Child Development Core

Program Overview

Child Development Core at Cerritos College

Certificate of Achievement

The 12 unit Child Development Core Certificate is designed to meet the minimum requirements of the Department of Social Services to teach in licensed private preschools and childcare programs. This is an entry-level career choice. While students are encouraged to pursue additional units in Child Development to advance in the field, the goal is to provide students training to move directly into the workforce. Completion of the Core Certificate combined with work experience allows students to be eligible for the Associate Teacher level of the Permit.

Salary, Growth and Careers

Salary

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $35,000 to $231,000 with an average salary of $90,000.

Growth

Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow nationwide from 2022 to 2032.

Careers

• Therapists, All Other
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +12.2%
  • Average Salary: $89,000
  • Salary Range: $59,000 - $93,000
• Childcare Workers
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: -2%
  • Average Salary: $40,000
  • Salary Range: $35,000 - $43,000
• Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +6.5%
  • Average Salary: $56,000
  • Salary Range: $39,000 - $64,000
• Education Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
  • Job Growth: +3.7%
  • Average Salary: $98,000
  • Salary Range: $65,000 - $121,000
• Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +0.7%
  • Average Salary: $93,000
  • Salary Range: $75,000 - $107,000
• Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
  • Job Growth: +3.9%
  • Average Salary: $168,000
  • Salary Range: $129,000 - $231,000
• Farm and Home Management Educators
  • Education Level: Master's degree
  • Job Growth: -2%
  • Average Salary: $89,000
  • Salary Range: $61,000 - $105,000
• Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
  • Job Growth: +19.1%
  • Average Salary: $130,000
  • Salary Range: $72,000 - $169,000
• Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +0.5%
  • Average Salary: $93,000
  • Salary Range: $66,000 - $113,000
• Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +3.4%
  • Average Salary: $50,000
  • Salary Range: $37,000 - $50,000
• Psychologists, All Other
  • Education Level: Master's degree
  • Job Growth: +5.1%
  • Average Salary: $134,000
  • Salary Range: $113,000 - $166,000
• Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary
  • Education Level: Some college, no degree
  • Job Growth: +0.1%
  • Average Salary: $45,000
  • Salary Range: $37,000 - $48,000

Program Map

Child Development Core - Full-time

• Certificate of Achievement
  • 12.0 Units
  • Major Course
  • General Education Course
  • Elective Course
  • Milestone
  • Offers Microcredential
  • Fall 2024
  • 1st Term
  • 12.0 UNITS
    • MAJ CD 110
      • 3.0 Units
      • Child Development
    • MAJ CDEC 111
      • 3.0 Units
      • Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education
    • MAJ CDEC 112
      • 3.0 Units
      • Introduction to Curriculum
    • MAJ CDEC 113
      • 3.0 Units
      • The Child, Family, and Community
    • MILE Department Information
      • Link to this department
      • Child Development Core - Certificate of Achievement
      • 12.0 units
      • Print Program Map
      • Make Appointment

Education Levels

Education levels are meant to represent what is typical for entry into the career, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Program Length: 12 units
• Structure: Students take 4 core courses covering child development, early childhood education principles and practices, curriculum, and the child, family, and community.
• Course Schedule: Varies based on term and student enrollment.
• Module Descriptions:
• CD 110:
Fundamentals of child development from conception through adolescence.
• CDEC 111: Theories, principles, and practices in early childhood education.
• CDEC 113: The role of families and communities in child development and education.

Assessment:

• Methods: Completion of assignments, projects, exams, and participation in class discussions.
• Criteria: Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of child development, early childhood education principles, curriculum development, and family and community involvement.

Teaching:

• Methods: Active learning experiences, including lectures, discussions, hands-on activities, and field observations.
• Faculty: Experienced and qualified instructors with expertise in child development and early childhood education.
• Unique Approaches: Emphasis on real-world applications and connections to the classroom setting.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Early childhood educator, preschool teacher, childcare worker, assistant teacher, nanny.
• Opportunities: Work in various settings like preschools, daycares, Head Start programs, and private homes.
• Outcomes: Entry-level positions in early childhood education, with potential for advancement through further education and experience.

Other:

• The program aligns with the California Community Colleges Early Childhood Education Associate Degree (AS-T) guidelines.
• Completion of the program meets the minimum requirements to teach in licensed private preschools and childcare programs in California.