Child Development Options

The field of early child care and education has many opportunities. Because of the need for child care outside the family, well prepared early childhood educators are in great demand. A certificate or degree in Child Development from Fresno City College provides students with the knowledge, skills and experience to obtain a job in many different program types.

  • Federally funded or state funded children's programs
  • Employer sponsored child care centers
  • Infant and toddler programs
  • Private half day and full day programs for children
  • Before and after school programs
  • Parent cooperatives
  • Family child care
  • Campus child care programs
  • Early intervention programs
Working in Early Childhood Education and Early Intervention
Instructor Working in Early Childhood Education and Early Intervention

Degrees 

Certificates

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For more information about our programs contact Counseling or Social Science Counselor Samantha Cazares.

Courses and Information

To see recommended courses, see the Catalog.  To see upcoming scheduled classes, see the Schedule of Classes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost for these courses?

Tuition at Fresno City College is $46 per unit.

  1. Child Development Degree (F.5615.AS)
    • Students will complete 30 major units combined with general education courses to meet a minimum of 60 semester units, for a total of $2,760 in tuition costs.
  2. Child Development: Early Childhood Education Degree for Transfer (F.5605.AS-T)
    • Students will complete 24 major units combined with general education courses to meet a minimum of 60 semester units, for a total of $2,760 in tuition costs.
  3. Child Development: Early Intervention Degree (F.5621.AS)
    • Students will complete 30 major units combined with general education courses to meet a minimum of 60 semester units, for a total of $2,760 in tuition costs.
  4. Child Development Certificate (F.5618.CA)
    • Students will complete 15 units for a total of $690 in tuition costs.
  5. Child Development: Child Welfare Certificate (F.5581.CA)
    • Students will complete 15 units for a total of $690 in tuition costs.
  6. Child Development: Early Childhood Education Certificate (F.5616.CA)
    • Students will complete 24 units for a total of $1,104 in tuition costs.
  7. Child Development: Early Intervention Assistant Certificate (F.5617.CA)
    • Students will complete 30 units for a total of $1,380 in tuition costs.
  8. Child Development: Family Child Care Certificate (F.5571.CA)
    • Students will complete 15 units for a total of $690 in tuition costs.
  9. Child Development: Infant Toddler Specialist Certificate (F.5619.CA)
    • Students will complete 24 units for a total of $1,104 in tuition costs.

What other fees are involved?

Required Fees:

  • Health fee ($21 per semester, $13 if off campus/online per semester)
  • Associated Student Body fee ($2 per semester, but opportunity to waive the fee at the time of registration if the student so chooses)

Optional Fees:

  • Parking pass ($30 per semester)
  • Student ID card (Now Free)

Additional Fees:

  • Fingerprinting ($40-$70) - If required by school district where student is completing fieldwork or lab hours

How can I pay for these courses?

A student can pay in one or a combination of ways: directly using a credit card, through a grant (attend or review our Financial Aid Zoom workshop noted above for grant information), or with a scholarship or fee waiver through partner programs.

What kind of job can I get if I complete one of these programs?

  1. Child Development Degree (F.5615.AS)
    • This degree is designed to prepare students to work with young children in a variety of early care and education settings. Completion of the requirements for this degree will fulfill the requirements to obtain the California Child Development permit at the Teacher level which qualifies the student to work in a State of California funded child development center or preschool. Students may also seek employment as a teacher in a licensed, private childcare center.
    • More information on related careers can be found here: Career Coach - Child Development (emsicc.com)
  2. Child Development: Early Childhood Education Degree for Transfer (F.5605.AS-T)
    • This degree prepares students for jobs in a variety of early care and education settings, as well as in related fields working the children and families. Completion of the requirements for this degree will fulfill the requirements to obtain the California Child Development permit at the Teacher level which qualifies the student to work in a State of California funded child development center or preschool. Students may also seek employment as a teacher in a licensed, private childcare center.
    • While students may seek employment upon completion of this degree, it is intended for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree.
    • More information on related careers can be found here: Career Coach - Child Development: Early Childhood Education (emsicc.com)
  3. Child Development: Early Intervention Degree (F.5621.AS)
    • This degree prepares students to work with infants, toddlers and young children with disabilities and other special needs in early intervention settings and inclusive early care and education settings. A student who completes this degree is qualified to work at the Early Intervention Assistant II level of the California Early Start Personnel Model.
    • More information on related careers can be found here: Career Coach - Child Development: Early Intervention (emsicc.com)
  4. Child Development Certificate (F.5618.CA)
    • This certificate is designed for students who desire a short-term training program in Child Development. Students will complete coursework and work experience to become qualified to provide instruction in child development centers and family childcare homes as well as obtain a California Child Development permit at the Associate Teacher level.
    • Upon completion of this certificate, students may seek employment as a teacher assistant at a licensed, private childcare program.
    • More information on related careers can be found here: Career Coach - Child Development - Certificate (emsicc.com)
  5. Child Development: Child Welfare Certificate (F.5581.CA)
    • This certificate is designed to train foster parents in specialized areas, acquiring knowledge and skills necessary for at risk children and adolescents. Students will gain a basic understanding of the child welfare system and various community resources. They will also learn basic interventions and techniques to support children and families receiving services through the child welfare system.
    • More information on related careers can be found here: Career Coach - Child Development: Child Welfare (emsicc.com)
  6. Child Development: Early Childhood Education Certificate (F.5616.CA)
    • This certificate prepares students to work with young children in a variety of early care and education settings. Completion of this Certificate of Achievement fulfills the child development coursework requirement for the California Child Development Permit at the Teacher level. Students may seek employment as a teacher or teacher assistant in a licensed, private childcare center.
    • More information on related careers can be found here: Career Coach - Child Development: Early Childhood Education - Certificate (emsicc.com)
  7. Child Development: Early Intervention Assistant Certificate (F.5617.CA)
    • This certificate prepares students to work with infants, toddlers, and young children with disabilities and other special needs in early intervention settings and inclusive early care and education settings. A student who completes this certificate of achievement is qualified to work at the Early Intervention Assistant I level of the California Early Start Personnel Model.
    • More information on related careers can be found here: Career Coach - Child Development: Early Intervention Assistant (emsicc.com)
  8. Child Development: Family Child Care Certificate (F.5571.CA)
    • This certificate is designed to meet the training needs of family childcare providers, individuals who are licensed to care for children in their homes. This course of study will prepare the student to meet the coursework requirements for the California Child Development Permit at the Associate Teacher level.
    • More information on related careers can be found here: Career Coach - Child Development: Family Child Care (emsicc.com)
  9. Child Development: Infant Toddler Specialist Certificate (F.5619.CA)
    • This certificate prepares students to work with children ages 0-3 in a variety of early care and education settings. Completion of the Certificate fulfills the child development coursework requirement for the California Child Development Permit at the Teacher level, for employment in a public or licensed, private childcare program.
    • More information on related careers can be found here: Career Coach - Child Development: Infant Toddler Specialist (emsicc.com)

