Child Development/Preschool Director

Program Overview

Child Development/Preschool Director at Cerritos College

Certificate of Achievement

The mission of the Cerritos College Child Development Department is to empower diverse students by developing their skills and abilities to become intentional and professional early childhood educators who thoughtfully develop an effective pedagogy of best practices. In an ever-changing world, our focus is to create a community of lifelong learners and educators who respect and value the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each child's physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development. We strive to model a constructivist approach to teaching and learning that occurs through collaborative, meaningful, caring social relationships and interactions.

Salary, Growth, and Careers

Salary

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $37,000 to $231,000 with an average salary of $115,000.

Growth

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

Careers

• Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +3.4%
  • Average Salary: $50k
  • Salary Range: $37k - $50k
• Education Administrators, All Other
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +2.8%
  • Average Salary: $121k
  • Salary Range: $70k - $136k
• Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
  • Education Level: Master's degree
  • Job Growth: +1.1%
  • Average Salary: $141k
  • Salary Range: $121k - $163k
• Education Administrators, Postsecondary
  • Education Level: Master's degree
  • Job Growth: +3.5%
  • Average Salary: $140k
  • Salary Range: $95k - $169k
• Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: -3%
  • Average Salary: $72k
  • Salary Range: $48k - $78k
• Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
  • Job Growth: +3.9%
  • Average Salary: $168k
  • Salary Range: $129k - $231k

Program Map

Child Development/Preschool Director

Certificate of Achievement

39.0 Units

• Major Course
• General Education Course
• Elective Course
• Milestone
• Offers Microcredential

Program Pathway

• Fall 2024: 1st Term (12.0 Units)
  • MAJ CD 110: Child Development (3.0 Units)
  • MAJ CDEC 111: Principles and Practices in Early Childhood Education (3.0 Units)
  • MAJ CDEC 112: Introduction to Curriculum (3.0 Units)
  • MAJ CDEC 113: The Child, Family, and Community (3.0 Units)
  • MILE Department Information
• Spring 2025: 2nd Term (12.0 Units)
  • MAJ CD 124: Teaching in a Diverse Society (3.0 Units)
  • MAJ CD 139: Observation, Assessment, and Positive Guidance of Childhood Behavior (3.0 Units)
  • MAJ CDEC 161: Health, Safety, and Nutrition (3.0 Units)
  • MAJ CDEC 164: Practicum Field Experience (3.0 Units)
• Fall 2025: 3rd Term (9.0 Units)
  • MAJ Major Course (3.0 Units)
  • MAJ Major Course (3.0 Units)
  • MAJ CDEC 166: Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education (3.0 Units)
• Spring 2026: 4th Term (6.0 Units)
  • MAJ CDEC 167: Administration II: Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education (3.0 Units)
  • MAJ CDEC 230: Adult Supervision and Mentoring in Early Care and Education (3.0 Units)

Program Outline

Outline:

Content:

The Child Development/Preschool Director program at Cerritos College aims to prepare graduates to become intentional and professional early childhood educators. The program focuses on the following areas:

• Professional Development: Students develop skills and abilities relevant to early childhood education.
• Constructivist Approach: The program emphasizes a constructivist approach, where students learn through collaborative and meaningful interactions.
• Child Development: Students gain knowledge of children's physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development.
• Diversity and Inclusion: The program fosters inclusivity and promotes respect for diverse backgrounds and learning styles.

Structure:

The program comprises 39 units, divided into four terms over two years:

• Fall 2023 (1st Term): 12 Units
• Spring 2024 (2nd Term): 12 Units
• Fall 2024 (3rd Term): 9 Units
• Spring 2025 (4th Term): 6 Units

Course Schedule & Individual Modules:

• Each term comprises specific major and general education courses.
• Three major courses and one milestone are offered in the first term.
• The second term includes four major courses.
• The third term consists of two major courses, chosen by the student, and the CDEC 166 course: Administration I: Programs in Early Childhood Education.
• The final term focuses on two major courses: CDEC 167: Administration II: Personnel and Leadership in Early Childhood Education and CDEC 230: Adult Supervision and Mentoring in Early Care and Education.

Careers:

• Graduates of the program can pursue careers as Preschool Teachers, Education Administrators (Kindergarten through Secondary and Postsecondary), Education and Childcare Administrators (Preschool and Daycare), and Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers (Postsecondary).
• The program highlights a potential salary range for these careers, spanning from $28,000 to over $208,000, with an average salary of $94,000.
• Expected job growth rates are also provided for various career options.

Other:

• The mission of the Cerritos College Child Development Department is to empower students and create a community of lifelong learners and educators.
• Students gain knowledge and skills relevant to early childhood education and administration.