Child Development

The Child Development Certificate Program provides opportunities to complete various career training certificates that create pathways to entry-level employment in the child care industry or transition to college. The certificate program pathways are designed to prepare students for professional or learning support positions in education, child care settings, and various other child, adolescent and family career opportunities. Emphasis is placed on the study of child growth and development; related standards and regulations; positive guidance techniques; health and nutrition practices, indoor and outdoor environments; and developmental learning strategies.

Student Success

Simone Scano traveled to the United States from a small town near Venice, Italy. Remembering his experience teaching Italian language to youth in Europe inspired him to explore a career path in child development. He completed the free Child Development Certificate program at San Diego Continuing Education (SDCE) in spring 2019. “I am happy I finally have the opportunity to study and work in early education. It is important for young children to have a positive male role model in their lives.” Following SDCE, Scano was hired as a Preschool Assistant for the University of California San Diego Early Childhood Education Center.

Simone Scano

Child Care Provider

144 HOURS
8 HOURS PER WEEK
18 WEEKS

The Child Care Provider Training program will provide students with foundational knowledge of early childhood development as well as information about business practices to help progress towards vocational, academic, personal and/or professional goals working with children. Students become familiar with the local requirements for childcare businesses and regulations pertaining to childcare providers. Program instruction incorporates development of critical thinking skills and soft skills needed in academic, professional and social settings with emphasis placed on caring for infants and young children. This program provides the knowledge and academic experience necessary for a student to successfully transition to credit institutions and further study in the field of child development.

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Complete two courses:

  • HMDV 575A Foundations of Child Care (72 hours)
  • HMDV 575B Introduction to Child Care Business (72 hours)

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619-388-SDCE (7323)


Infant Care Specialist

198 HOURS
11 HOURS PER WEEK
18 WEEKS

The Infant Care Specialist program will provide students with knowledge specific to infant care and development, as well as an understanding of basic business practices involving the care of infants ages 0-12 month. Students learn how to provide safe, nurturing and appropriate care for infants in the family home or in a child care center. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills to open their own infant family child care home. This program provides the knowledge and academic experience necessary for a student to successfully transition to credit institutions and further study in the field of child development.

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Complete three courses:

  • HMDV 575A Foundations of Child Care (72 hours)
  • HMDV 575B Introduction to Child Care Business (72 hours)
  • HMDV 580 Infant Development and Care (54 hours)

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Class Class Number Status Room Type Hours per Week Dates Instructor Class Meetings Textbooks, Materials Fees Class Notes Class Description version

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Welcome Center

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619-388-SDCE (7323)


Child Home Care

288 HOURS
16 HOURS PER WEEK
18 WEEKS

The Child Home Care Training program will provide students with knowledge of early childhood development, information about childcare business practices, and applied skills in both business and early childhood care and education. The program prepares students to have a successful child care business of their own serving children ages 0-5, as they experience hands-on-practice in a laboratory setting with multi-age children. Employment options, as well as opportunities for home business success, increase with program completion. This program provides the knowledge and academic experience necessary for a student to successfully transition to credit institutions and further study in the field of child development.

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Complete three courses:

  • HMDV 575A Foundations of Child Care (72 hours)
  • HMDV 575B Introduction to Child Care Business (72 hours)
  • HMDV 584 Multi-age Development and Care (144 hours)

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Class Class Number Status Room Type Hours per Week Dates Instructor Class Meetings Textbooks, Materials Fees Class Notes Class Description version

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Welcome Center

Visit the Virtual Welcome Center or any Welcome Center at a campus near you
619-388-SDCE (7323)


Infant & Toddler Development

108 HOURS
6 HOURS PER WEEK
18 WEEKS

The Infant and Toddler Development program will provide students with knowledge of the physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth of infants and toddlers. The program focuses on developmentally appropriate practices in the care of children ages 0-24 months and the creation of safe, appropriate and nurturing home and child care environments. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to provide safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate care for infants and toddlers. The student will explore and identify careers and vocations in infant and toddler development and care. This program provides skills necessary for entry-level employment in child care occupations and will provide students the opportunity explore educational pathways in Early Childhood Care and Education.

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Complete two courses:

  • HMDV 580 Infant Development and Care (54 hours)
  • HMDV 581 Toddler Development and Care (54 hours)

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Class Class Number Status Room Type Hours per Week Dates Instructor Class Meetings Textbooks, Materials Fees Class Notes Class Description version

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Welcome Center

Visit the Virtual Welcome Center or any Welcome Center at a campus near you
619-388-SDCE (7323)


Early Learner Development

216 HOURS
12 HOURS PER WEEK
18 WEEKS

The Early Learner Development Program will provide students with knowledge of the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development of children ages 2-5 years. The program focuses on developmentally appropriate practice in the care and education of children ages 2-5 years, and the creation of safe, appropriate and nurturing environments which foster emerging skills and readiness for school entry. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to provide safe and nurturing environments and implement developmentally appropriate activities for early learners. The student will explore and identify careers and vocations in early childhood education, development and care. This program provides skills necessary for entry-level employment in child care occupations and will provide students the opportunity explore educational pathways in Early Childhood Care and Education.

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Complete two courses:

  • HMDV 582 Two Year Old Development and Care (54 hours)
  • HMDV 583 Three to Five Your Old Development and Care (162 hours)

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Welcome Center

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619-388-SDCE (7323)


Infant & Toddler Enrichment

99 HOURS
5.5 HOURS PER WEEK
18 WEEKS

The Infant and Toddler Enrichment program will provide students with knowledge and experience in various ways to promote and enrich infant/toddler physical, cognitive and socioemotional development. The emphasis will be on infant/toddler brain development as enhanced by experiences with music, movement and outdoor learning and play. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to lead activities at home and in the workplace with children 0-24 months that benefit infant and toddler brain development. The student will be able to create safe outdoor play and learning environments for infants and toddlers and demonstrate for parents and caregivers how to do so. The student will also gain knowledge and academic experience necessary to foster a successful transition to credit institutions and/or further study in the field of child development.

