Child Development and Education
Apply for AdmissionWhy Study Child Development and Education
Our child development programs provide a strong foundation of classroom and lab learning, preparing you for a rewarding career working with children.
Our certificate programs can help you get your first job in child development or enhance the career you've already started.
Start Your Apprenticeship This Fall
Join our one-year Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship program, starting each fall, and gain an education while working full time in a quality preschool.
Degrees & Certificates
View list below for programs offered at Foothill. Then select program map for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.
For program requirements and full course listings, view Child Development degrees and certificates information.
Associate in Arts Degree
Associate in Arts or Science for Transfer Degrees
- Elementary Teacher Education, AA-T Program Map
- Child and Adolescent Development, AA-T Program Map
- Early Childhood Education, AS-T Program Map
Certificate of Achievement (CA)
Quick Look at Child Development and Education Courses
For complete course details, including units, hours and prerequisites, view course catalog. For when a course is offered, view class schedule.
- CHLD 1 Child Growth & Development: Prenatal through Early Childhood
- CHLD 2 Child Growth & Development II: Middle Childhood through Adolescence
- CHLD 8 Child, Family & Community
- CHLD 50D Infant & Toddler Development & Care
- CHLD 51A Affirming Diversity in Education
- CHLD 53NC Supporting Children with Special Needs in Children's Programs
- CHLD 53NP Development of Children with Special Needs
- CHLD 56 Observation & Assessment
- CHLD 56N Principles & Practices of Teaching Young Children
- CHLD 59 Working with School-Age Children
- CHLD 63N Artistic & Creative Development
- CHLD 71 Planning Creative Art Activities for Children
- CHLD 72 Language, Literacy & the Developing Child
- CHLD 73 Music & Movement in the Early Years
- CHLD 74 Science & Nature
- CHLD 80A Communication & Self-Reflection Practices for Nannies
- CHLD 80B Curriculum in the Home
- CHLD 80C Safety & Nutrition of Young Children in the Home
- CHLD 82 Planning Creative Dramatics
- CHLD 86A Mentoring the Early Care & Education Professional
- CHLD 86B Practicum Student Teaching in an Early Childhood Program
- CHLD 88B Positive Behavior Management
- CHLD 89 Curriculum for Early Care & Education Programs
- CHLD 90B Administration & Supervision of Children's Programs Part I
- CHLD 90C Administration & Supervision of Children's Programs Part II
- CHLD 91 Administration & Supervision: Adult Supervision & Leadership
- CHLD 95 Health, Safety & Nutrition in Children's Programs
Choose a Child Development FocusOur courses are designed to deepen understanding of children, their families and developmentally
appropriate practices while preparing students for careers in early childhood education. Most classes are held at our Sunnyvale Center. You have the opportunity to receive stipends for completions of specified coursework, get reimbursed for class fees, and earn an Associate of Arts Degree or transfer to a 4-year university to continue your studies. |
How to Get Started?
Use this accordion snippet for FAQs or Steps to Apply for a your CTE program. Choose black or grey color and accordion type counter (numbered) or regular (no number).
- Start by going to Apply and Register to apply for admission to Foothill College.
- When you submit your application, you will receive a Campus Wide ID (CWID). Using your CWID you can Register for classes on myportal.fhda.edu
- Follow the Guidelines to search for classes and register for the classes you want.
- For a fast look at the Child Development courses offered this quarter. See the schedule of classes for a listing and description.
- If you're looking to work with young children in a group child care environment, start by taking our Fundamental classes: CHLD 56N, 8, 89, 1 and 88B (preferably in this order). These courses will count as your "12 ECE units" and we'll teach you more about this in 56N. See the schedule of classes.
- When you have made a decision about which course you want to enroll in, log onto MyPortal with your CWID and register.
- Also consider our Apprenticeship Program!
- If you have questions about online admissions and registering, call the Sunnyvale Center Admissions and Registration office during office hours.
- Or contact the Main Campus Admissions and Records Office.
- See Counseling to make an appointment.
- Contact Nicole Kerbey, Faculty and Department Chair, at kerbeynicole@foothill.edu. (not available for advising during the summer).
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Ways to Experience More!
At Foothill, we offer many opportunities to get involved outside the classroom.
Gain real-world experience through paid internships with mission-driven nonprofit organizations. Build professional skills, connect coursework to careers, and work with community partners across the region.
Travel, study, and gain real-world experience through Foothill’s faculty-led global programs. Explore new cultures, earn academic credit, and participate in service learning, research, and study abroad around the world.
Showcase your ideas and creativity at Foothill’s annual symposium, where students present research, service projects, and creative work through talks, posters, performances, and art exhibitions.
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