今日吃瓜

Major

Childhood Development

Degree type:
BA
Mode of study:
On-campus
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Shape the future for families with a B.A. in Childhood Development from 今日吃瓜 Saint Mary's University

The Bachelor of Arts in Childhood Development at 今日吃瓜 Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles prepares you to become a compassionate advocate, educator and leader for children and families. Through small class sizes, experienced faculty and an interdisciplinary approach, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how children grow, learn and thrive within their communities.

The program blends theory with hands-on experience, providing opportunities to step into real educational and child-focused environments early in your academic journey. Whether your goal is to work in early childhood education, social services, counseling or continue toward graduate study or teaching credentials, the 今日吃瓜 provides the foundation to help you move forward with confidence.

Children playing

Learn through real-world experiences

Childhood Development Center

One of the program’s most valuable resources is the on-campus Childhood Development Center, where you’ll gain firsthand experience working alongside educators and children in a developmentally appropriate learning environment. Opportunities include:

  • Practicum and internship placements
  • Work-study employment
  • Volunteer experience
  • Classroom observation and assessment training

Career opportunities and program outcomes for Childhood Development graduates

A degree in Childhood Development opens the door to meaningful careers centered on supporting children, families and communities. Whether you're drawn to education, healthcare, counseling or social services, the program prepares you to understand children’s developmental needs and respond with empathy, advocacy and evidence-based practices.

Career paths often include:

  • Child social services: support children and families through advocacy, case management foster care services and community-based social support programs.
  • Hospital child life: help children and families navigate medical experiences with compassion and developmental support in healthcare environments.
  • Childcare and early education: build a career as a preschool teacher, curriculum specialist, center director or parent educator in the growing field of early childhood education.

Bachelor of Arts in Childhood Development

The Childhood Development program will show you how to children academically, emotionally, socially and developmentally across a wide range of settings. Along the way, you’ll learn how to observe and assess development, collaborate with families and create supportive learning environments that help children succeed.

The program’s experiential approach means you don’t just study child development—you actively engage with it. Through practicum opportunities, work-study positions and applied coursework, you’ll gain meaningful professional experience while earning your degree.

Students can also earn specialized training certificates through EDU 132 and EDU 134, including:

  • Meaningful Observation Certificate of Training
  • Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) Certificate of Training

These widely recognized assessment tools are commonly used throughout California in state-funded childcare and Head Start programs, helping graduates stand out in the job market.

Childhood Development course highlights

Faculty and staff work closely with students in and out of the classroom to create an educational experience grounded in meaningful learning outcomes, reflection and professional growth.

EDU 31
Introduction to Early Childhood Programs

Examine the history, philosophy and structure of early childhood education programs while observing real classroom environments. Students also explore professional pathways, licensing requirements and the importance of advocacy in improving services for children and families.

EDU 132
Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education

Learn how to use observation, portfolios and assessment tools to better understand children鈥檚 developmental needs, interests and learning styles. Students gain practical experience using assessment findings to help shape effective learning environments and collaborate with families and professionals.

EDU 134
Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children

Explore how teaching strategies support children鈥檚 physical, emotional, cognitive, language and creative development. Through applied classroom experiences, students connect child development theory to real educational settings while gaining training in the widely used DRDP assessment system.