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CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

President’s Message

Dear Prospective Student,

The San Diego College of Continuing Education is among the region’s leading provider of career training and our Child Development program is among the reasons why. Our Child Development program will help open the doors to a profession that promises to be in demand for years to come. Students in this sought-after program learn the latest about age-appropriate pedagogy and the importance of a solid educational foundation for infants and toddlers. Taking care of children during their early, formative years is one of the most fulfilling things a person can do, and our graduates find emotionally rewarding jobs at an array of child and infant care centers or as special education assistants, while others have successfully opened their own home-based centers.

Please take a moment to review the details in this publication to learn more about our cost-free, no-tuition Child Development program.

Warmly,

Tina M. King, Ed.D. President San Diego College of Continuing Education

SDCCE Child Development Program

Where Kids Come First

Program Mission Statement

Child development students acquire an understanding of their important role as a primary teacher of the children in their care. Through exposure to child development principles and opportunities to practice and master skills that complement each child’s age appropriate needs, students learn lifelong skills leading to careers in child development, as well as successful and effective parenting.

It’s all about the kids. That’s the mantra at San Diego College of Continuing Education’s Child Development program , where the curriculum covers infancy through adolescence and everything in between. As you prepare for a new career in an in-demand profession, you will learn about the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children at varying stages of life.

Our career education program is tailored for adult learners and provides the flexibility of attending classes in-person, online, or through a hybrid model. By taking specific child development courses, you can earn up to nine eligible college units that can be applied towards an associate degree at San Diego City College, Mesa, or Miramar College.

Where Kids Come First

Myesha Jackson, M.B.A. Dean of Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Clothing and Textiles, and Child Development

Our institution is dedicated to empowering individuals with the necessary skills to lead fulfilling careers in early childhood education . We also recognize the importance of parental involvement in a child’s development, so we offer classes where parents can learn alongside their children and develop effective parenting techniques. Our classes provide high-quality instruction led by experienced faculty members who foster a supportive and engaging environment for every child. At the College of Continuing Education, we are committed to helping families thrive together.

“An average daycare might have five children to every adult, and a preschool might have up to 12 students for every one teacher,” said Surwilo.

Indoor and outdoor learning labs are located at four College of Continuing Education campuses, including the César E. Chávez Campus in the heart of Barrio Logan, West City Campus in the Midway District, Mesa College, and Miramar College.

The campuses have playgrounds, a community garden, and toys for imagination as well as tools that promote teaching and learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Off-site locations offer the same courses at Park de la Cruz and the Harold J. Ballard Parent Center.

This is where you really develop your experience in different age groups, What a 1-year-old toddler needs is completely different from what a 3-month-old baby needs.” “

- Associate Professor, Stacy Surwilo

Where Kids Come First

Alexis Primo-Hawkins is a parent who is caring for her two young children, ages 4 and 5, who immigrated to San Diego from Guyana and found success opening a home daycare business. The pandemic, however, forced Primo-Hawkins to close her doors in 2020 and left her desperate to figure out what to do next. That’s when she found SDCCE. Primo-Hawkins not only thrived in school, but she found a calling advocating for other studentparents at the state and local levels. She isn’t done yet; she’s

also taking classes at San Diego Mesa College, where she’s on pace to graduate with an associate degree next fall. PrimoHawkins has plans to reopen her home daycare and work with community organizations focused on early childhood education.

“The SDCCE set me up for my whole life,” said Alexis PrimoHawkins, who graduated with certificates in child development and business in 2023. “I prayed for this moment; it’s very surreal that I put myself here.”

Alexis Primo-Hawkins

Simone Scano came to the United States from a small town near Venice, Italy. His experience teaching Italian to youth in Europe inspired him to explore a career in early childhood education and complete the free Child Development Certificate program at the San Diego College of Continuing Education.

“I am happy I finally have the opportunity to study and work in early education,” said Simone, who landed a job as a preschool assistant for the UC San Diego Early Childhood Education Center.

“It is important for young children to have a positive male role model in their lives.”

Simone Scano

Where Kids Come First

A Career with a Future

Those who have earned a Child Development Program certificate from the San Diego College of Continuing Education are finding that there are approximately 2,000 job openings available each year. These job opportunities span various career paths, providing plenty of options for those looking to start a career in child development.

A Return on Investment

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for preschool teachers in our region exceeds $43,000, while childcare administrators in San Diego County are earning nearly $64,000 on average each year.

A Field Open to All

Approximately 80% of our students come from communities of color, with ages ranging from 18 to over 50. Approximately 3 of every 4 of our students are 30 years old or older.

Child Development

Certificate Programs

Child Development Certificate Programs

Infant & Toddler

. Infant Care Specialist

. Infant & Toddler Development

. Infant & Toddler Enrichment

Infant Care Specialist Certificate

A program focused on infant care and development, as well as an understanding of basic business practices involving the care of infants up to a year old. You’ll learn about providing a safe, nurturing and appropriate care for infants in the family home or in a child care center and will leave with the knowledge to open your own home-based child care business.

Requires completion of three courses:

a. Foundations of Child Care

An introduction to the foundations of early childcare, including basic child development, health and safety, nutrition, and behavior management and discipline.

b. Introduction to Child Care Business

An introduction to topics critical for childcare providers, such as licensing, record keeping and insurance; safety, facility preparation and regulations; illness and injury prevention; creative and enriching activities; communicating with parents; and menu planning.

c. Infant Development and Care

Learn about the physical, cognitive and social/emotional development that takes place during the first year of life, with a focus on creating a caring and enriching environment that promotes positive infant development.

