Natalie J. Dorrell
Special to the Sun

Are you interested in a career providing quality care and education for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, or school age youngsters in both full-day and part-day programs? Cerro Coso Community College’s Child Development Program of study promotes the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of children through positive interactions and developmentally appropriate activities.

CHDV C100, “Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children” will meet at the Kern River Valley campus on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:05 p.m. Marianne Fountain will instruct beginning Sept. 14 which provides an examination of the underlying theoretical principles of developmentally appropriate practices applied to programs and environments emphasizing the key role of relationships, constructive adult-child interactions and teaching strategies in supporting physical, social, creative and intellectual development for all children. This course includes a review of the historical roots of early childhood programs and the evolution of the professional practices promoting advocacy, ethics and professional identity. Students may be required to observe children in a group setting.

Early education and childcare work requires patience, creativity, flexibility, and the ability to nurture. Good communication and positive guidance skills are essential. Teachers and directors must possess leadership, teamwork and organizational skills, and the ability to problem solve. All professionals working with children are required to have a clean criminal record, to demonstrate freedom from tuberculosis (TB), and to demonstrate the physical ability to carry out all of the duties of a professional position working directly with children.

Interested Cerro Coso students can earn an A.S. degree in Child Development or an Assistant Teacher Award, Associate Teacher Award, or Teacher Certificate for completing a defined course of study that requires fewer units than the A.S. degree. The California Child Development Permit Matrix requirements are reflected in the program allowing students to qualify for the permits required for teaching in programs governed by Title V and funded by contracts with the State of California. Permits are issued by the State Department of Education, California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (not Cerro Coso) and include: Assistant Teacher, Associate Teacher, Teacher, Master Teacher, and Site Supervisor.

No matter what your goals are this fall, the key to reaching them is to choose the right path. At Cerro Coso Community College we have classes to meet all your needs. Fall 2010 classes begin Aug. 23.

Register early for best class selection. Class schedules and registration information are available on the World Wide Web at www.cerrocoso.edu, or give us a call at the Kern River Valley campus at 760-379-5501.