Child Development Program

Welcome to the Child Development program. Students wishing to prepare for employment in early childhood programs or other related fields in early care and education and those currently employed may select several alternative patterns of study. The curriculum prepares students to teach or administer programs for young children, including:

We offer a variety of certificate and degree programs

Private early childhood programs
Public programs such as school district children's centers and Head Start or State Preschool programs
Infant programs
School-age before and after-school programs

Courses allow students to prepare for increasingly higher levels of employment and certification. It is possible to prepare for the educational requirements of the State Department of Social Services, the California Child Development Permit, the Associate of Arts Degrees in Child Development or the Associates of Science for Transfer in Early Childhood Education.

Students entering the Child Development Certificate Program must take the English Placement Assessment.
Check the class schedule for English 101 advisories and pre-requisite requirements.
Successful completion of English 101 or higher, or appropriate placement on the College assessment is required for most certificates.
All students must receive a grade of C or better to meet course requirements.
Many levels of State Teacher Certification require early childhood experience.
Employment in early childhood education requires state and federal fingerprint clearance.

Associate Degree Programs

Early Childhood Education AS-T Degree

The Early Childhood Education Associate transfer degree prepares students for transfer to a California State University (CSU) and for employment in an early care and education program. Students develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes that prepare them to work as teachers of young children or as administrators of early childhood education programs. Students who successfully complete the degree are guaranteed admission with junior status to the CSU system, but not to a specific campus or major. The student will receive priority admission to the local CSU campus and to a program or major that is similar to his or her community college major or area of emphasis.

ECE AS-T Pathway

Child Development AA Degree

Completion of the Child Development Associate of Arts degree prepares students for employment in an early care and education program. Students develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes that prepare them to work as teachers of young children or as administrators of early childhood education programs.

Child Development AA Pathway

Certificate Programs: Teacher & Supervisor

Associate Teacher Certificate

This certificate is the first step on the early childhood career ladder. Recipients of this certificate meet the minimum state requirements to teach in a private preschool or school-age program, and with the addition of CH DEV 030, infant programs. With work experience, students may qualify for the California Child Development Permit: Associate Teacher level.

Associate Teacher Pathway

Teacher Certificate

This certificate of achievement, along with 16 general education units and work experience, makes the student eligible for the California Child Development Permit: Teacher level. Recipients of this certificate may teach in private or public preschool and school-age programs, and with the addition of CH DEV 030, in infant programs.

Teacher Pathway

Master Teacher Certificate

This certificate enables the recipient to teach and supervise other child development teachers and staff. Some responsibilities of the Master Teacher may include developing and implementing age-appropriate curriculum within a safe, healthy, and stimulating environment; supervision of classroom staff; and creating positive communication links with parents, school, and community. Additionally, the certificate is designed to meet the requirements for the major and for the Associate in Arts degree in Child Development. With work experience and 16 general education units, students may also qualify for the California Child Development Permit: Master Teacher level. This permit is the gateway to becoming a Mentor Teacher with the CA Early Childhood Mentor Program.

Master Teacher Pathway

Site Supervisor Certificate

This certificate is the highest certificate offered by the Child Development program. Recipients of the certificate are qualified to supervise an entire program at one site. Some responsibilities of site supervisors include the use of positive leadership skills to implement the sites’ philosophy; adherence to state and federal licensing requirements; budget implementation; enforcement of enrollment/registration policies and procedures; hiring; inspiring and supervising all staff; fostering positive communication links between home, school and community; maintaining appropriate health, safety, and nutrition standard; supervision of curriculum; and schedule development. Students wishing to obtain the California Child Development Permit: Site Supervisor level, must meet experience requirements, obtain an Associate in Arts degree, and meet the requirements listed below.

Site Supervisor Pathway

Specialty Certificates

Infant & Toddler Studies

The Infant & Toddler Studies Certificate of Achievement qualifies the student for the most entry-level teacher position within private infant/toddler programs. Infant/Toddler teachers are responsible for supervising the care and development of children birth through 2 ½ years old. Some responsibilities include: developing and sustaining caring, loving, respectful relationships, designing developmentally age-appropriate curriculum, organizing parent conferences and establishing clear daily communications with parents and other caregivers.

Infant & Toddler Pathway

Children with Special Needs

This skill certificate qualifies students for an entry level teacher or assistant position in a program with children who have special needs. Students gain skills in accommodating and adapting the physical environment and developing instructional strategies and curriculum to meet the needs of differently-abled children and their families.

Special Needs Pathway

Early Childhood Curriculum

Coming Fall 2025