Infant & Toddler Development Certificate

Become an expert in the physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth of infants and toddlers. The program focuses on developmentally appropriate practices in the care of children up to 2-years old.

Requires completion of two courses:

a. Infant Development and Care

Learn about the physical, cognitive and social/ emotional development that takes place during the first year of life, with a focus on creating a caring and enriching environment that promotes positive infant development.

b. Toddler Development and Care

Learn about the physical, cognitive, and social/ emotional development of children from 12 months to 2 years. You will also explore careers and vocations in Early Childhood Care and Education.

Child Development Certificate Programs

Preschool

. Child Home Care Training

. Early Learner Development

. Early Learner Enrichment

. 3- to 5-Year-Old Specialty Curriculum

Preschool Certificate Programs

Child Home Care CertificateTraining

Child Home Care Training Certificate

You’ll come away with a solid background on early childhood development, information about childcare business practices, and applied skills in both business and early childhood care and education. This program will prepare you to operate a successful child care business of your own serving children up 12-years old.

Requires completion of three courses:

a. Foundations of Child Care

An introduction to the foundations of early childcare, including basic child development, health and safety, nutrition, and behavior management and discipline.

b. Introduction to Child Care Business

c. Multi-age Development and Care

Learn how to care for and nurture children of different ages in an early childhood environment. Areas covered include sibling adjustment, temperament, family dynamics, communication and stress management, effective discipline, and age and gender considerations.

Preschool Certificate Programs

Early Learner Development Certificate

Learn about the physical, cognitive, and socio/ emotional development of children ages 2-5 years. The program focuses on developmentally appropriate practice in the care and education during the posttoddler years, and creating safe, appropriate and nurturing environments, that foster emerging skills and school readiness.

Requires completion of two courses:

a. 2-Year-Old Development and Care

Learn about the physical, cognitive and social/ emotional development of the 24–36-month-old, including developmentally appropriate expectations and behavior.

b. 3- to 5-Year-Old Development and Care

A focus on the physical, cognitive, and socio/emotional development and education of the 3- to 5-yearold child. Emphasis is on learning how to create a nurturing and safe environment, which fosters emerging skills and school preparedness.

Preschool Certificate Programs

Early EnrichmentLearner Certificate

Preschool Certificate Programs

3- to 5-Year-Old Specialty Curriculum

The 3- to 5-Year-Old Specialty Curriculum program provides skill building opportunities that will prepare you to thrive while working in a pre-Kindergarten child development environment.

Requires completion of two courses:

a. 3- to 5-Year-Old Emergent Literacy

Learn about the development of language and speech acquisition, including emerging communication, spoken and written language, and recognition of developmental concerns.

b. 3- to 5-Year-Old STEAM Education

Use hands-on projects to understand the theories, benefits, and applications of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math education in a preschool classroom.

Child Development Certificate Programs

Elementary

. Child Care Provider Training

. Introduction to Child Care Careers

. School - Age Care & Leadership

. Instructional Aide

Elementary Certificate Programs

Child Care Provider Training Certificate

Get the foundational knowledge any childhood development professional needs to succeed while also learning the ins and outs of best business practices. This program also will leave you with the knowledge and academic experience necessary to transition to a for-credit college for further study in the field of child development.

Requires completion of two courses:

a. Foundations of Child Care

An introduction to the foundations of early childcare, including basic child development from infancy to 12-years old, health and safety, nutrition, and behavior management and discipline.

b.

Introduction

to Child Care Business

Elementary Certificate Programs

Introduction to Child Care Careers

Introduction to Child Care Careers Certificate

Get started on the right foot. This program will provide a comprehensive overview in preparing you for an entrylevel position in child development. Learn about basic child development theory, health and safety, nutrition, and behavior management, along with an understanding of soft skills applicable to both the classroom and work environment.

Requires completion of two courses:

a. Foundations of Child Care

An introduction to the foundations of early childcare, including basic child development from infancy to 12-years old, health and safety, nutrition, and behavior management.

b. Career and College Readiness

Learn to develop self-discipline and empathy in addition to communication, financial literacy, and study skills.

Elementary Certificate Programs

School-Age Care & CertificateLeadership

School-Age Care & Leadership Certificate

The School-Age Care & Leadership program will leave you with a solid foundation in the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of school-age children and those needing special attention. The program incorporates the development of critical thinking and soft skills needed in academic, professional and social settings where emphasis is placed on before and after school care.

Requires completion of two courses:

a. Theory and Skill Development

An introduction to school-age childcare theory and skill development, including child development stages, problem solving, self- esteem, social pressures, building resiliency, cultural impact, resources and temperament.

b. Guidance & Curricula

An introduction to school-age childcare curriculum planning and guidance including positive guidance techniques, conflict management, program planning, curriculum development, enrichment activities and communication skills.

Elementary Certificate Programs

Instructional Aide Certificate

The Instructional Aide Program will help you understand the principles of applied behavior analysis, individualized educational programs, and characteristics of disabilities in the school-aged child. Become familiar with teaching strategies, professional responsibilities, and laws and regulations related to teaching children with disabilities.

Requires completion of both courses:

a. Instructional Aide I

An introduction to providing instructional support to individuals with disabilities in multiple settings. This course provides an overview of teaching strategies, professional responsibilities, and the laws and regulations related to working with children with disabilities.

b. Instructional Aide II

An Introduction to principles of applied behavior analysis for the purpose of providing instructional support to individuals with disabilities. This course focuses on applied behavior analysis teaching strategies, reinforcement, functions of behavior, areas for intervention, and more.

Transform your passion a career with Child Development.