51成人动漫

Child Development

Boys on a bench.

Help shape the future by supporting young children鈥檚 growth and learning. Bakersfield College鈥檚 Child Development program gives you the skills and experience to make a difference in early childhood education.

The Child Development program at 51成人动漫 helps you understand how children grow, learn, and develop from birth through adolescence. You鈥檒l explore how children think, move, and express emotions while gaining hands-on experience working with them in real settings.

Students learn how to:

  • Support children鈥檚 learning and growth at different stages of development
  • Create safe, caring, and engaging environments
  • Plan fun and educational activities
  • Observe and assess children鈥檚 progress

This program prepares you to make a positive impact in classrooms, childcare centers, and other early childhood programs.

What is Child Development?

Child development is the study of how children grow and change from birth to their teenage years. It includes physical, mental, and emotional growth.

  • Physical development: How children grow, move, and use their bodies.
  • Cognitive development: How children think, learn, and solve problems.
  • Emotional and social development: How children understand feelings, build relationships, and interact with others.

A child鈥檚 development is shaped by both biology and environment. For example, genetics influence growth, while family and community experiences help shape learning and behavior.

Understanding child development helps parents, teachers, and caregivers make better choices to support healthy growth and learning.

Is Child Development right for Me?

 

If you enjoy working with children and want to help them learn and grow, this program may be a great fit.

You might be well-suited for this program if you:

  • Care deeply about children and their well-being
  • Are patient, empathetic, and creative
  • Pay attention to details
  • Enjoy problem-solving and working with others

Students in this program gain both classroom knowledge and real-world experience. You鈥檒l learn about the role of families and communities in supporting children and be ready to work in settings such as preschools, childcare centers, and after-school programs.

Child Development Degrees and Certificates

Select the degree or certificate title for the catalog description and requirements.

  • Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T)
  • Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T)
  • Certificate of Achievement (COA)
  • Job Skills Certificate (JSC)
  • Certificate of Competency (COCP)
  • Certificate of Completion (COCM)

Degrees

Prepare for a rewarding career working with young children and families. This transfer degree helps you build the knowledge and skills to teach and care for children in early learning settings. With more parents in the workforce, trained early childhood educators are in high demand across California.

Learn how children and teens grow, think, and learn in different stages of life. This transfer degree is a great option for students who want to study child development without focusing on classroom teaching. It provides a strong foundation for careers that support youth and families.

Certificates

Gain the skills to guide and support infants and toddlers in their early years. This certificate builds on the Child Development Teacher Certificate and adds specialized training focused on caring for and teaching children from birth to age three.

Prepare to work with young children who have special needs. This certificate builds on the Child Development Teacher Certificate and provides specialized training in inclusive practices and individualized support.

Learn the skills needed to teach and care for young children in early learning settings. This coursework meets the educational requirements for the Child Development Teacher Permit in California.

Designed for current elementary teachers, this certificate provides the 24 child development units needed to teach Transitional Kindergarten in California.

Prepare to begin your career in early childhood education. This coursework meets the requirements for the Child Development Assistant Teacher Permit.

Build the skills needed to work in early learning settings. This coursework meets the requirements for the Child Development Associate Teacher Permit.

Explore the basics of working with young children. This free, noncredit program introduces key ideas in child development and early learning, helping you decide if early childhood education is the right path for you.
BC students walking and talking on campus
Paying For Education

You CAN Afford BC

Don鈥檛 let finances get in the way of your goals. Get help paying for college costs like tuition, books, or sometimes even the rent with a variety of financial aid options to help you reach your educational and career goals.

Child Development Careers

Graduates of the Child Development program can work in many early childhood settings that support young children and families. Common careers include:

  • Preschool Teacher
  • Childcare Center Director
  • Teacher鈥檚 Aide or Assistant
  • Infant or Toddler Caregiver
  • Family Childcare Provider
  • After-School Program Leader

With more education and experience, you can also move into roles in education, social services, or child and family advocacy.


Student with university penant.
Beyond BC

Transfer to a University

Graduates with an Associate Degree from 51成人动漫 may choose to continue their education at a university to earn a 4-year degree. See your Counselor and/or a Transfer Specialist for specific questions, options, and opportunities.

Academic Department: Education

Career & Learning Pathway: Education Pathway

Courses:


Child Development Faculty and Staff

Not sure where to start? Let us help.

Meet with a Counselor

Take the classes that meet your education and career goals. Create your Comprehensive Student Education Plan (CSEP) with your Counselor or Ed. Advisor.
Call (661) 395-4421.

Not sure about your career path?

Take the career quiz to discover the perfect career based on your personality type and interests.