Whittier College Catalog 2025-2026
Department of Education and Child Development
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Cean Colcord
Nora Obregon
Kay Sanders
Lauren H. Swanson, Chair
Christine Ybarra
Kathy Villalon
The Department of Education and Child Development at Whittier College is dedicated to preparing future educators and leaders in the fields of education and child development by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to make a meaningful impact on children, families, and communities. Rooted in a commitment to both theory and praxis, our programs integrate rigorous academic study with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that foster critical thinking, cultural responsiveness, and evidence-based practice.
Through dynamic coursework, collaborative field experiences, and engagement with diverse communities, we empower our students to become reflective practitioners, compassionate advocates, and innovative leaders. Whether at the undergraduate or graduate level, our programs cultivate a deep understanding of child development, learning processes, and family systems, preparing graduates to support and inspire the next generation in educational and community settings.
At the heart of our mission is a dedication to equity, inclusion, and lifelong learning. We strive to develop professionals who are not only well-versed in research and best practices but also committed to fostering environments where all children and families can thrive.
Department Overview
The Department offers studies in two distinct fields: Education and Child Development. Child Development programming includes an undergraduate major and minor, allowing students to pursue a variety of careers in working with children. The department’s programming in Education includes an undergraduate minor, the Whittier College Teacher Education Program, and a graduate level Master of Arts in Teaching Program. Joint programming includes the Pathway Integrating Child Development and Education Specialist (PICES) Program, allowing students who major in Child Development to also obtain a preliminary Education Specialist teaching credential.
Child Development Programming
Child Development offers an undergraduate major, minor, and coursework for a Child Development Permit. The mission of the Child Development major is to develop a deep understanding of child behavior and growth through the study of developmental psychology. We prepare students for graduate-level academic work, child advocacy, and/or entry-level careers serving children and families in a variety of fields. Our graduates become teachers, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, clinical psychologists, social workers, childcare providers, or enter other careers working with children. Many remain at Whittier for our graduate credential and Master of Arts in Teaching programs.
We offer a variety of classes on child development by specific age ranges (infancy through early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence), as well as on specific topics (language development, play development and developmental psychopathology). Most classes are designed to connect research and theory on child growth and development to their practical applications. We also offer classes that qualify students for the Child Development Permit, which can be used to work in childcare centers and after school programs throughout the State of California. Some CHDV courses also count toward a minor in education and a Multiple Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential.
Child Development majors engage in valuable experiences outside of class, providing further opportunities to integrate into campus and community life and to build their resumes for graduate school and future careers. Undergraduates help faculty with research projects studying child behavior. They work at The Broadoaks Children’s School, our laboratory school on campus, helping teach children from 2.5 years old through middle school as well as other local schools, recreation centers, and youth organizations for practicum. In all of these activities, students work alongside faculty members and members of the local community while gaining valuable academic and work experience.
Education Programming
Undergraduates interested in the field of education can select from a variety of courses, including those included in one of the many credential programs offered within the Whittier College Teacher Education Program. Undergraduate coursework covers a variety of topics including, but not limited to, the history of education, educational psychology, teaching methods for different subjects and age ranges, language and literacy development, and special education. An education minor is a wonderful complement to many of the majors offered at Whittier College and can assist students transition into graduate school and/or careers in teaching, education policy and advocacy, after school programming, curriculum design, and research.
Currently we offer programs leading towards a Multiple Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential, a Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential, and Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credentials in Mild to Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs. Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credentials are offered in the areas of English Language Arts, Social Science, Science, Mathematics, and Physical Education).
Hybrid pathways are available to undergraduate students for Multiple Subject, Single Subject and Education Specialist Preliminary Teaching Credentials. Within these pathways students can make substantial progress toward their Preliminary Teaching Credentials as undergraduates, taking prerequisites during the freshman and sophomore years and required teacher preparation courses during their junior and senior years. Students can then apply to the college’s graduate program to complete their remaining credential requirements as graduate students. In the state of California, undergraduates can pursue a variety of majors, including but not limited to Child Development, prior to beginning coursework related to a preliminary credential.
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