Child Development Family Studies
Child Development & Family Studies
The Child Development & Family Studies Program at Solano Community College provides students with a comprehensive understanding of early childhood education. The program emphasizes:
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Child Development – Growth and learning from birth through adolescence.
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Guidance & Interaction – Effective strategies for fostering positive classroom environments.
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Family & Culture – Recognizing the role of family, community, and culture in child development.
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Curriculum & Teaching – Designing meaningful, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
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Health & Safety – Ensuring safe, supportive, and nurturing environments for all children.
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Observation & Assessment – Using effective tools to evaluate learning and guide instruction.
Successful completion prepares students for careers in early childhood education, with the knowledge and skills to support the whole child in diverse and inclusive settings.
Building strong foundations for lifelong learning.
The Child Development & Family Studies Program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in early childhood education. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of child development, health and safety, observation and assessment, and effective classroom teaching strategies. Coursework emphasizes child guidance, curriculum development, and culturally respectful practices that support the whole child.
A one-semester practicum provides hands-on experience in an educational setting. This program aligns with the statewide Early Childhood Education Curriculum Alignment Project (CAP) to support student transfer opportunities. CAP courses include: CDFS 038, CDFS 050, CDFS 053, CDFS 054 (or NUTR 054), CDFS 062, CDFS 063, CDFS 064, and CDFS 065.
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Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) in Early Childhood Education
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Associate of Science (AS) in Child Development & Family Studies
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Certificate of Achievement in Child Development & Family Studies
Graduates of this program are prepared for a variety of roles in the field of early childhood education, including:
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Preschool Teacher
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Infant/Toddler Teacher
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Teacher’s Aide/Assistant Teacher
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Head Start/Early Head Start Teacher
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Family Child Care Provider
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Program Supervisor or Site Director
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Child Development Specialist
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Parent Educator
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Resource & Referral Specialist
With further education, students may pursue careers as:
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Elementary School Teacher
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Child Life Specialist
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Social Service or Family Support Worker