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Child Development
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Careers in Child Development

Teacher and Elem Student

Parenting Class

Baby playing

Two children walking
There are many career and employment opportunities working with children in a variety of settings. Our students have found career opportunities in many areas including:
  • Teaching and directing child development programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
  • Operating a family child care home or child care center
  • Working in an Afterschool program
  • Being a parenting educator
  • Being a childbirth educator
  • Joining a family as a nanny or Au Pair
  • Becoming a Foster Parent
  • Working in a group home for children
  • Supporting a teacher as a classroom instructional aide
  • Working with children with disabilities, learning or behavioral challenges
  • Teaching child development courses at high schools and colleges

The California Department of Education, Career Pathways, Child Development & Education has even more information on the numerous career opportunities related to children and education.

Child Development Career Information

California's Employment Development Department (EDD) has estimated that between 2004-2014 there will be a 22.4% increase in employment opportunities for preschool teachers, and a 37.3% increase for special education teachers (preschool-elementary).

California Department of Education, Career Pathways, Child Development & Education

Educational Occupation Profiles in Santa Clara County

Career & Employment Opportunities

Careers in Early Childhood Education

Careers in Elementary Education

Careers in Special Education

Jobs in Afterschool Programs

Jobs Tutoring Children

Nanny and Au Pair Jobs

Jobs in Group Homes

Becoming a Foster Parent


If you are already working, you can earn units, transferable to California State University's, through Foothill College’s Cooperative Work Experience program. This can be done for both paid and volunteer positions. Contact the Co-Op program at 650-949-7232 or coop@foothill.edu






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