Child Development

Welcome to the Child Development program. Students wishing to prepare for employment in early childhood programs or other related fields in early care and education and those currently employed may select several alternative patterns of study. The curriculum prepares students to teach or administer programs for young children, including:

We offer a variety of certificate and degree programs

Private early childhood programs
Public programs such as school district children’s centers and Head Start or State Preschool programs
Infant programs
School-age before and after-school programs

Courses allow students to prepare for increasingly higher levels of employment and certification. It is possible to prepare for the educational requirements of the State Department of Social Services, the California Child Development Permit, the Associate of Arts Degrees in Child Development or the Associates of Science for Transfer in Early Childhood Education.

Students entering the Child Development Certificate Program must take the English Placement Assessment.
Check the class schedule for English 101 advisories and pre-requisite requirements.
Successful completion of English 101 or higher, or appropriate placement on the College assessment is required for most certificates.
All students must receive a grade of C or better to meet course requirements.
Many levels of State Teacher Certification require early childhood experience.
Employment in early childhood education requires state and federal fingerprint clearance.

Child Development Programs

Child Development Training Consortium (CDTC)
California Early Childhood Mentor Program
Child Development Center/Lab School: (323) 953-4000 ext. 2220.

Certificate Programs

If you enjoy helping infants, toddlers and children learn, explore and grow, then a career in child development may be right for you. Professionals in this field can expect to make between $15,000 and $40,000 annually. Those who continue their education at a four year university can typically increase their earnings to the mid-$50,000 range.

With at least 51% of children having both parents working, the need for quality child development programs continues to grow.

Career Opportunities:

Program Director
Site Supervisor
Master Teacher
Teacher
Associate Teacher
Assistant Teacher
Infant/Toddler Teacher
Children with Special Needs
School-Age Program Teacher
Director

A few of the many benefits of starting your career at LACC:

Only 2-4 semesters at just $46 per unit
Substantial savings over universities and private colleges
Financial aid & job placement assistance

Vocational & Training Education Act Programs

The Los Angeles City College Vocational & Training Education Act (VTEA) programs offer certificate and degree programs in numerous areas leading to high-paying, in-demand occupations. Most programs can be completed in just two years or less. For more information on any of the degree/certificate programs, contact the academic department, visit the LACC website to view department pages, or meet with one of our Counselors, (323) 953-4000 ext. 2250.

Planning Ahead For Your Career:

Many levels of State teacher certification require early childhood classroom experience.
Employment in early childhood education requires a State and Federal background check for criminal history and child abuse.
Obtain a Tuberculin clearance with Mantoux test or chest x-ray.
Proof of immunization against measles, pertussis, and the flu is now required in the State of California for all persons having direct contract with children. Proof is required for CD 22 and CD 23.
You may be required to complete a 15 hour CPR class.

Course Descriptions

Academic Programs: Child Development
Academic Programs: Family and Consumer Studies / Dietetics
College Catalog
Class Schedules