About the Program Links

Bachelor of Science in Child Development

A four-year program preparing students for careers in the field of early childhood.

This bachelor's degree program prepares students for careers in the field of child development, including early childhood education and children's programs in public or private schools and social agencies. Through instructional and experiential learning, students study child growth and development as they relate to children in school, family, and community settings.

The child development program is based on the philosophy that the emotional, social, physical, and intellectual needs of each human being are interrelated. All four areas must be valued and nurtured in early childhood education programs, for as they exercise their developing physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities, children also gain important feelings of self-esteem, competency, and mastery.

The Child Development major is designed as a complete four year program at the University of La Verne. However, community college coursework in Early Childhood Education is fully transferable. Up to 84 community college units may be transferred toward a B.S. degree. The degree requires a minimum of 44-46 semester hours in the major. At least 24 of these hours must be in upper division courses.

Upon completing the B.S. degree program, students are eligible for the Child Development Program Director Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Accelerated Program for Returning - Working Students

The University of La Verne offers an accelerated program - CAPA - for adults over 25 years of ago who are returning students and/or working and who want to earn a bachelor's degree in child development.

This highly individualized program features flexibility, a respect for experiential learning, and personalized counseling. Courses are offered at times convenient for working students - evenings and weekends.

CAPA program applications are available in the CAPA office. Call 909-593-3511 ext. 4151 for further information.

Admission Requirements and Procedures

Applications to the University of La Verne's Education Department are available from the University's Office of Admissions.

Applicants with an associate degree from an accredited California community college may receive full credit for their degree. Transfer students from four-year accredited colleges may transfer a maximum of 96 units.

Academic Requirements

A minimum of 128 semester hours is required to complete a Bachelor of Science degree. Of these hours:

a minimum of 32 semester hours must be taken through University of La Verne
a minimum of 44 semester hours must be in upper division courses
a minimum of 24 semester hours in upper division courses must be taken in the Child Development major.

Core Requirements (Semester Hours)

EDUC 251	Curriculum Development for Early Childhood Education (3)
EDUC 253	Child, Family and Community (3)
EDUC 350	Child Psychology and Development (4)
EDUC 354F	Child Observation Practicum (4)
EDUC 448	Math for Young Children (4)
EDUC 454F	Early Childhood Teaching (4)
EDUC 499	Senior Project (4)

Elective Requirements
Students must choose a minimum of 20 units from the following courses:

EDUC 252	Early Childhood Environments (3)
EDUC 444	Adolescent Development and Education (1)
EDUC 445	Supervision and Communication in Early Childhood Education (3)
EDUC 449	Early Childhood Literacy (4)
EDUC 451	Infant Group Care and Curriculum (3)
EDUC 452	Parenting for Early Childhood Educators (3)
EDUC 453A	Supervision and Administration of Programs for Young Children (3)
EDUC 453B	Advanced Supervision and Administration of Programs for Young Children (4)
EDUC 470	Theories and Methods of Education for Linguistically Diverse Students (4)
SPED 457	Introduction to Exceptional Individuals and Their Families (3)