About the Department
The Child Development & Educational Studies Department at Long
Beach City College offer courses in the fields of Child
Development and Early Childhood Education. The field of Child
Development focuses on the growth and development of children
from birth through adolescence. Early Childhood Education is the
care and education of young children from birth to age 8 in group
settings. Fostering the healthy development of young children
lays down the foundation for children, families, and communities
to thrive.
Dedicated to serving the complex needs of young children and
their families, the Child Development and Educational Studies
Department offers courses that prepare students to work with
children in a variety of settings, including child care centers,
family child care homes, before and after-school programs, and
inclusive settings for children with special needs.
The Department offers two associate’s degrees, including one
Associate’s Degree for Transfer (ADT) for those who plan to
continue their education at a four-year university and numerous
certificates. Certificates are aligned with state requirements
for the California Teacher Permit and department faculty assist
students in completing the required paperwork.
Students benefit from the availability of two child development
centers and learning labs located on each campus where they can
observe children, families, and teaching staff in order to learn
best practices in the field, complete course assignments, and
improve their own practice or prepare for work in the field. The
career options for department majors are numerous and include
teaching and administrative positions in early childhood
programs, as well as continuing their education to pursue careers
in social services, nursing, and elementary education.