Child & Family Studies and Education
Exploration Pathway
If you’re passionate about working with children and families, consider enrolling in Child & Family Studies and Education (CFSE). Our program offers flexible options to suit your goals. You can obtain certificates, credentials, preparation for advanced study, and skills for immediate employment. If you are exploring various options or already have a goal in mind, CFSE is the program for you!
Did You Know?
- 90% of brain development occurs before age 5.
- California has reached a dire teacher shortage and is anticipated to hire over 300,000 teachers per year which began in 2018 with a critical need for bilingual and special education teachers.
- In some areas, credentialed teachers can receive up to 20,000 in grant money to teach in a high need subject
- Demand for preschool teachers in California through 2028 is forecast to grow 10%.
Contact Us
-
Program Coordinator, Professor
Kari Powell - Office: 1030-Q
- Professor
Faye Smyle - (707) 256-7753
- fsmyle@napavalley.edu
- Office: 1031-F
- Instructor
Michelle Burhorn - MBurhorn@napavalley.edu
- Instructor
Simone Findlay - SFindlay@napavalley.edu
Program Highlights
NVC’s Child & Family Studies and Education program integrates theory, research and practice from various disciplines, including psychology, anthropology, humanities, and behavioral science. Through interdisciplinary courses and practicum exercises, students develop a thorough understanding of family systems and the varied socio-cultural contexts in which children and families live and grow.
Students may obtain an AS-T in Early Childhood Education or an AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education to pursue transfer to a four-year institution for a bachelor’s degree, while students completing the AS in Child & Family Studies are eligible to obtain the California Child Development Teacher Permit available through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. A variety of certificate options prepare students for credentialling in specialized skills, from entry-level classroom assistants to mentoring and administration.
Occupations
There is an existing teacher shortage, and California is investing millions to hire, train, and retain new talent in the classrooms. As a result, credentialled teachers are in high demand, and have many opportunities for jobs and advancement in both public and private school settings. Outside the classroom, graduates can work in youth organizations, school counseling, develop curriculum, and support education policy changes and innovation. This program also prepares students for advanced study in a variety of fields that work with children and families.
- Preschool teachers
- Elementary and single subject teachers
- Social workers
- Preschool/early care and education program directors/administrators
- Online tutors
- Criminal Justice employees
- School/academic counselors
- Librarians
- Learn More:
- – CSU Chico
- – BLS.gov guide to local wage averages & job growth
After NVC
Sonoma State offers a BA in Early Childhood Studies and Sacramento State offers a BS in Family Studies and Human Development . Overall, the CSU system offers more than 150 undergraduate degrees and additional opportunities for further advanced study to meet your career goals.. To select which option is right for you, explore the possibilities via the Transfer Center, and work with program faculty and NVC Counseling to ensure coursework aligns with your goals.