SDCCE Child 

Development

(Updated 6/5/24)

Program Misson Statement

Child development students acquire an understanding of their important role as a primary teacher of the children in their care. Through exposure to child development principles and opportunities to practice and master skills that complement each child’s age appropriate needs, students learn lifelong skills leading to careers in child development, as well as successful and effective parenting.


Child Development Program Description

 

The Child Development Certificate Program provides opportunities to complete various career training certificates that create pathways to entry-level employment in the child care industry or transition to college. The certificate program pathways are designed to prepare students for professional or learning support positions in education, child care settings, and various other child, adolescent and family career opportunities. Emphasis is placed on the study of child growth and development; related standards and regulations; positive guidance techniques; health and nutrition practices; indoor and outdoor enrichment; and developmental learning strategies.


 Certificate Programs 


Child Care Provider

Intro to Child Care Careers

Infant Care Specialist

Child Home Care

Infant & Toddler Development

Early Learner Development

Infant & Toddler Enrichment

Early Learner Enrichment

School Age Care & Leadership

3- to 5-Year Old Specialty Curriculum

Instructional Aide

Certificate and Course Descriptions


Child Care Provider Training Certificate 


The Child Care Provider Training program will provide students with foundational knowledge of early childhood development as well as information about business practices to help progress towards vocational, academic, personal and/or professional goals working with children. Students become familiar with the local requirements for childcare businesses and regulations pertaining to childcare providers. Program instruction incorporates development of critical thinking skills and soft skills needed in academic, professional and social settings with emphasis placed on caring for infants and young children. This program provides the knowledge and academic experience necessary for a student to successfully transition to credit institutions and further study in the field of child development.

Requires completion of two courses:

HMDV 575A Foundations of Child Care 

An introduction to the foundations of early childcare, including: basic child development, health and safety, nutrition, and behavior management and discipline. Course includes practical guidelines for childcare and explores options for careers and vocations in early childcare. (FT) (72 hours) *

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HMDV 575B Introduction to Child Care Business

An introduction to topics common to childcare providers, including: licensing, record keeping and insurance; safety, facility preparation and regulations; illness and injury prevention; creative and enriching activities; communication with parents; and menu planning. Course includes practical guidelines for building and/or working in successful and nurturing childcare environments. (FT) (72 hours) *

*HMDV 575A and 575B, when taken in a year, can earn a student 3 college units. To earn any college units, students must receive a B or better on the exit exam and a C or better in the course.  

Intro to Child Care Careers Certificate 


This program provides an introduction and prepares students for academic and professional success in the child care field. Students will learn practical guidelines for child care and explore the numerous options for careers in the child care field. Students will gain knowledge of basic child development theory, health and safety, nutrition, and behavior management. In preparation for academic and professional success in the child care field, students will learn skills to develop self-discipline and empathy, self-management, and self-awareness. Students will also gain an understanding of effective communication, financial literacy, employability skills, study skills and soft skills that apply to both the classroom and work environment. Students who successfully complete the program will be prepared to enter the child care workforce in an entry-level position or further their education in Child Development.

Requires completion of two courses:

HMDV 575A Foundations of Child Care 

An introduction to the foundations of early childcare, including: basic child development, health and safety, nutrition, and behavior management and discipline. Course includes practical guidelines for childcare and explores options for careers and vocations in early childcare. (FT) (72 hours)*

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INDT 500 Career and College Readiness

Infant Care Specialist Certificate


The Infant Care Specialist program will provide students with knowledge specific to infant care and development, as well as an understanding of basic business practices involving the care of infants ages 0-12 month. Students learn how to provide safe, nurturing and appropriate care for infants in the family home or in a child care center. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills to open their own infant family child care home. This program provides the knowledge and academic experience necessary for a student to successfully transition to credit institutions and further study in the field of child development.

Requires completion of three courses:

HMDV 575A Foundations of Child Care 

An introduction to the foundations of early childcare, including: basic child development, health and safety, nutrition, and behavior management and discipline. Course includes practical guidelines for childcare and explores options for careers and vocations in early childcare. (FT) (72 hours) *

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HMDV 575B Introduction to Child Care Business

An introduction to topics common to childcare providers, including: licensing, record keeping and insurance; safety, facility preparation and regulations; illness and injury prevention; creative and enriching activities; communication with parents; and menu planning. Course includes practical guidelines for building and/or working in successful and nurturing childcare environments. (FT) (72 hours) *

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 HMDV 580 Infant Development and Care

Students gain knowledge of the physical, cognitive and social/emotional development that takes place during the first year of life. Focus of the course will include ideas for creating a caring and enriching environment that promotes positive infant development and developing skills in family communications, problem-solving and stress reduction for caregivers. Students will explore careers and vocations in Early Childhood Care and Education. (FT) (54 hours)

Child Home Care Training Certificate


The Child Home Care Training program will provide students with knowledge of early childhood development, information about childcare business practices, and applied skills in both business and early childhood care and education. The program prepares students to have a successful child care business of their own serving children ages 0-5, as they experience hands-on-practice in a laboratory setting with multi-age children. Employment options, as well as opportunities for home business success, increase with program completion. This program provides the knowledge and academic experience necessary for a student to successfully transition to credit institutions and further study in the field of child development.

