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Child Development & Education

W. C. Overfelt High School

Pathway Contact

Ashley Lamboley
lamboleya@esuhsd.org
(408) 347

Child Development

Child Development Education – Introduction

This introductory course for the Education, Child Development, and Family Services sector is the first in a sequence of courses that provides instruction in the eight content areas of Family and Consumer Sciences. The focus is on preparing students for personal and life management, and providing a strong foundation for Family and Consumer Sciences education related career paths. Instruction in the content areas of child development and guidance; consumer education; family and human development; education; fashion, textiles, and apparel; food and nutrition; housing and furnishings; individual and family health; and leadership is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to function effectively as family members, leaders, workers, and citizens.

Early Child Lab – Intermediate

This concentration course prepares students to understand children’s physical, mental, emotional, and social growth and development, as well as provide for their care and guidance. Instruction includes prenatal developments; research theories in human growth and development from prenatal stages of development to puberty and beyond; inherited characteristics; health and safety; guidance and discipline; cultural diversity; child abuse and neglect; and children with special needs. This course provides a solid foundation for any career that involves working with children, including child care and education.

Advanced Child Lab – Advanced

This capstone course prepares students for employment in the care and guidance of young children under the supervision of professional personnel. Instruction includes child and growth and development; nutrition; program planning and management; health and safety; guidance; recreational and play activities; child abuse and neglect; developmentally appropriate practices; interpersonal relationships; regulations; operational procedures; emergency and disaster procedures; policies, standards, and licensing; supervision and maintenance of children’s environments; professionalism; and classroom management.

Whether you’re interested in eventually becoming a teacher, a pediatrician or a social worker, the Child Development and Education Pathway at W.C. Overfelt High School helps you develop and practice the particular skills needed for a career working with children and young adults. During this 4 year high school trade program, you’ll get both theoretical and hands-on experiences in early childhood education.

We’ll also help you discover your own learning style and career interests and expose you to the many fields of opportunity, from education and day care to medical and mental health. The Child Development & Education pathway is articulated with San Jose City College and

Mission College’s Child Development Programs.

At the end of the Child Development and Education Pathway at W.C. Overfelt High School you’ll have:

View class descriptions

A personalized portfolio with resume, reference letters, certificates, lesson plans, and sample work.
Completed 100+ hours of Child Development Center lab experiences
Internship and mentor opportunities
College Credit from San Jose City College through dual enrollment
College and industry-related field trips

We’ve seen W.C. Overfelt High School graduates achieve the following:

Own/Operate a Child Development Center and/or Family Day Care Home
Serve as a Center Director, Teacher, or Aid for Child Development Centers
Attend a 4 year college and major in Child Development
Attend a 2 year college and transfer to a major working with children
Work with on-campus (college) Early Child Lab Programss
Move up the Child Development Permit Matrix (California Dept. of Education)
Develop long lasting relationships with their pathway mentor

Can I get college credit?

Yes, you can get up to 9 units of college credit during the 3 year program, with the possibility if taking more classes for credit during summer sessions. We also partner with Destination College Advisory Corps to provide support and mentoring through the college application process.

What types of child development and education certification can I get while attending W.C. Overfelt High School?

Pediatric and Adult CPR/First Aid/AED
State of California Mandated Reporting Training
ServSafe Food Handler

What types of classes will I take for the child development and education trade program?

Topics of study include:

Learning Theories
Learning environments and curriculum
Teaching Techniques
Children’s Developmental Stages
Care, health, and safety
Psychology

Where will I be a “student teacher” as a high school student in Silicon Valley?

You’ll student teach at the Child Development Center on W.C. Overfelt’s campus. The CDC is part of San Jose’s Smart Start Program, an early childhood education initiative. You’ll use theories of childhood development and help prepare preschool children for kindergarten, both academically and socially.