PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Child Development Department educates and trains students to work with young children and their families in a variety of roles and settings such as state funded children's programs, private and public preschools, home day care and public school programs. Classes in child development can lead to careers working directly or indirectly with children in related fields, such as psychology, social services and pediatric health. Several certificates can be earned which will enable a professional to be qualified to perform various educational functions in the Early Childhood Education field.

The Child Development Department at SRJC believes that children learn best in a nurturing environment where they are allowed to make choices. Our curriculum framework emphasized the belief that children grow and develop optimally through play. Curriculum is designed to meet the characteristics of both their developmental stage and their own unique background. Our department's goal is to educate a diverse population of students in the application of this framework, based on a thorough understanding of child growth and development.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

There are many employment opportunities for those interested in this field. The need for trained Early Childhood professionals continues to grow due to the increasing numbers of families that must rely on qualified personnel to care for their children. The Department of Labor cites child development as among the top 35 fastest growing occupations in the country.

The Child Development Department strongly recommends that students transferring to four year institutions with the goal of becoming primary grade school teachers take as many child development courses as possible. Current trends in primary grade teaching point toward use of authentic assessment and a thinking-based curriculum. These will require teachers to have a strong foundation in child development at the lower division level.

ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM

Enrollment in SRJC's Child Development Program is open to men and women who are high school graduates or holders of a certificate of proficiency and to all non-high school graduates who are 18 years of age or older. In some selected cases, high school juniors and seniors who are planning a career in this field may qualify for entrance into specified classes. College transfer students must meet SRJC retention requirements. All who enter the program must have the ability to work cooperatively with people, work skillfully with children and adults, and be in good health.

Applications for the college are available from the office of the Registrar, Santa Rosa Junior College, 1501 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95401

• Our Class Schedule
• Info About Our Classes
• Our Department
• Our Certificates
• Child Development Permits
• The Permit Matrix
• CD Training Consortium
• Mentor Teacher Program
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Family Day Care Help
• Our Lab Class
• Our Children's Centers/Lab School
• Director Outreach and Support Project