Requires completion of three courses:

HMDV 575A Foundations of Child Care 

An introduction to the foundations of early childcare, including: basic child development, health and safety, nutrition, and behavior management and discipline. Course includes practical guidelines for childcare and explores options for careers and vocations in early childcare. (FT) (72 hours) *

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HMDV 575B Introduction to Child Care Business

An introduction to topics common to childcare providers, including: licensing, record keeping and insurance; safety, facility preparation and regulations; illness and injury prevention; creative and enriching activities; communication with parents; and menu planning. Course includes practical guidelines for building and/or working in successful and nurturing childcare environments. (FT) (72 hours) *

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HMDV 584 Multi-age Development and Care

Students learn how to care for and nurture development for multi-age children in an early childhood environment. Emphasis on addressing topics related to the care and nurturing of multiple children include: sibling adjustment, birth order, temperament, family dynamics and parenting styles, communication and stress management, effective discipline and age and gender considerations. Students explore careers and vocations in Early Childhood Care and Education. (FT) (144 hours)

Infant & Toddler Development Certificate

The Infant and Toddler Development program will provide students with knowledge of the physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth of infants and toddlers. The program focuses on developmentally appropriate practices in the care of children ages 0-24 months and the creation of safe, appropriate and nurturing home and child care environments. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to provide safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate care for infants and toddlers. The student will explore and identify careers and vocations in infant and toddler development and care. This program provides skills necessary for entry-level employment in child care occupations and will provide students the opportunity explore educational pathways in Early Childhood Care and Education.

Requires completion of two courses:

HMDV 580 Infant Development and Care

Students gain knowledge of the physical, cognitive and social/emotional development that takes place during the first year of life. Focus of the course will include ideas for creating a caring and enriching environment that promotes positive infant development and developing skills in family communications, problem-solving and stress reduction for caregivers. Students will explore careers and vocations in Early Childhood Care and Education. (FT) (54 hours)

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HMDV 581 Toddler Development and Care 

This course provides the student with information on the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from 12 months of age to 23 months of age (Toddlers). Emphasis is placed on creating safe and nurturing environments and how toddlers learn and develop through play. Students explore careers and vocations in Early Childhood Care and Education. (FT) (54 hours) Earns 2 college unit *

Early Learner Development Certificate


The Early Learner Development Program will provide students with knowledge of the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development of children ages 2-5 years. The program focuses on developmentally appropriate practice in the care and education of children ages 2-5 years, and the creation of safe, appropriate and nurturing environments, which foster emerging skills and readiness for school entry. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to provide safe and nurturing environments and implement developmentally appropriate activities for early learners. The student will explore and identify careers and vocations in early childhood education, development and care. This program provides skills necessary for entry-level employment in child care occupations and will provide students the opportunity explore educational pathways in Early Childhood Care and Education.

Requires completion of two courses:

HMDV 582 Two Year Old Development and Care

Students learn about the physical, cognitive and social-emotional development of the 24-36 month-old, including developmentally appropriate expectations and behavior. Focus is placed on the importance of independence, self-regulation, language development, play and learning, safety, and wellness in two-year-olds. Students will explore careers and vocations in early childhood care and education. (FT) (54 hours) Earns 1 college unit *

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HMDV 583 Three to Five Year Old Development and Care

Course focus is on the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development and education of the three to five-year-old child. Emphasis is on learning how to create a nurturing and safe environment, which fosters emerging skills and school preparedness. Students develop communication and problem solving skills while planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities with children in a classroom setting. (FT) (162 hours)

Infant & Toddler Enrichment Certificate


The Infant and Toddler Enrichment program will provide students with knowledge and experience in various ways to promote and enrich infant/toddler physical, cognitive and socioemotional development. The emphasis will be on infant/toddler brain development as enhanced by experiences with music, movement and outdoor learning and play. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to lead activities at home and in the workplace with children 0-24 months that benefit infant and toddler brain development. The student will be able to create safe outdoor play and learning environments for infants and toddlers and demonstrate for parents and caregivers how to do so. The student will also gain knowledge and academic experience necessary to foster a successful transition to credit institutions and/or further study in the field of child development.

