CFS 120

Child Growth and Development

(cross-listed as PSYC 185)

The physical, cognitive and social-emotional development of children from pre-conception through adolescence will be covered. Typical development and atypical development are considered, and roles of the family and society are explored.

CSU, UC

CFS 121

Health, Safety and Nutrition

This course will study the development of activities and resources as the basis for an appropriate health, safety and nutrition curriculum that encompasses all aspects of the life of a young child; the attitudes and practices which promote a healthy lifestyle, will also be studied.

CSU

CFS 122

Introduction to Early Childhood Theory and Practice

This course is a combination of lecture and supervised field practice in an assigned early care and education setting. The philosophy, principles and practices of early childhood programs will be studied. In addition, the practical application of effective techniques for guiding behavior and facilitating learning will be discussed.

CSU

CFS 123

Observing & Recording in Early Childhood

This course explores the use of multiple techniques in observing, recording, and understanding the behavior of young children. Students will utilize observational techniques to increase the effectiveness of their teaching.

CSU

CFS 130

The Creative Process in Young Children

Students will explore techniques that support the creative abilities of young children in art, music, literature, drama, puppetry, cooking, and nutrition. This course emphasizes a developmental creative approach.

CSU

CFS 135

The Cognitive Development of Young Children

Explore how young children think and develop theories and concepts. Students will gain knowledge about materials and environments to support young children’s cognitive development, including math and science skills.

CSU

CFS 140

The Child, Family and Community

(cross-listed as PSYC 186)

This course is a multicultural examination of the effects of family and community on a child’s development. Topics include the interactions among children, family, school, peers, media, and community, with an emphasis on ethnic diversity, social class, gender roles, and their impact on family behavior, values, morals, and attitudes.

CSU, UC

CFS 145

Language Development and Early Literacy in the Young Child

The development of language in young children and the role of literature are examined, including a detailed exploration of quality children’s literature. The practical use of language and literature in a variety of early childhood settings will be discussed.

CSU

CFS 150

Infant/Toddler Development & Education

This is an introductory course in the development and behavior of infants and toddlers, birth to three years of age. Curriculum and caregiving practices will be explored.

CSU

CFS 151

Environments for Infants and Toddlers

This course will study the impact of the physical and emotional environment of an infant/ toddler classroom on the social, emotional and cognitive well being of infants and toddlers. The components of good quality early care and education for this age group will also be studied.

CSU

CFS 155

Sensitive Issues in Early Childhood

This is an introductory course on issues in life that affect children: marriage, separation and divorce, death, sex and sexuality, self-acceptance, cultural and racial identity, hospitalization, and child abuse. This course is designed for parents, individuals in the helping professions, early childhood students, and other interested persons.

CSU

CFS 160

Parenting

(cross-listed as PSYC 187)

This course explores a wide range of parenting theories and techniques, utilizing a theoretical foundation with a practical approach. There is particular emphasis on building self-esteem, verbal and non-verbal communication, power, and control.

CSU

CFS 161

Working with Families

This course explores the value of relationships between families and the staff within the school setting. Includes an in-depth exploration of key concepts on how to deal effectively with families.

CSU

CFS 162

Overview of Special Education

History, recent laws, current local practice, and occupations in special education will be explored. Designed for parents of children with disabilities, employees in regular education programs, and those interested in a career in special education.

CSU

CFS 165

Curriculum and Environments in Early

Childhood Programs

This is a theoretical and practical course to develop the skills and abilities that will meet the needs of children in childcare settings. Emphasis is on planning and structuring the curriculum and environment to be responsive to psychosocial and physical needs of children.

CSU

CFS 168

Early Childhood Workshop

A short course offered peridocally on specialized topics in early childhood field. For current early childhood students, professionals, parents and other interested persons. Credit/No Credit grading. Repeatable for credit as topics change.

CSU

CFS 170

Studying the Reggio Emilia Approach

This is an introductory course in the theory, philosophy, and inspiration of Reggio Emiliar approach to early childhood education. Students will explore an interpreation of the basic principles of this approach. Emphasis is on developing a new image of the child in connection with the role of adults (teachers and parents), developing relationships, interactions, and experiences based on “progettazione” (term used in Reggio Emilia for prediction, hypothesis, projections of emergent projects).

CSU

CFS 175

Meeting the Developmental Needs of the School-Aged Child

The student will be exposed to the philosophy, principles and practices of school-age child care. Emphasis is on preparing students to work with children in a group setting. Students will learn techniques for guiding behavior, structuring program flow, and preparing environment to meet the needs of the school age child.

CSU

CFS 180

Childhood: A Cross-Cultural Perspective

(cross-listed as ANTH 180)

This course will include a comparative study of childhood as it is experienced in a variety of world and American ethnic cultures. The course explores different cultural patterns of child rearing, rates of development as they are influenced by gender and environmental variables. The role of women as child bearers, caretakers, and providers will be emphasized. The effects of rapid culture change on children will be studied with particular emphasis on recent immigration experiences in America.

CSU, UC

CFS 184

Teaching to Diversity

(cross-listed as PSYC 184)

This course explores issues of diversity in the classroom. Teachers are challenged to alter teaching patterns and classroom environments to support the ethnic, racial, linguistic, and family diversity of children.

CSU

CFS 196

Music and Movement in Early Childhood

(cross-listed as MUSI 196)

Introduction to teaching music and movement to young children. Basic elements such as beat, rhythm, timber, dynamics, form, and melody will be explored in developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive ways. Song, games, finger plays, rhymes, dances, and playing instruments will be presented. Repeatable two times for credit.

CSU

CFS 220

The Practical Application of Early Childhood Theory

The philosophy and principles of early childhood education will be explored. This includes strategies for implementation of a developmentally appropriate program.

CSU

CFS 222

Student Teaching I

This course is a supervised student teaching in a licensed childcare facility and a seminar on practical applications of early childhood theory. Emphasis is on observation as a means of understanding young children and developing curriculum.

CSU

CFS 223

Student Teaching II

This course is an advanced supervised student teaching in a licensed childcare facility and an advanced seminar. Emphasis is on developing and evaluating curriculum and lesson plans based on the needs and interests of individual children and the needs of the group. The student will need to utilize information learned in prior child and family studies classes. The role of the parent and parent conferences will be addressed.

CSU

CFS 250

The Mentor Teacher

Study of the methods and principles of supervising student teachers in early childhood classrooms. Emphasis on the role of experienced classroom teachers who function as mentors to new teachers while simultaneously addressing the needs of children, parents, and other staff.

CSU

CFS 270

Administration & Supervision of Early Childhood Programs 1

An introduction to the principles and practices of supervision and administration of childcare centers. An in-depth examination of the regulations, including Title 5 and Title 22.

CSU

CFS 271

Administration & Supervision of Early Childhood Programs 2

This is an advanced course in the administration and supervision of child-care programs with emphasis on sound business practices, utilizing staff development and team work to enhance quality, and developing supervisory and management skills. The course will also explore grant writing and the director’s role in advocacy.

CSU

CFS 298

Selected Topics in Early Childhood

Topics in child/family education not covered by regular catalog offerings. Course content and unit credit to be determined in relation to community/student needs and/or available staff. May be offered as a seminar, lecture, or lecture/lab class.

CSU

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