Child Development

The Pierce College Child Development Program is designed to meet the needs of those students wishing to prepare for employment or who are presently employed in the rapidly expanding field of Early Childhood Education.  Pierce College offers the Child Development student several program options depending upon their educational background and career goals.  Completion of each program leads to an Occupational Certificate, transfer option, and/or an Associate in Arts Degree.  In addition, all child development classes are applicable to the California Child Development Permit.

The Child Development Program educates and prepares students to work with young children and their families in a variety of roles and settings.  These include private and public preschools, Head Start programs, early care and education programs, LAUSD early education centers, family child care homes, elementary schools, parent education programs, infant care programs, school age programs, and Resource and Referral Agencies.

Pierce College Child Development Certificates and Degrees:

Students may earn one or more of the following:

Associate in Arts Degree (Plan A or Plan B)

Child Development Occupation Certificate Preschool Teacher

Child Development Occupation Certificate Preschool Associate Teacher

Preschool Certificate A

Preschool Certificate B, Director

Preschool Certificate C, Infant Care Teacher

Preschool Certificate D, School Age Programs Teacher, Day Care

Students should analyze these programs for their differences as well as similarities before choosing a specific option. For more information, please speak with a Pierce College Counselor.