Child Development

Our Child Development program prepares students for a fulfilling career in childhood education. Students apply developmental theories in observations and assessments of children and develop skills needed to work effectively with families, co-workers, and community agencies. They also learn to design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive curriculum. We offer an Associate of Arts degree and an Associate Degrees for Transfer, in addition to three certificates that can prepare you to work in as little as six months. Students in this program can explore careers in preschools, after school programs and various child enrichment programs. By continuing to a 4-year university, students can explore careers as teachers, curriculum specialists, occupational therapists and more.

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $21,000 to $51,000 with an average salary of $29,000.

Choose a Degree Designed for Classroom Jobs or Transfer

Many El Camino child development students want to start their careers as soon as possible. Others aim to continue their education at a four-year college or university. We offer options perfect for either goal.

Degrees

With this degree, you will be prepared to work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, children with special needs, or children in before- and after-school care. It’s a great option if you want to work in a classroom right away or continue your studies at another school.

• Apply developmental theories in teaching, observing, and assessing children in physical, cognitive, and psychosocial areas.
• Develop skills needed to interact with families, co-workers, and community agencies.
• Design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive curriculum for young students.
• Complete most lower-division requirements for a bachelor’s degree.

Certificates

Early childhood education is where youngsters first discover to interact with others and begin their journey as learners. Our certificate program prepares you to work immediately in a private/public school.

• Apply developmental theories in observing and assessing children in physical, cognitive, and psychosocial areas.
• Design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive curriculum for young students.

Our early intervention assistant certificate program prepares you to work one-on-one with preschool-age students.

• Apply developmental theories in observing and assessing children in physical, cognitive, and psychosocial areas.
• Design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive curriculum for young students.
• Learn to be an advocate for young students by developing skills needed to interact with families, co-workers, and community agencies.

Our early intervention assistant certificate program prepares you to work with school-age children.

• Study curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with special needs.
• Observe and assess the individualized needs of children.
• Learn to be an advocate for students by developing skills needed to interact with families, co-workers, and community agencies.

I always say that child development classes gave me the information I needed to understand children better, but the club gave me the experiences to put into practice. Because of all the activities I participated in, I feel prepared for the next step in my life after graduating.”

Maria Fernanda Salgado Martinez, early child development major and president of the Child Development Club

Pursue an Entry-Level Classroom Job or Further Education

As an El Camino child development graduate, you’ll be ready to start work in a classroom immediately or pursue a bachelor’s degree at another school. We’ll help you build the knowledge and hands-on skills for any path you choose.

• Work in a preschool, after-school program, enrichment program, community center, art/dance class, athletic class, or youth services agency.
• Apply and implement developmental teaching theories in an early childhood education setting under guided supervision.
• Prepare to earn a California Child Development Permit.
• Take classes such as Child Growth and Development, Teaching Young Children in a Diverse Society, and Science and Math for Young Children.
• Learn strategies for working with children and adults, classroom management skills, program philosophies, and techniques for finding a job.

Participate in Academic and Career Opportunities

Gain hands-on career experience and opportunities to learn about child development careers and practice skills in classroom settings.

• Join the very active Child Development Club, which sponsors:
  • Regular in-person events/playgroups for youngsters
  • Parenting workshops;
  • Professional development workshops/lectures;
  • Info sessions about requirements needed to earn state-issued child development permits; and
  • Guest speakers who share career insights/paths.
  • Join the Future Teachers' Club.