Infant and Toddler Specialist - Major #5619

Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


The Certificate of Achievement in Infant and Toddler Specialist is designed to prepare students to work with children ages 0-3 in a variety of early care and education settings. Completion of the Certificate fulfills the child development coursework requirement for the California Child Development Permit at the Teacher level.

Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the needs, the characteristics and multiple influences on development of children birth to age three.
  2. 2. Design, implement and evaluate environments and activities that support positive developmental outcomes for young children.
  3. 3. Apply effective guidance and interaction strategies that support children’s social and emotional development.
  4. 4. Apply ethical standards and professional behaviors that promote partnerships between programs, teachers, families and their communities.
Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester

Term 1

9 units

Elective

0 units

Recommend taking CDEV 6 to fulfill prerequitites in Term 2

CDEV 1
Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children

3 units
Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
This course examines the historical contexts and theoretical perspectives of developmentally appropriate practice in early care and education for children, birth through age eight. Students will examine the typical roles and expectations of early childhood educators. The course explores professional ethics, career pathways, and professional standards. An introduction to best practices for developmentally appropriate learning environments, relationships, curriculum, and effective pedagogy for young children, including how play contributes to children's learning, growth, and development. This course requires observation in a group early childhood setting. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:

    CDEV 3
    Introduction to Curriculum

    3 units
    Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
    Students will plan developmentally appropriate curriculum and environments for children birth through age eight. Students will use knowledge of children’s development, theories of learning and development, and examples from various models of developmentally appropriate practice to plan environments and curriculum in all content areas to support children’s development and learning integrated throughout indoor and outdoor settings including supports for children on race, equity, language varieties, and diverse abilities. The "To Be Arranged" hours may include observation of and participation in planning learning environments and curriculum. (A, CSU)
    Course Details:
    1. Prerequisite:
    Verification of freedom from tuberculosis. Verification of immunization against influenza, pertussis and measles.

    CDEV C1000
    Child Growth and Development

    3 units
    Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
    Part 1: Students examine the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identify developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Emphasis is on interactions between biological processes, environmental, and cultural factors. Students may engage in various methods of observing children's development to evaluate individual differences and analyze development characteristics at various stages according to developmental theories.
    Part 2: (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
    Course Details:

      Verification of freedom from tuberculosis.

      Term 2

      12 units

      CDEV 11
      The Young Child With Learning Differences, Developmental Delays, Neurodiversity, and Disabilities

      3 units
      Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
      This course is an introduction to the variations in development of children with learning differences, developmental delays, neurodiversity and disabilities aged from birth through eight. The course includes an overview of historical/societal influences, laws relating to children's services, the referral/identification process, the impact on families, and the community. (A, CSU, UC)
      Course Details:
      1. Prerequisite: CDEV C1000

      CDEV 20
      Observation and Assessment

      3 units
      Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
      This course introduces the appropriate use of assessment and observation tools and strategies to document young children’s development and learning. 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. Students are required to observe children in a group setting. (A, CSU)
      Course Details:
        (
      1. Prerequisite: CDEV 1
        2. AND
      2. Prerequisite: CDEV 3
        3. AND
      3. Prerequisite: CDEV C1000
        4. )

      CDEV 21
      Infant and Toddler Development

      3 units
      Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
      This course focuses on infants and toddlers from pre-conception to age three, including physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional growth and development. Students will apply theoretical frameworks to interpret behavior and interactions between heredity and the environment. The course emphasizes the role of family and relationships in development. (A, CSU, UC)
      Course Details:
        (
      1. Prerequisite: CDEV 1
        2. AND
      2. Prerequisite: CDEV C1000
        3. )

      CDEV 30
      Child and Family in a Diverse Community

      3 units
      Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
      This course emphasizes the processes of socialization focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community. The course examines the influence of multiple societal contexts including race, equity, and language. Students will explore the role of collaboration between family, community, and schools in supporting children’s development, birth through adolescence. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
      Course Details:
      1. Advisory: ENGL C1000

      Term 3

      3 units

      CDEV 22
      Infant and Toddler Practicum

      3 units
      Effective Term: 2026 Fall Semester
      This course 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. The “To Be Arranged” hours include observation and participation in a group early childhood setting, in planning environments and facilitating infant toddler growth and development. (A, CSU)
      Course Details:
        (
      1. Prerequisite: CDEV 21
        2. AND
      2. Prerequisite:
        3. )
      Total: 24 units