Child Development

Our curriculum prepares students to work with children in classrooms and community settings, with hands-on training through the Child Development Center Lab serving families across the campus and community.

Top Benefits

Career-Ready Skills – Develop the practical skills needed to work effectively with children in diverse educational and developmental settings.
Hands-On Experience – Gain valuable, real-world training at our Child Development Center Lab, where you can apply your knowledge while serving the community.
Experienced Faculty – Learn from dedicated instructors with extensive experience in child development and early childhood education.
Industry Connections – Build connections through internships and networking opportunities with local schools, childcare centers, and community organizations.

Skills Gained

Child Observation and Assessment – Learn how to observe and assess children’s developmental stages and behaviors to provide tailored learning experiences.
Curriculum Planning and Implementation – Gain expertise in designing and implementing age-appropriate curriculum that fosters children's cognitive, emotional, and social development.
Family and Community Engagement – Develop the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with families and community partners to support children's growth and well-being.
Child-Centered Problem Solving – Master the skills needed to address challenges in the classroom and create solutions that prioritize the individual needs of each child.
Early Childhood Advocacy – Cultivate a deep understanding of advocacy strategies to promote policies and practices that benefit children and families in early education settings.

Degrees

Early Childhood Education, Associate in Science (AS)

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

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Child and Adolescent Development, Associate in Arts for Transfer degree (AA-T)

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Certificates

Associate Teacher, Certificate of Achievement (CA)

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Early Intervention Assistant, Certificate of Achievement (CA)

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Master Teacher Child Development, Certificate of Achievement (CA)

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Classes

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When Classes are Offered

CHD 001 - Child Growth and Development

CHD 002 - Child, Family, and Community

CHD 004 - Cognitive Experiences for Children

CHD 006 - Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education (Offered every odd year)

CHD 007 - Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education (Offered every even year)

CHD 008A - Practicum A

CHD 010 - Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children

CHD 013 - Teaching in a Diverse Society

CHD 014 - Art and Creative Development of Young Children

CHD 015 - Observation and Assessment of Children

CHD 016 - Infant and Toddler Development

CHD 017 - Child Health, Safety and Nutrition

CHD 020 - The Child with Special Needs in the Community

CHD 022 - Adult Supervision in Early Childhood Programs

CHD 024 - Positive Guidance in Early Childhood Programs: Managing Challenging Behaviors

CHD 026 - Introduction to Curriculum

N/A

CHD 001 - Child Growth and Development

CHD 002 - Child, Family, and Community

CHD 003 - Language and Literacy for the Young Child (Offered every even year)

CHD 005 - Music and Movement (Offered every odd year)

CHD 006 - Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education (Offered every even year)

CHD 007 - Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education (Offered every odd year)

CHD 008A - Practicum A

CHD 010 - Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children

CHD 013 - Teaching in a Diverse Society

CHD 015 - Observation and Assessment of Children

CHD 016 - Infant and Toddler Development

CHD 017 - Child Health, Safety and Nutrition

CHD 020 - The Child with Special Needs in the Community

CHD 021 - Children and Play

CHD 022 - Adult Supervision in Early Childhood Programs

CHD 024 - Positive Guidance in Early Childhood Programs: Managing Challenging Behaviors

CHD 025 - Inclusion Strategies and Curriculum in Early Childhood Education (Offered every odd year)

CHD 026 - Introduction to Curriculum

CHD 001 - Child Growth and Development

CHD 002 - Child, Family, and Community

CHD 003 - Language and Literacy for the Young Child (Offered every odd year)

CHD 005 - Music and Movement (Offered every even year)

CHD 006 - Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education (Offered every odd year)

CHD 007 - Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education (Offered every even year)

CHD 010 - Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children

CHD 020 - The Child with Special Needs in the Community (Offered every odd year)

The schedules reflect the planned offerings by the department. Note that occasionally, courses may not be scheduled or may be cancelled due to extenuating circumstances. If this occurs, you may reach out to the department for further information.

Career Opportunities

Child Development Center

The Child Development Center at Misison College offers an environment of respect and understanding that supports the development of the whole child. They accomplish this through low adult-child ratios, highly educated teachers, play-based developmentally appropriate learning, and a focus on diversity. Currently enrolled students may be eligible for free childcare at Mission College. It’s part of our District’s commitment to supporting student success by removing financial barriers to high-quality education.

Child Development Center

Student Worker Application

Early Learning Apprenticeship Program

If you’re interested in working with young children, apply for our apprenticeship program and earn your Associate Teacher Permit (12 units) at no cost. This opportunity includes free college courses, textbooks, mentoring, tutoring, and professional development - all offered in a supportive, community-based setting. Classes are scheduled on weekday evenings or Saturday mornings for your convenience.

Apprentices take four key courses together: Child Growth and Development, Child, Family and Community, Introduction to Curriculum, and Infant Toddler Development.

To be eligible, you must be at least 18, authorized to work in the U.S., able to work 20 hours per week, and meet health and background requirements. You cannot currently hold an Associate Teacher Permit or have completed any of the program’s courses. English coursework support is available.