The Child Development certificates and degrees at PCC focus on children, from infancy through school age. Courses provide foundations and prepare students for careers in child care, sociology, social work, education, special education, and psychology.

Opportunities are available for work with children and their families in a variety of settings including homes, schools, hospitals, and public and non-profit agencies concerned with the development and welfare of children.


Associate in Science for Transfer Degree


Child and Adolescent Development (AA-T)

Learn the process of change and growth that characterize Human Development from conception to adolescence. Completiong of the degree will prepare you to pursue employment in the Human Services, Health and Education fields; including, but not limited to: Child and Adolescent care and education, special education, child and adolescent health and a variety of youth related social service careers.

See AA-T Requirements

Early Childhood Education AS-T

Study the physical, socio‐ emotional and cognitive growth and development of the child from conception through age eight. Completion of the Early Childhood Education for Transfer (AS‐T) ensures you complete the lower division general education requirements as well as the lower division major requirements for a bachelor degree in Child Development prior to transferring to a CSU.

See AS-T Requirements


Certificate of Achievement


Child Development

The Child Development Certificates of Achievement focus on children, from infancy through school age and prepares you or a career in child care, sociology, social work, education, special education or psychology.


Occupational Skills Certificates


Child Development Instructional Assistant

The Child Development Instructional Assistant curriculum provides students with the necessary skills to seek employment as assistants in instructional programs for young children.

See Requirements

Child Development School Age Assistant

The Instructional Assistant curriculum provides students with the necessary skills to seek employment working with school age children.

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Music and Movement Education for Young Children

The Music and Movement Education program offers extensive hands-on training in music and movement education targeted specifically for early childhood (birth to 8 years old).

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Associate in Science Degree


The AS degrees in Career Technical Education prepare you with the unique skills needed to enter a specialized career field. You may also choose to continue your studies and earn a Bachelor's degree in a related field.

When earning an AS degree in Child Development, you will choose the Child Development Certificate of Achievement as your major. In addition to the Certificate Requirements, you will need to complete the general education requirements for an AS degree.