Available beginning in Fall 2025
The Associate in Art Degree in Child and Adolescent Development for Transfer (AA-T) focuses on understanding the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children and adolescents from birth through adolescence. This degree does not prepare students to be a classroom teacher. This degree provides a foundation in developmental psychology, education, and human services, preparing students for careers or advanced study in fields related to working with children, teenagers, and families.
Completion of the AS-T in Child and Adolescent Development degree also provides guaranteed admission with junior status to the CSU system, along with priority admission to California State University, Fullerton, in the Child and Adolescent Development major. See SAC course catalog for a list of additional requirements for all Associate in Arts for Transfer (A.A.-T) and Associate in Science for Transfer (A.S.-T) degrees.
Non-Teaching Focus
- This program is designed for students who may not be interested in a curricular or classroom focus and are planning to work within fields related to children and their families from infancy through adolescence.
- This program is also designed for students currently teaching in an Early Childhood Education classroom setting. This program meets partial educational requirements for the Child Development Teacher permit. This program does not teach you to teach, rather, it is for current early childhood educators who want to pursue their associate's degree while currently working in an early childhood education classroom setting. There is NOT a practicum course in this degree program. Students will need to complete verification of experience for the supervised work experience requirement for the permit.
Option 1:
- Complete all General Requirements (24 ECE Units - see Terms and Definitions). Students can add a certificate program to the degree to meet the 24 unit requirement.
- Complete 16 semester units in general education, including at least one course in each of the following areas: humanities and/or fine arts, social sciences, math and/or science, and English and/or language arts.
- Complete 175 days of experience in an instructional capacity in a child care and development program, working at least three hours per day within the last four years. This experience must be verified by submitting an original letter from the employer on official letterhead.
Students should consult with a Child Development Permit growth advisor for guidance. Students can also attend a Child Development Permit Event.
Potential Non-Teaching Careers
- Education: school counselors, school psychologists, or curriculum developers.
- Healthcare: Child life specialists, behavioral therapists, or pediatric support staff.
- Social Services: Family counselors, case managers, or youth program coordinators.
- Research and Policy: Developmental researchers or advocates for child and family policies.
- Many students also use this degree as a stepping stone for advanced degrees in fields like clinical psychology, social work, education, or speech-language pathology.
Teacher Preparation Program
Students NOT currently teaching in an Early Childhood Education setting should take courses through our teacher preparation program that will teach them how to teach young children:
Course Requirements - Program Begins Fall 2025
Child Development 107 | Child Growth and Development (DS1) | 3 | Fall, Spring |
Child Development 110
| Child, Family, and Community (DS2)
| 3 | Fall, Spring |
Child Development 112
| Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Children (DS7)
| 3 | Fall, Spring |
Child Development 221
| Living and Teaching in a Diverse Society (DS7)
| 3 | Fall, Spring |
PSYC 100
or
PSYC 100H
| Introduction to Psychology or Honors Introduction to Psychology
| 3 | Fall, Spring |
Psychology 160
| Introduction to Lifespan Psychology
| 3 | Fall, Spring |
STAT 100
or
STAT 100H
or
PSYC 210
| Introduction to Statistics
or Honors Introduction to Statistics or Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
| 4
| Fall, Spring |
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