Child Development

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.

Child Development Associate in Arts (AA) Degree

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.

Early Childhood Education Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) Degree

The AS-T degree in early childhood education sets you on a direct path to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. You will also get priority consideration for admission to the CSU system.

• Prepare to work in an early education setting and continue your studies at a CSU campus.
• Choose a major in child development, child and adolescent development, human development, or education.
• 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.

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.
• Access our Teacher Resource Room, stocked with teaching supplies such as laminators, bookbinders, die cuts, children's books, puppets, flannel stories, teacher resource books, computers, scanners, and more.
• Expand your education to become a teacher, preschool director, curriculum specialist, special needs program supervisor, occupational therapist, and more.
• Participate in tutoring sessions available in multiple subjects.