Would I be able to apply for a 4-year degree program and get credit for these courses?

Yes! However, every 4-year college accepts coursework differently. It is recommended that students intending to transfer to a CSU should complete the CSU-General Education pattern, and those planning to attend a UC should complete the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum pattern.

Students should work with a counselor to create a comprehensive student educational plan (SEP-C) to confirm they take courses that will guide them to their preferred academic and career path.

What does "stackable" certificate mean?

Several courses completed in the Child Development certificate programs are applicable to additional Child Development certificates and/or associate degrees. Students should meet with a counselor to confirm courses and certificates are completed in the appropriate order.

How do I get more information and/or register?

Fresno City College uses the same registration system as all California Community Colleges. A student must apply through CCCApply, if not already a California Community College student, to receive a student identification number. Once you have a student identification number, you may schedule a counselor appointment to discuss the program and create a Student Educational Plan (SEP). This plan will guide your course selection and registration through Self-Service.

For more assistance with applying to Fresno City College, please access one or more of the resources below:

Initial Steps: Apply to Fresno City College | Fresno City College

If you are a first-time student, transfer student, high school student, graduating senior, or returning student you can start by submitting the appropriate application to Fresno City College through the link provided above.

College Relations: College Relations Office | Fresno City College

Students may receive additional support through our College Relations and Outreach office. This team of counselors specializes in assisting new college students from application to advising courses to attending their first day of class.

What will my schedule look like?

Courses may be offered face-to-face or online, with most courses scheduled during the day and a few in the evening. Practicum and lab courses are only offered in a face-to-face format. Students may enroll full time (12+ units) or part-time (1-11 units).

  1. Child Development Degree (F.5615.AS)
    • Students will complete 30 major units combined with general education courses to meet a minimum of 60 semester units. Students who enroll full-time may complete this degree in four semesters.
  2. Child Development: Early Childhood Education Degree for Transfer (F.5605.AS-T)
    • Students will complete 24 major units combined with general education courses to meet a minimum of 60 semester units. Students who enroll full-time may complete this degree in four semesters.
  3. Child Development: Early Intervention Degree (F.5621.AS)
    • Students will complete 30 major units combined with general education courses to meet a minimum of 60 semester units. Students who enroll full-time may complete this degree in four semesters.
  4. Child Development Certificate (F.5618.CA)
    • Students will complete 15 units. Students who enroll full-time may complete this degree in one semester.
  5. Child Development: Child Welfare Certificate (F.5581.CA)
    • Students will complete 15 units. Students who enroll full-time may complete this degree in one semester.
  6. Child Development: Early Childhood Education Certificate (F.5616.CA)
    • Students will complete 24 units that must be taken in the proper sequence. Students who enroll full-time may complete this degree in one semester.
  7. Child Development: Early Intervention Assistant Certificate (F.5617.CA)
    • Students will complete 30 units that must be taken in the proper sequence. Students who enroll full-time may complete this degree in one semester.
  8. Child Development: Family Child Care Certificate (F.5571.CA)
    • Students will complete 15 units. Students who enroll full-time may complete this degree in one semester.
  9. Child Development: Infant Toddler Specialist Certificate (F.5619.CA)
    • Students will complete 24 units that must be taken in the proper sequence. Students who enroll full-time may complete this degree in two semesters.

Is there any form of job placement assistance or paid internships available in these programs?

As part of most Child Development degree or certificate programs, students are required to complete a practicum course which requires placement at a volunteer or paid work site. Students are responsible for securing their site placement, though faculty may serve as a resource to connect with potential employers and internship providers.

Students may also receive job and internship placement assistance through our Career and Employment Center: Career And Employment Center | Fresno City College