​​​​​​​​​​​The Associate in Arts Degree in Child Development - Emphasis in School Age Care and Recreation is designed to prepare students to serve as instructional aides/paraprofessional staff members in an elementary school setting and/or teachers in an expanded learning before/after school program. Students are offered knowledge about the development of the school age child and the role of the adult in helping to integrate skills and aid classroom learning.

• The program is available for educators, parents, administrators, and health care professionals. 

• In addition to the 32.5-35.5 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 which meet the general education requirement. 

• Students who earn this degree should apply for the School Age Care and Recreation Certificate​ and the Child Development Permit​. In order to qualify for the certificate, 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.​

• Contact one of our Education Counselors at SAC for additional assistance in planning your education studies profession (714-564-6254).​

Students are encouraged to add a certificate program​ to their course of study.​

​​Course Requirements