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Complete two courses:

  • HMDV 585 Infant/Toddler Brain Dance (36 hours)
  • HMDV 590 Infant/Toddler Outdoor Enrichment (63)

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Class Class Number Status Room Type Hours per Week Dates Instructor Class Meetings Textbooks, Materials Fees Class Notes Class Description version

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Welcome Center

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619-388-SDCE (7323)


Early Learner Enrichment

117 HOURS
6.5 HOURS PER WEEK
18 WEEKS

The Early Learner Enrichment program will provide students with knowledge and experience in various methods to promote and enrich physical, cognitive and socioemotional development in the early childhood between the ages of 2-5 years. The emphasis will be on brain development as enhanced by experiences with music, movement and outdoor learning and play. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be prepared to lead activities at home and in the workplace with children ages 2-5 years that benefit growth and development, with special emphasis on brain, language and physical development. The student will be able to demonstrate for parents and caregivers how to create safe outdoor play and learning environments for early learners. This program provides skills necessary for entry-level employment in child care occupations and will provide students the opportunity explore educational pathways in Early Childhood Care and Education.

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Complete two courses:

  • HMDV 586 Early Learner Brain Dance (54 hours)
  • HMDV 591 Early Learner Outdoor Enrichment (63 hours)

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Class Class Number Status Room Type Hours per Week Dates Instructor Class Meetings Textbooks, Materials Fees Class Notes Class Description version

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Welcome Center

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619-388-SDCE (7323)


School-Age Care & Leadership

54 HOURS
6 HOURS PER WEEK
9 WEEKS

The School-Age Care & Leadership program develops childcare providers’ foundational knowledge of the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of school-age children and those needing special attention, in order to design a program that uses positive guidance and discipline. Students construct school-age child development center curriculum for practical application. The program incorporates the development of critical thinking and soft skills needed in academic, professional and social settings where emphasis is placed on before and after school care.

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be prepared to lead activities at home and in the workplace with children ages 6 to 12 years focusing on advancing growth on all domains of development as well as academic success. The student will also gain knowledge and academic experience necessary to foster a successful transition to credit institutions and/or further study in the field of child development.

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Complete two courses:

  • HMDV 595 School-Age Theory & Skill Development
  • HMDV 596 School-Age Guidance & Curricula

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619-388-SDCE (7323)


Three to Five-Year-Old Specialty Curriculum

144 HOURS
4 HOURS PER WEEK
36 WEEKS

The Three to Five-Year-Old Specialty Curriculum program provides students with knowledge to develop and implement curricula designed for 3 to 5-year-old-children in the specialty areas of literacy, communication, reading, science, technology, engineering concepts, art and math. Emphasis is placed on understanding normative development and in utilizing the specialty curriculum to enhance growth potential and educational engagement in 3 to 5-year-olds. Additional emphasis is placed on recognizing unique needs or developmental delays in equitable and inclusive settings. Upon successful completion of the program, students are prepared to lead emergent literacy and STEAM activities in the workplace and at home with children 3 to 5-years-old. With an understanding of classroom mechanics, students will be able to successfully implement curriculum as well as modify literacy and STEAM activities to address individualized needs and unique environments.

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Complete two courses:

  • HMDV 593 3-5 Yr-Old: Emergent Literacy
  • HMDV 594 3-5 Yr-Old: STEAM Education

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Welcome Center

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619-388-SDCE (7323)


Instructional Aide

108 HOURS
6 HOURS PER WEEK
18 WEEKS

The Instructional Aide Program will help students understand the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), individualized educational program (IEP), and characteristics of disabilities in the school-aged child. Students will become familiar with teaching strategies, professional responsibilities, and laws and regulations related to teaching children with disabilities. Program instruction focuses on understanding terminology and applied practice through role-play and observation as well as students. This program prepares students for entry-level positions in school, home, and community-based programs that support learning and independence for individuals with disabilities.

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Complete two courses:

  • HMDV 571A Instructional Aide I
  • HMDV 571B Instructional Aide II

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Class Class Number Status Room Type Hours per Week Dates Instructor Class Meetings Textbooks, Materials Fees Class Notes Class Description version

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Welcome Center

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619-388-SDCE (7323)


Faculty Spotlight

Rachel Rose
“I am proud to train the next generation of professionals to support healthy human development.”
— Rachel Rose, Child Development Faculty and Program Chair

Rachel Rose has been working with families and children for the past 24 years. She teaches Child Development courses on Family Communication, Anger Management, Development and Care for Toddlers, Development and Care for Preschoolers, Enrichment certificates in Outdoor environments and Infant Development with an emphasis on Baby Sign Language. Rose earned a Bachelor's degree in Family Social Science, a Master’s degree in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling and furthered her education abroad, studying cultural differences in families and child development at the University of Amsterdam. In recognition of her long-term advocacy for children and families, the State of California appointed Rose to an elite team of counselors assigned to provide Crisis Incident Stress Debriefing to high schools. Rose traveled the Northern California Coast counseling high school staff and students regarding teenage behavior, school violence, and safety.

Mission: San Diego College of Continuing Education commits to student success and community enrichment by providing tuition-free, accessible, equitable, and innovative quality education and support services to diverse learners in pursuit of lifelong learning, training, career advancement, and pathways to credit college. read more »