The Associate in Arts in Child Development - Infant/Toddler Teacher degree program provides students with a specialized focus on the strengths and needs of infants and toddlers. Students will study the comprehensive development of the young child, birth to three years, with a focus on understanding current research-based practices and best caregiving practices. The practicum component of the program will support the students as they transfer their learning to their work with young children. The program is available for early childhood educators, parents, administrators, and health care professionals. In addition to the 36.5 units of Child Development coursework, students must also complete the general education requirements. This degree prepares students for transfer to a 4-year university to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

Refer to the Graduation Requirements or the CSU-GE and IGETC patterns in this catalog for specific courses that meet the general education requirement. Contact Career Technical Education (CTE) counselors at SAC for additional assistance in planning your early childhood profession (714-564-6254). Students who earn this degree should apply for the Early Childhood Infant/Toddler Teacher Certificate and the California Teacher’s Permit. To qualify for the degree, certificate and permit, a student must also have work experience with young children (175 days of 3 hours per day within 4 years). See Child Development faculty members for assistance.

Learning Outcome(s):

✓ Demonstrate knowledge of early childhood curriculum, program practices, and the development of young children.