link Child Development Department

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Work with Kids

Gain Experience in Early Education

Early Education

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Mission College offers an academic program for careers with children and a Child Development Center Lab that accommodates student training and provides child care for faculty, staff, students, and the community.

 
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Degrees & Certificates

Degrees/Certificates
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Courses to Consider

See all our courses.

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Child Health and Safety (CHD 017)

Learn to identify children's health problems. Study of infectious diseases, preventative health practices, nutrition and, health promotion.

Asian toddler with her hands in the air. She wears her hair in short pigtails and smiles.

Child Growth and Development (CHD 001)

Observe children using investigative research methods, evaluate differences and analyze characteristics of development at various stages.

Young girl with curly brown hair reads a book on a park bench.

Language & Literacy for the Young Child (CHD 003)

Learn how to promote language development and literate behaviors among emerging multilingual children.

A child's hands are pictured on the keys of a piano.Music and Movement (CHD 005)

Assess musical and movement experiences and design activities that promote the child's development.

Black preschool-aged boy plays on jungle gym.

Children and Play (CHD 021)

Examine the history and theories of play and explore how developmental stages of play affect the child’s overall growth. 

A diverse American elementary classroom.

Teaching in a Diverse Society (CHD 013)

Examine the development of social identities and the implications of oppression and privilege as they apply to young children, families, programs, classrooms, and teaching. 

A young Latinx boy waves goodbye to his mom on the first day of school.Parenting Issues for Teachers (CHD 018)

Learn to work effectively work with parents in the field of child development and/or teaching.

 

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Nutritional Science

Interested in making sure children eat properly? Check out our nutritional science classes to gain an advantage in the field.

Nutrition Science
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ESL for Childcare

Do you have trouble with the English language? Our ESL classes can help. Improve your proficiency in speaking and writing.

Learn English
Career Outlook
Skills Needed
  • Strong written and oral communication
  • Teamwork
  • Problem solving
  • Decision-making skills
  • Compassion and empathy
  • Organization skills
  • Creative thinking
  • Planning and instruction abilities
  • Ability to lead
  • Classroom management
  • Physical stamina
Career Paths

If you don't know what to major in, or you already have a major but don't know how it translates into a career, start here. At Mission we can help you research your major and career options so you can make informed decisions.Read more about career paths.

Select Jobs in the Field
  • Lead Teacher
  • Child Life Specialist
  • Special Education Paraprofessional
  • Program Director
  • Site Supervisor
  • Parent Educator
  • Social Worker
  • Child Psychologist
  • Early Childhood Educator
  • Preschool Teacher
  • Case Manager
  • Childcare Provider
  • Nanny or Au Pair