The Child Development and Education Department offers two programs for students considering work with children in diverse care and educational settings. Coursework focuses on examining theory and applying it to practice to support learning outcomes that are educationally, developmentally and culturally appropriate.
The Child Development program focuses on effective strategies for working with children ages 0-5, and their families. The Education program offers coursework designed to introduce students to the field of teaching grades K-12. The coursework offered may satisfy the pre-requisites to credential programs at 4 year universities.
Certificates, degrees, and courses in the CDE Department are aligned with certification requirements, prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions, and provide post certification professional development.
Department Information
Phone: (949) 582-4208
csmith78@saddleback.edu
The Education Program is part of the Child Development and Education Department, for more information about Faculty, Student Resources, Special Benefits for Majors, State Permits/Credentials, and Frequently Asked Questions please visit our Child Development Department website.
Faculty
Christina Smith 
Department Chair
Office BGS 103
(949) 582-4208
Earn your AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education
For required coursework to earn, please open this attachment: AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education.
What is an AA-T?
The CSU Degree with a Guarantee was designed to make it easier for students to transfer between the California Community College (CCC) and the California State University (CSU) systems. California community college students who complete an Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degree are guaranteed admission to a campus within the CSU system.
The Degree with a Guarantee Program guarantees admission to a CSU campus; however, it does not guarantee admission to a specific campus and is not available for all majors. Through this program, students who complete an AA-T or AS-T degree will be given a GPA advantage when applying to CSU impacted campuses or majors.
In addition, students with an AA-T or AS-T enter the CSU as a junior; if they are accepted to and remain in their similar major they will need only 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) at their CSU campus to complete a bachelor's degree.
For more information visit http://www.adegreewithaguarantee.com/
Do you want to be an Elementary or Secondary Teacher?
If you are interested in becoming an Elementary or Secondary School Teacher
EDUC 41 (Formerly EDUC 115)-Secondary School Teaching (4units)
This course provides an overview of the teaching profession for students who are considering a career in secondary education. 40 hours of fieldwork will be required.
EDUC 90- Intro to Elementary Education (3 units)
Introduces concepts and issues related to teaching diverse learners in today's contemporary schools, Kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12). In addition to class time, the course requires 45 hours of structured fieldwork in approved public school classrooms.
EDUC 118- Exceptional Children (3 units)
An introduction to special education for K-12 students. Offers a survey and study of various characteristics of exceptional children. The primary focus will be on the categories of children with disabilities, but will include children at risk, and children from culturally diverse backgrounds.
EDUC 131- Educational Psychology (3 units)
Focuses on the basic principles of psychology that are pertinent to education, including abilities, intelligence, social and emotional factors and principles of learning.
Visit Teach California, to learn the different pathways to become a teacher. This website is administered by the California Department of Education.
The schedule below is typically when courses are offered.
| Course ID | Title of Course | Units | Fall semester | Spring Semester | Summer Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Educ 41 | Secondary School Teaching | 4 units | On Campus | On campus | Not offered |
| Educ 90 | Intro to Elementary Education* | 3 units | Online | On campus | Not offered |
| Educ 118 | Exceptional Children | 3 units | Online | Online | |
| Educ 131 | Educational Psychology | 3 units | Online | Online | Online |
*Educ 90 is a course requirement to earn the AA-T.
To earn a Multiple Subjects (Elementary) or Single Subjects (Middle or High School) Credential you must attend a 4 year university.
It is recommended you visit the Transfer Center for information on how to transfer to a 4 year university.
www.saddleback.edu/transfer
949-582-4328