2 About The Child Development and Education Department

Our Department History

Palomar College opened in 1946. For the first decade or so, only a fraction of the programs and degrees offered by the college today were available. Between 1957 and 1965, Palomar offered a degree in Teaching: Kindergarten or Elementary School, which was a training program for students planning on getting their teaching degrees. This 35-unit program offered some of the classes that would eventually evolve into our current programs. In 1969, a new vocational program was introduced at Palomar, a 22-unit training program titled Preschool Education. This program was renamed Child Development in 1971.

Throughout our history, we have offered a wide variety of programs and certificates, including special education, Montessori, directorship, bilingual assistant, and more. In 1975, there were 31 core units for the CHDV certificates, and by 1976, we had 37 classes. Our programs achieved department status in 1977. Over the past 50 years, there have been 18 full-time faculty members in the CHDV department or its antecedents, and countless part-time instructors as well. We are proud of our rich and varied history at Palomar College celebrating our 50th anniversary of offering preschool education programs in 2019 and looking forward to celebrating the 50th anniversary of our department in 2027!

Our Philosophy/Mission Statement

The Child Development & Education Department at Palomar College provides a wide variety of courses related to child development and early childhood education, focusing on children ages birth to eight. We are committed to teaching our students evidence-based, developmentally appropriate practices enabling them to provide respectful, child-directed care and education to the children they work with. We are focused on instilling respect for children and their developmental needs and stages, while expecting best practices in early care and education. We are a department with an eclectic array of expertise and backgrounds, all joining together in our universal belief in the importance of respectful, responsive, and reciprocal relationships to understanding and supporting the development of young children.

Future Educators Group

The Future Educators Group (formerly known as the Child Development Majors Group) is an organization for any Palomar student interested in the fields of Child Development and Education. The group organizes and holds multiple evening events for students interested in early childhood education, childcare, primary and secondary education, working with families, and other related fields of study.

Join us at Future Educators Group Events for:

• Fun & friendship
• Special events
• Guest speakers
• Community service
• Networking opportunities
• Educational advancement
• Professional development

For more information about the group and any events planned throughout the school year, please visit the Future Educator Group page, an option on the CHDV department website.