Child Development

Child Development is the study of the social/emotional, cognitive/language, and physical/motor, growth and development of children, from conception through adolescence. Students may take courses to obtain child development certificates and permits, earn an associate in arts degree, and/or prepare to transfer to a four-year institution. Students who are already working in the field may take courses that are of interest to them and can optimize their knowledge base in child development.

Career Options

Career options include a variety of professions serving children and their families such as infant/toddler care, preschool teaching (including Head Start), elementary and secondary education, early childhood special education, program administration, school counseling, child psychology, child advocacy, social work, and community services.

Student Voice

Chelise Walker

The San Marcos resident was lacking a clear vision of what she wanted in her future after graduating from High Tech High North County. So, a couple years later, Walker decided to give MiraCosta College a try and study child development. “MiraCosta is focused on a student’s end goal,” Walker said. “It’s focused on a student’s success, in everything from the application process to student support services, to helping you find financial aid and finding a job. Everything is accessible, and the teachers are passionate about what they do.”

Academic Programs in Child Development

The academic maps will give you an idea of the classes you need to take. However, please meet with a counselor to personalize your education plan.

KEY: Certificate of Proficiency Certificate of Achievement Associate Degree Bachelor's Degree

Assistant Teacher		CAREERS
Associate Teacher (MCC GE)	MAP	CAREERS
Associate Teacher (CSU GE)	MAP	CAREERS
Associate Teacher		CAREERS
Child and Adolescent Development for Transfer		CAREERS
Early Childhood Education for Transfer	MAP	CAREERS
Early Intervention and Inclusion		CAREERS
Master Teacher (MCC GE)	MAP	CAREERS
Master Teacher (CSU GE)	MAP	CAREERS
Master Teacher	MAP	CAREERS
Site Supervisor (MCC GE)	MAP	CAREERS
Site Supervisor	MAP	CAREERS
Site Supervisor (CSU GE)	MAP	CAREERS
Teacher (MCC GE)	MAP	CAREERS
Teacher (CSU GE)	MAP	CAREERS
Teacher		CAREERS

Additional Resources

Child Development Career Options Video: Learn all about career options in Child Development.
The Child Development Center:
Learn about as a campus-based child development program providing both academic instruction to students and childcare services to student, staff, and community families.
Request Additional Information: Learn more about all that MiraCosta College has to offer.