The Instructional Program of the Child Development Department at Santa Rosa Junior College

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,family child 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 field of early care and education.

Our Philosophy

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 emphasizes 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, as well as relevant cultural issues.

Employment Opportunites

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 and teach their children. The Department of Labor cites child development as among the 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. All teachers need to have a strong foundation in child development.

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