Child Development | Bakersfield College

The Bakersfield College Child Development Program offers a program of study that integrates theoretical, practical and experiential coursework to develop further understanding of children, families and the processes of teaching and learning. Completion of the appropriate courses can lead to an Associate Degree and/or Certificates in Child Development, a Child Development Center Teaching Permit, endorsement as an Early Childhood Mentor Teacher, and transfer options to four-year institutions.

Students who participate in these courses gain an understanding of the term “developmentally appropriate” as it applies to early childhood growth, learning, and services for young children.

It emphasizes curriculum planning for children from infancy through school age, children and families with special needs, techniques in guiding behaviors, active learning (the value of play), health and safety education, program administration and advocacy related to current issues of the field.

The department maintains the philosophy which is centered in the following beliefs about children and learning:

• Children are naturally active participants in learning about themselves and people in their environment and learn best through play.
• Children’s learning is optimized in an atmosphere of trust where they are valued for their uniqueness.
• Children learn best in environments that integrate the physical, cognitive, social emotional and creative factors of development and where diversity is respected.
• Children’s development and learning is enriched and reinforced when there is a partnership between home, school and community.