Child Development & Education

Working with children is one of the most important, challenging, exciting, and rewarding professions in life, and the need for skilled childhood caretakers and educators has never been greater. Growing up in a caring, nurturing, educational atmosphere helps young children to develop the confidence, self-esteem and knowledge to become happy, successful young adults and members of the community. Truly, teaching our children and assisting with their development is vital to California's future.

Students pursuing the Child Development and Education career path program study:

• child care licensing and regulations;
• operational procedures for child care facilities;
• child growth and development;
• nutrition, health and safety;
• developmentally appropriate activities and practices;
• appropriate and sensitive interaction with culturally diverse families and communities.

Child Development & Education students also learn employment and management skills for careers in child care and development and teaching. Occupation-specific curriculum includes classroom management; use of developmentally appropriate curriculum; instructional programs and supervision; recreation activities; and computer and software assistance.


Career opportunities in Child Development & Education are tremendous. Enrollment in formal preschool programs has increased 44% over the past ten years, and employment of pre-school workers and teacher aides is projected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and high school teachers are among the 50 California occupations expected to undergo the largest growth. Those individuals with special expertise and training in meeting special needs will be at an even greater employment advantage.