Early Childhood Education Options 408.741.2098 Career Paths Dept. The Child Studies Department offers eight certificate programs and an Associate of Science Degree program designed to prepare students to work in a variety of early childhood settings, and satisfy the early childhood education coursework required by the Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Title 11, and the State Department of Education Title 5 regulations. Students are encouraged to complete the certificate programs as they work towards their Associates Degree and prepare to transfer to four-year colleges. The students enrolled in Child Studies courses at West Valley College can make a difference in the lives of children and the future. The Child Studies Department offers a wide variety of courses for students interested in careers in education, including early childhood education, infant, preschool, and school-age child care in early childhood centers, and family child care homes, parent education, and early childhood program supervision and administration.
Courses focus on theory, research, and program practice.
Students have opportunities to work directly with children in our Child Development Centers located at West Valley College. Courses are offered in the morning, afternoons, evenings, and weekends. Financial aid, tuition and book subsidy, on-campus child care, and child care tuition subsidy are available.