Developmental Disabilities Specialist - Certificate of Achievement, Level 1
The Certificate of Specialization in Developmental Disabilities Specialist program is designed for students interested in working in various settings serving children or adults with developmental disabilities. The coursework combines theory and application. Academic preparation focuses on the physical and emotional correlates of developmental disability. The students also complete an internship, gaining experience working in a school or agency supporting persons with developmental disability.
- Demonstrate various methods of documenting and evaluating behavioral change.
- Describe various strategies to decrease maladaptive behavior and develop more adaptive behavior, including the strengths and weaknesses of each.
- Apply components of a functional behavioral assessment and describe the importance of a functional analysis to decrease maladaptive behavior.
- Describe the causes and diagnosis of various developmental disabilities and compare social, sexual, and intellectual developmental processes of persons with and without DD
- Discuss the impact a person with DD may have on other family members and describe techniques that may be used when interacting with family members
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCH 010 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSYCH 040 | Understanding and Changing Behavior | 3 |
| PSYCH 041 | The Psychology of Developmental Disabilities | 3 |
| PSYCH 098 | Directed Study in Psychology | 3 |
| Approved Electives | 3 | |
| PSYCH 092 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| or PSYCH 099 | Abnormal Psychology | |
| Total Units | 15 | |
PSYCH 010 General Psychology 3 Units
Students are introduced to the major theories, areas of study, and methodologies of contemporary psychology and the scientific study of human behavior. Topics addressed include biological and neurological processes and structure, genetics, life span development, consciousness, sensory processes, perception, learning, memory, language and thought, intelligence, motivation and emotion, stress, personality, psychopathology, and psychotherapy. (C-ID PSY 110)
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: D IGETC: 4 District GE: D
PSYCH 010H Honors General Psychology 3 Units
Students are introduced to the major theories, areas of study, and methodologies of contemporary psychology and the scientific study of human behavior. Topics addressed include biological and neurological processes and structure, genetics, life span development, consciousness, sensory processes, perception, learning, memory, language and thought, intelligence, motivation and emotion, stress, personality, psychopathology, and psychotherapy. This honors course focuses on critical reading and writing, and requires the preparation of research papers and student presentations and collaborations. (C-ID PSY 110)
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: 2
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: D IGETC: 4 District GE: D
PSYCH 012 Social Psychology 3 Units
Students are introduced to the study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. Topics include self-concept, misperception, beliefs, attitudes, conformity, prejudice, liking, attitude change, first impressions, aggression, conflict, peacemaking, and service to others. (C-ID PSY 170)
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: D IGETC: 4 District GE: D
PSYCH 020 Psychology of Stress Reduction 3 Units
Students explore comprehensive approaches to stress and stress reduction. A psychophysiological model of stress will be presented and analyzed. Students will study a variety of evidenced-based stress reduction methods in the contexts of student and work life settings.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None Recommended: Completion of PSYCH-010
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: D, E IGETC: None District GE: D, E
PSYCH 022 Research Methods in Psychology 3 Units
Students will study various research methods with an emphasis on research design, experimental procedures, instrumentation, and the collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of research data. Research design and methodology will be illustrated through a selected review of current research in neurophysiology, sensation, perception, learning, memory and/or human development. (C-ID PSY 200)
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: PSYCH 010 and MATH 063, both with C or better
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: 3
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: D IGETC: 4 District GE: D
PSYCH 031 Biological Psychology 3 Units
Students will be introduced to the scientific study of the biological basis of behavior and its fundamental role in the neurosciences. Physiological, hormonal, and neurochemical mechanisms, and brain-behavior relationships underlying the psychological phenomena of sensation, perception, regulatory processes, emotion, learning, memory, and psychological disorders will be addressed. Ethical standards for human and animal research are discussed. The history of the scientific study of brain-behavior relationships and mental processes will also be addressed. (C-ID PSY 150)
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Prerequisite: PSYCH 010 with C or better
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: 1
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: B2, D IGETC: 4, 5B District GE: B2, D
PSYCH 035 Psychology of Women 3 Units
