West Los Angeles College

Students at West Los Angeles College may pursue coursework in Child Development, including Early Childhood Education, as well as Elementary Teacher Education, which encompasses K-12 education, with an emphasis on K-5.

Child Development

The Child Development Program serves those entering and currently employed in the rapidly expanding field of Early Childhood Education. Students will be prepared to teach in pre- school programs, including private schools, children’s centers, Head Start programs, parent cooperatives and parochial schools, as well as serving as educational aides in elementary schools. The Child Development Program at West Los Angeles College prepares those individuals that are interested in opening their own Child Care facility. The program also benefits anyone interested in understanding children, their development, and their behavior. All students must make an appointment for advisement in the Child Development Office (GC 180).

There are residency requirements at West Los Angeles College for the awarding of Skills Certificates, Certificates of Achievement, and Associate of Arts Degree in Child Development. Any student who has completed Child Development courses at colleges within the Los Angeles Community College District is eligible for a Child Development Skills Certificate, Certificate of Achievement, or an Associate of Arts Degree in Child Development at West Los Angeles College. However, there is a 12-unit residency requirement of coursework that must be completed at West Los Angeles College. These 12 units of coursework do not have to be in the field of Child Development.

Early Childhood Education (AS-T)

The AS-T in Early Childhood Education for transfer is intended for students who are planning to transfer to a California State University (CSU) into a Bachelor of Child Development, Child and Adolescent Development, Human Development, or Educational programs; guaranteeing admission to the CSU system but not to a specific campus or major. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Career options available to students following completion of a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education include Head Start Teacher, Program Director, Site Supervisor, and Educational Specialist.

Elementary Teacher Education

The program is designed for students who wish to earn a multiple-subject teaching credential authorizing them to teach in grades K-5. Students will study a broad range of subjects to prepare them for teaching, including English, mathematics, science, social science, visual and performing arts, and human development. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be prepared to transfer to a CSU and major in Liberal Studies. Competencies will be assessed regularly through projects, examinations, laboratory experiments, and presentations.

Teacher Pathways Program

West is proud to introduce a new program to support Teacher Preparation Pathways, particularly those leading to the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). The Teacher Pathways program is designed to provide students with the support and preparation to successfully pursue a career in the teaching field!

Students do NOT need to be STEM majors or pursuing teaching careers in STEM. The goal of this program is to capture any and every student who may be interested in a career in education.

For more information, please go to:

http://wlac.edu/Teacher-Pathways/index.aspx

Teacher Pathway Program Participants will Receive:

• Support from a Cohort of Students
• Priority Advising
• Teacher Credential Exam Prep (CBEST & CSET)
• Fieldwork Opportunities
• Real-World Experiences in STEM
• Free Textbook Loans
• Free Laptop Loans
• Field Trips
• Guest Speakers in the Field
• Job Preparation and Placement