Why study Early Childhood Education at CCC

Imagine sitting in the lecture room, looking out to our lab school play yard, where you see and hear children at play, experiencing the very environments, materials and relationships you are exploring in your courses. Within our Child Development Center, you will find lecture rooms, lab school classrooms, and observation booths, designed to give students hands–on experiences to prepare them for their work in early childhood education settings.

We have small class sizes to create a sense of community in each of the courses we teach. With fewer students in our classes, students feel empowered to share their perspectives, build respect across cultures and connect with their peers through an active approach to learning. We value the diverse learning styles of our students and seek to teach in ways that are both relevant and applicable. Just as young children learn through hands-on experiences, we believe that our students thrive through active, collaborative instruction.

Students in our program are part of a community of learners, supported by instructors and lab school teachers that serve as mentors. We seek to elevate our community through high-quality teaching practices modeled in our lab school and opportunities for our students to refine their skills as they prepare for their future in the field of early childhood education. We know that our students will impact the lives of many children and families, and we seek to empower them in their role as advocates, innovators, collaborators, and educators.

Our Philosophy

Young children’s learning is cultivated through play-based exploration, investigation, and supportive, inclusive relationships. We believe our college students also flourish with opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration within caring communities that value individual perspectives, experiences, and cultural practices. As instructors, we believe that learning is a continual, life-long process and we strive to create and support classroom climates that foster belonging for all students. We seek to advance equity by examining our course content to ensure it recognizes diversity and acknowledges barriers to inclusion. We are passionate about our field and committed to student success as we prepare our students for their critical role as advocates for children, families, and best practices in early childhood education.

Career Opportunities

• Infant, Toddler, Preschool Teachers
• Family Child Care Home Provider
• Early Childhood Education Program Administrators/Site Supervisors

Employers

• Clovis Unified School District
• Fresno Unified School District
• Fresno Economics Opportunity Commission

Additional Career Opportunities Requiring a Bachelor’s degree

• Transitional Kindergarten Teachers
• Child Life Specialist
• Child Family and School Social Workers

4-Year Colleges in Fresno County for Transfer

• Fresno State | Child, Family Sciences
• Fresno Pacific University | Early Childhood Education