Requires completion of two courses:

HMDV 585 Infant/Toddler Brain Dance

With music-based movement and dance, rhythms, rhymes and singing, this course will explore how physical activity supports cognitive learning and social-emotional development in infants and young toddlers. Using multi-sensory props and instruments, students will experience how music and movement promote and sustain early developmental patterns necessary for building a strong foundation between body and brain. Laboratory portion of the course may require students to participate in activities along with children ages 0 to 24 months. (FT) (36 hours)

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HMDV 590 Infant/Toddler Outdoor Enrichment

This introductory course focuses on development of the 0 to 24 month old child in outdoor settings. The physical, cognitive and social-emotional benefits of outdoor play and activity for families and children will be emphasized. Students develop ecological and environmental awareness of local outdoor community resources. Students experience, plan and create safe and appropriate outdoor spaces, caring for and stimulating the positive development of infants and toddlers in outdoor settings. Students will explore careers and educational pathways in Early Childhood Care and Education. (FT) (63 hours)

Early Learner Enrichment Certificate


The Early Learner Enrichment program will provide students with knowledge and experience in various methods to promote and enrich physical, cognitive and socioemotional development in the early childhood between the ages of 2-5 years. The emphasis will be on brain development as enhanced by experiences with music, movement and outdoor learning and play. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be prepared to lead activities at home and in the workplace with children ages 2-5 years that benefit growth and development, with special emphasis on brain, language and physical development. The student will be able to demonstrate for parents and caregivers how to create safe outdoor play and learning environments for early learners. This program provides skills necessary for entry-level employment in child care occupations and will provide students the opportunity explore educational pathways in Early Childhood Care and Education.

Requires completion of two courses:

HMDV 586 Early Learner Brain Dance

This course will explore how physical activity supports cognitive learning and social-emotional development in early learners. Using multi-sensory props and instruments, students will experience how music and movement will promote and sustain early developmental patterns necessary for building a strong foundation between body and brain. Laboratory portion of the course may require students to participate in activities along with children ages at least 24 months old. (FT) (54 hours)  Earns 1 college unit *

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HMDV 591 Early Learner Outdoor Enrichment

This introductory course focuses on development of the 2-5 year-old child in outdoor settings. The physical, cognitive and social-emotional benefits of outdoor play and activity for families and children will be emphasized. Students develop ecological and environmental awareness of local outdoor community resources. Students experience, plan and create safe and appropriate outdoor spaces, caring for and stimulating the positive development of 2-5 year olds in outdoor settings. Students will explore careers and educational pathways in Early Childhood Care and Education. (FT) (63 hours) Earns 1 college unit *

School-Age Care & Leadership Certificate


The School-Age Care & Leadership program develops childcare providers’ foundational knowledge of the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of school-age children and those needing special attention, in order to design a program that uses positive guidance and discipline.  Students construct school-age child development center curriculum for practical application. The program incorporates the development of critical thinking and soft skills needed in academic, professional and social settings where emphasis is placed on before and after school care.

 Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be prepared to lead activities at home and in the workplace with children ages 6 to 12 years focusing on advancing growth on all domains of development as well as academic success.  The student will also gain knowledge and academic experience necessary to foster a successful transition to credit institutions and/or further study in the field of child development.

Requires completion of both courses:

HMDV 595 Theory and Skill Development

An introduction to the foundation of school-age childcare theory and skill development, including: child development stages, problem solving, self- esteem, social pressures, building resiliency, cultural impact, resources and temperament. Course includes practical guidelines for childcare. (FT) (27 hours)

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HMDV 596 Guidance & Curricula 

An introduction to the foundation of school-age childcare curriculum planning and guidance including: positive guidance techniques, conflict management, program planning, curriculum development, enrichment activities and communication skills. Course includes practical guidelines for managing a classroom of school-agers, establishing a safe nurturing environment and communicating effectively. (FT) (27 hours)


Three- to Five-Year-Old Specialty CurriculumCertificate



Requires completion of both courses:

HMDV 593 3-5-Yr Old Emergent Literacy

. (FT) (72 hours)

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HMDV 594 3-5-Yr Old STEAM Education 

. (FT) (72 hours) Earns 1 college unit *

Instructional Aide Certificate

The Instructional Aide Program will help students understand the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), individualized educational program (IEP), and characteristics of disabilities in the school-aged child. Students will become familiar with teaching strategies, professional responsibilities, and laws and regulations related to teaching children with disabilities. Program instruction focuses on understanding terminology and applied practice through role-play and observation as well as students. This program prepares students for entry-level positions in school, home, and community-based programs that support learning and independence for individuals with disabilities.  

Requires completion of both courses:

HMDV 571A Instructional Aide I

Introduction to providing instructional support to individuals with disabilities in multiple settings. This course provides an overview of the following: characteristics of disabilities; simple teaching strategies; laws and regulations related to working with children with disabilities; professional responsibilities; possible work settings and duties. (FT) (54 hours)

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HMDV 571B Instructional Aide II 

Introduction to principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) for the purpose of providing instructional support to individuals with disabilities. This course provides an overview of the following: ABA teaching strategies; reinforcement; functions of behavior; areas for intervention; behavioral terms; data collection; and standards in communication and training. (FT) (54 hours)