Child Development and Education Program

In the School of Humanities, Arts, & Social Science (HASS): Education, Society & Human Services Pathway ​

Welcome to the Child Development and Education Program!
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Dr. Sandy Visser-Jones discussing a topic

VVC’s Child Development and Education programs prepare students for a variety of educational and career pathways. These pathways include employment in early childhood education and/or transfer to a four-year university to pursue more advanced study in areas such as K-12 Education and related fields.

The Child Development and Education programs pride themselves on providing future child development and education professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field as well as providing local industry with knowledgeable, competent early childhood and education professionals.  

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Professor Heather Hammond-Williams facilitating group activity

The Child Development and Education programs offer on-campus courses in the morning, afternoon, and evening. There are numerous online courses to accommodate students with busy schedules. Additional information on certificate and degree programs, the CHDV Instructional Lab, career opportunities, and a variety of student and alumni resources is provided on the program websites.

The field of Child Development is unique in that student with as little as 12 units of Child Development and 50 days experience (3 hours or more per day) can qualify for an Associate Teacher Permit from the California Office of Teacher Credentialing. With this entry-level permit, individuals are able to gain career-related experience (subbing, teacher’s aide) while continuing their Education towards an Associate Degree or preparing for transfer to a four-year university.

 

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A student teacher doing her student teaching in the child development instructional lab

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Practicum students demonstrating math activity

The field of Education offers preparatory courses that may transfer to Education major and pathway to Educational Technology when and where articulation agreements exist. Education is the career field for those individuals who desire to teach in elementary and secondary schools, as well as in colleges and professional Education. This field of study prepares students to participate as teachers and learning facilitators. Graduates in this field—bachelor’s degree and postgraduate study required —qualify for a variety of positions, including teaching at the elementary, secondary, and college levels. Education remains on the national list of growing occupations.

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Child Development program students conducting observation

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Supervising Teacher Mentoring and coaching out Practicum students- Teacher candidates

As an integral part of the Child Development Program, the Child Development Lab Classroom was established on campus in January of 1974. The primary goal of the Child Development Lab Classroom is to provide students with the opportunities to experience a high-quality preschool classroom that demonstrates best practices within our field.

https://catalog.vvc.edu/degrees-certificates/child-development/#text

https://catalog.vvc.edu/degrees-certificates/education/

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Children painting in the child development instructional lab

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Child Development Instruction Lab- Children parachuting

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Cheering

For more information about the Child Development Instructional Lab click here

Please explore our site and let us know if you have any questions!