Best Child Development Colleges in California

We have created a 2021 ranking of the best colleges in California that offer Child Development degrees to help you find a school that fits your needs. Each school’s ranking is based on the compilation of our data from reliable government sources, student surveys, college graduate interviews, and editorial review. In addition, you can view our entire list of all 12 Child Development schools located within California. We also provide reviews, facts, and questions and answers for schools on our site and offer you access to get valuable information from colleges and universities today.

There are many accredited education degree programs in California for teachers specializing in the development of young children from birth-8. California lies along the Pacific Coast as America’s third most extensive state and most populous state. The “Golden State” provides golden opportunities for new teachers. California school districts cater to over 6.2 million PreK-12 students. Due to low per capita funding, California ranks 49th in teacher-pupil ratio at 21:1. In 2014, Governor Jerry Brown stated that 30 percent of California’s students are undocumented or non-native English speakers. California employs 47,710 early childhood educators, which is the nation’s highest. Graduates can expect an annual average salary of $34,280, or $16,48 per hour. Set youth up for a lifetime of success by receiving your teacher training at one of the following accredited California universities.

California State University at Chico

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Created in 1887 as the California State Normal School, California State University at Chico has evolved into a comprehensive, public liberal arts institution with over 16,000 undergraduates and 1,100 post-graduates on its 119-acre rural campus in Butte County just 90 miles north of Sacramento. Named the nation’s 273rd best master’s institution for social mobility in Washington Monthly, CSU Chico is the 42nd top college and 9th best public school in the West according to U.S. News. The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences offers programs rooted in peer mentoring for majors from social work to economics and anthropology.

Bachelor of Arts in Child Development

At CSU Chico, the Bachelor of Arts in Child Development program supports students who wish to work directly with children and families in teaching, advocacy, or administrative capacities. Within the 120-unit curriculum, students fulfill California’s qualifications for Child Development Permit at the Site Supervisor level for childcare. Coursework delves into biology, human genetics, curriculum design, prenatal-infant development, early childhood education, familial relations, and sociology. Students benefit from working with preschoolers at the Associated Students Child Development Laboratory (ASCDL). Over 40 social service agencies are available for completing the 250-hour supervised internship requirement. There’s also a double major, Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Child Development, offered. Students may qualify for the $1,200 Luella Hopton Madsen Scholarship.

Accreditation

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact

400 West First Street
Chico, CA 95929
(530) 898-5250
chld@csuchico.edu
http://catalog.csuchico.edu/viewer/CHLD/CHLDNONEBA.html

California State University Fresno

Kremen School of Education & Human Development

Nestled on a 388-acre urban campus in the San Joaquin Valley just 58 miles from Yosemite National Park, California State University Fresno is an award-winning public teaching institution with over 24,100 students studying in 108 fields of study. Noted as America’s 134th best public return on investment by PayScale, CSU Fresno is ranked the 52nd best college and 12th top public school in the West for the U.S. News survey. Since 1953, the accredited Kremen School of Education & Human Development has prepared educators for fostering human potential in diverse communities.

Master of Arts in Education – Early Childhood Education Option

As California’s only NAEYC accredited program, the Master of Arts in Education – Early Childhood Education Option develops teacher leaders for serving children from birth through third grade. The 30-unit program includes coursework on literacy, curriculum development, learning assessment, concept development, diversity, inclusion, and leadership. Students must complete a supervised ECE field practicum and capstone project or comprehensive exam. The on-campus Joyce M. Huggins Early Childhood Education Center allows M.A.Ed. students to work with toddlers from low-income families. Graduates can also provide literacy tutoring to elementary students in the Reading Laboratory. For admissions, a B.A./B.S. degree with valid teaching credentials and minimum 2.75 GPA are required. There’s also an Early Childhood Education Specialist program.

Accreditation

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact

5005 North Maple Avenue
Fresno, CA 93740
(559) 278-0238
cyun@csufresno.edu
http://www.fresnostate.edu/kremen/graduate/ma-childhood-ed.html

California State University Fullerton

College of Education

Serving over 38,900 students, California State University Fullerton is the system’s second largest public, Hispanic-serving research institution conferring over 240 degrees from its main 236-acre urban campus in Orange County just 29 miles from Los Angeles. Honored as the 39th top college in America by the Social Mobility Index, CSU Fullerton is ranked the 37th best university and 7th top public school in the West by the U.S. News. The NCATE-accredited College of Education is also acclaimed for hosting the country’s 34th best online graduate teaching degrees.

