental theory and investigative research methodologies.

This course provides an overview of human development from conception through death, including biological and environmental influences. Theories and research of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development are examined and applied to studies of typically and atypically developing individuals at various points in their lifespan and within the context of a family.

This course examines the appropriate use of assessment and observation tools and strategies to document young children's development and learning. It emphasizes the use of findings to inform and plan learning environments and experiences. Recording strategies, rating systems, anecdotal records, and multiple assessment tools, including the Desired Results Developmental Profile and Ages and Stages will be explored along with strategies for collaborations with families and professionals.

This course provides the opportunity to apply observation techniques to early childhood practice. It requires the use of specific observation tools, including DRDP, to observe children's development and their interactions with adults, children, materials, and activities. The use of findings to inform and plan learning environments and experiences are emphasized. Recording strategies, rating systems, portfolios, and multiple assessment tools will be discussed, along with strategies for collaboration with families and professionals. A minimum of twenty-four (24) hours of observation must be completed at the Orfalea Child Development Center at Ventura College or at a designated child development center with a master teacher or qualified master teacher that has been approved.

This course examines the development of social identities in diverse societies including theoretical and practical implications of oppression and privilege as they apply to young children, families, programs, classrooms, and teaching. Various classroom strategies will be explored emphasizing culturally and linguistically appropriate anti-bias approaches supporting all children in becoming competent members of a diverse society. The course includes self-examination and reflection on issues related to social identity, stereotypes and bias, social and educational access, media, and schooling.

This course introduces the variations in development of children with special needs ages birth through eight, and the resulting impact on families. It includes an overview of historical and societal influences, laws relating to children with special needs, and the identification and referral process.

This course is an introduction to current teaching practices that promote the development of children's literacy skills and language acquisition. It emphasizes developmentally appropriate learning experiences, teacher interactions, environments, and curriculum materials, and literature for both native English speakers and English language learners.

This course is an introduction to current and best teaching practices that promote children's development in visual and performing arts: visual art, music, dance, and drama. It emphasizes teaching strategies, environments, and materials, and guiding principles for developing appropriate learning experiences for young children.

This course is an introduction to intentional teaching practices in designing and implementing curriculum for young children in science, technology, engineering, and math. Emphasis is on curriculum design and assessment, and the use of developmentally appropriate learning activities, teaching techniques, and materials.

This course covers curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with special needs in partnership with their families. It focuses on the use of observation and assessment in meeting the individual needs of children in inclusive and natural environments. Included is the role of the teacher as a professional working with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and cultural competence.

This course introduces early childhood guidance and discipline through examination of theories, research, and practical application. It addresses difficult child behaviors which are encountered by teachers and parents, and examines techniques to cope with and solve these behavior difficulties. Emphasis is on communicating effectively with young children, guiding children of varying ages, promoting self-regulation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving.

This course is an introduction to the laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures, and best practices related to child health, safety, and nutrition. Includes prevention strategies, nutrition, and meal planning for various ages and planning educational experiences integrated into daily routines to teach positive health, safety, and nutrition habits. There is a focus on integrating the concepts into everyday planning and program development for all children.

This course is a study of infants and toddlers from pre-conception to age three, including physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional growth and development. It applies theoretical frameworks to interpret behavior and interactions between heredity and environment. It emphasizes the role of family and relationships in development.

This course applies current theory and research to the care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. The course examines essential policies, principles and practices that lead to quality care and developmentally appropriate curriculum for children from birth to 36 months. This course is required for infant/toddler caregivers in licensed childcare centers in California.

This course is a study of the methods and principles of supervising student teachers, assistant teachers, parents and volunteers in early childhood education/child development classrooms. Emphasis is on the roles and development of early childhood professionals as mentors and leaders.

This course covers the problems of establishing and operating a small business. The opportunities for small businesses and the requirements for success are discussed.

This course is an examination of the developing child in a societal context focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community and emphasizes historical and socio-cultural factors. The processes of socialization and identity will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families.

This course examines the historical context and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education. It examines the role of the early childhood educator, identifies best practices for environmental design, curriculum , and teaching strategies. Teacher child relationships, professional ethics, career pathways and professional standards are explored.

This course focuses on the developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for young children. It explores teaching strategies and curriculum development based on theoretical frameworks, observation, and assessment. Emphasis is on the teacher’s role in supporting development and learning across the curriculum, including all content areas.

This course introduces the principles and practices of administration of early childhood education programs. It examines administrative tools, philosophies, and techniques needed to organize, open, and operate an early care and education program. Topics covered include: program types, budget, management, regulations, laws, and development of policies and procedures.

This course examines in-depth the procedures and practices for teaching young children in a child care setting. Students will demonstrate early childhood competencies, make connections between theory and practice, and develop professional behaviors. Students are required to design and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for all young children.

This course provides supervision in student teaching at the Orfalea Child Development Center at Ventura College or a designated child development center. Seventy hours (70) of student teaching and lab assignments required. Students will demonstrate teacher performance expectations, make connections between theory and practice, implement and evaluate appropriate early childhood experiences, and develop professional behaviors that promote positive development and learning for young children. Emphasis is on implementation of the California Early Learning system.

This course offers specialized study opportunities for students who wish to pursue projects not included in the regular curriculum. Students are accepted only by a written project proposal approved by the discipline prior to enrollment.

This course offers students who are volunteers (unpaid) an opportunity to obtain work experience related to their field of study. Students are accepted as a result of consultation with a designated faculty member in the discipline and the acceptance of an approved work proposal.

This course offers students who are employed in the field an opportunity to expand their work experience related to their field of study. Students are accepted as a result of consultation with a designated faculty member in the discipline and the acceptance of an approved work proposal.