Students will study significant physical and psychological issues of women within an historical, familial, societal, cultural and contemporary framework. They will explore intersectionality such as gender, gender roles, binary/alternative gender, social constructivism, race, sex, ethnicity, global perspectives, mental health, ability, sexism, politics, laws, and social justice movements that influence the psychology of women and identity. A comparative analysis of the interplay between intersectionality and psychological issues is used to examine the concepts of health, family, work, well-being, stress management, violence against women, power, feminism, and the media using psychological theories and current scientific research.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: D, E IGETC: 4 District GE: D, E, ES
PSYCH 040 Understanding and Changing Behavior 3 Units
Students will study the theories and methods to observe, analyze, and modify behavior. The primary emphasis is on behavior analysis. Behavior analysis focuses on the development of adaptive, prosocial behavior, as well as the reduction of maladaptive behavior in everyday life. Site visits may be required.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
PSYCH 041 The Psychology of Developmental Disabilities 3 Units
Students will be introduced to the interrelationships among the physical, intellectual, social and psychological aspects of developmental disabilities (DD). Students will review various service delivery approaches, policies, and programs designed to foster an adequate adjustment for individuals with DD and their families. Students will also explore values and beliefs relating to persons with DD to help us better understand our own feelings and the feelings of others. Various developmental disabilities will be reviewed in an attempt to more fully understand the challenges and needs of individuals. Field trips may be required.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: D IGETC: 4 District GE: D
PSYCH 051 Cross-Cultural Psychology 3 Units
Students will examine how cultural factors influence human behavior and experiences within various cultural contexts. Students will review contemporary theories, research, and their application in cross-cultural psychology. Emphasis will be placed on the role of multicultural factors that influence communication styles, language, identity, gender, cognition, social behavior, emotions, personality, human development, work, relationships, psychological disorders, and health.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
PSYCH 060 Personal Growth and Adjustment 3 Units
Students will examine how psychology is applied in everyday life. A broad variety of topics including personality theories, values, social and intimate relationships, adjustments to development through the life span and psychological/physical wellness are examined. The influence of such factors such as a historical cohort, socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, and culture are considered as students analyze effective and ineffective personal growth and adjustment in context of contemporary society. (C-ID PSY 115)
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: 2
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: D, E IGETC: 4 District GE: D, E
PSYCH 092 Developmental Psychology 3 Units
Students will be introduced to developmental psychology traced from conception through death. Students will study the biological, cognitive, emotional, and social factors affecting development and the interaction of these factors throughout the lifespan. Social contexts that influence the course of development such as culture, socioeconomic status, and historical time and place will be examined. Developmental tasks and potential developmental crises are identified for each of the age groups. (C-ID PSY 180)
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: D, E IGETC: 4 District GE: D, E
PSYCH 098 Directed Study in Psychology 0.5-9 Units
Individual or small groups of students, with previous course work in the discipline, who would benefit from Independent Study under the direction of faculty members in specific or related disciplines, may develop individualized learning contracts designed to enhance their individual instructional programs. The students and the faculty member in consultation with the Division Dean will determine appropriate learning objectives and activities as well as the number of units to be earned. Instructions and the Learning Contract forms are available in the Division Office. Repeatable to a maximum of 9 units across all disciplines.
Lecture Hours: None Lab Hours: 2.07 Repeatable: Yes Grading: O
Prerequisite: PSYCH 010 with C or better
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: None IGETC: None District GE: None
PSYCH 099 Abnormal Psychology 3 Units
Students are introduced to the scientific study of psychopathology. Students study abnormal behavior from biological, psychological and sociocultural perspectives. The course examines the application of psychological principles to the diagnosis, understanding, and treatment of psychological disorders. Students also study both the practical and theoretical aspects of abnormal behavior, diagnostic techniques, and systems of prevention and remediation.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: O
Recommended: Completion of PSYCH 010
Advisory Level: Read: 4 Write: 4 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: D IGETC: 4 District GE: D
PSYCH 100 Human Sexuality 3 Units
Students will examine human sexuality from scientific research, psychological, biological, sociocultural, and historical perspectives. Students will be encouraged to become aware of their own sexual attitudes, values, and behaviors to evaluate the consistency of their behaviors within in their own moral framework. Current sex norms, culture, diversity, biology, and various aspects of interpersonal and individual sexual adjustment will be explored. (C-ID PSY 130)
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: None Repeatable: No Grading: L
Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC Degree Applicable: AA/AS
CSU GE: D, E IGETC: 4 District GE: D, E