M.S. in Education for Elementary Curriculum and Instruction with an Emphasis in Early Childhood Education

Aligned with CCTC license standards, the M.S. in Education for Elementary Curriculum and Instruction program builds 21st century skills for engaging students in interactive learning environments. Focus is placed on the 4 Cs: critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration. Students can select the emphasis in Early Childhood Education to sharpen leadership abilities in agencies serving children from birth to 8. The 30-unit program uses a hybrid format of online and on-campus meetings in Fullerton. Part-time students devote five semesters to transforming into effective specialists in critical early schooling years. Campus sessions are conveniently in evenings, but student teaching takes place during daytime. Certificates can be added in Art, Computing, Reading, or Spanish Language and Culture.

Accreditation

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact

800 North State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831
(657) 278-4731
hterry@fullerton.edu
http://ed.fullerton.edu/prospective-students/degrees-credentials/graduate-programs.php

California State University Long Beach

College of Education

Founded in 1949 by post-WWII Governor Earl Warren, California State University Long Beach is the third largest public, state space-grant research institution with over 37,400 students studying on its beautiful 323-acre urban campus on the coastal tip of Los Angeles County. Ranked 92nd nationally in The Daily Beast, CSULB is named the West’s 32nd best regional college and 5th top public school by the U.S. News. Also acclaimed for the country’s 141st best speech-language pathology program, the College of Education is committed to excellence in building professional careers of educational service.

Master of Arts in Education in Early Childhood Education

CSULB offers a Master of Arts in Education in Early Childhood Education for teachers wishing to update their skills for developmentally appropriate teaching practices in diverse, inclusive classrooms from birth through third grade. Students apply theoretical perspectives to fostering learning in young children and building strong family relationships. The 30-unit program comes with a comprehensive exam, master’s thesis, or capstone project track. All students will take campus-based courses in qualitative research, teacher leadership, infant-toddler development, parental involvement, curriculum design, and assessment. CalTPA workshops can be added to fulfill multiple and single-subject credentialing requirements. ECE faculty have research interests ranging from special education to multiculturalism and technology. Students could qualify for the $3,000 Laura E. Settle Scholarship.

Accreditation

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact

1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840
(562) 985-1156
jpattnai@csulb.edu
https://www.ced.csulb.edu/programs/early-childhood-education

California State University Los Angeles

Charter College of Education

Facing the San Gabriel Mountains, California State University Los Angeles is located on a 175-acre urban campus in the University Hills neighborhood just five miles from downtown to serve over 27,600 students as a comprehensive public land-grant institution. Listed among Time magazine’s top 100 colleges using White House criteria, Cal State LA is ranked the 63nd best college, 18th top public school, and 45th best university for veterans in the West by the U.S. News. The Charter College of Education (CCOE) is NCATE-accredited to enroll about eight percent of university enrollment in teacher preparation.

M.A. in Education in Early Childhood/Primary Education

With an emphasis on inclusive urban teaching, the M.A. in Education in Early Childhood/Primary Education program at Cal State LA prepares graduates to promote the optimal development of young children through eight years old. Students learn to serve the Greater Los Angeles area as Head Start directors, early education teachers, child welfare coordinators, principals, and community college instructors. The 45-unit program includes a comprehensive exam and applied capstone seminar. Coursework is delivered primarily on-site to build skills for working collaboratively with colleagues to achieve learning goals. For admission, having valid teaching credentials in California, two years of teaching experience, and a minimum 2.75 GPA is essential. There’s also an Ed.S. for Early Childhood Special Education.

Accreditation

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact

5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 343-6163
oaina@calstatela.edu
http://www.calstatela.edu/academic/ccoe/programs/ma_earlychildhood

California State University Northridge

Michael D. Eisner College of Education

First opened in 1958 as San Fernando Valley State College, California State University Northridge is a large public, master’s teaching institution enlightening over 41,500 students each year from its 353-acre suburban campus in Los Angeles near Granada Hills. Named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, CSUN is ranked the 70th best college and 24th top public school in the West by the U.S. News. Known for producing the most California teachers, the Michael D. Eisner College of Education is one of four colleges recognized by Carnegie for exemplary educator preparation.

M.A.Ed. in Educational Psychology/Early Childhood Education

Aligned with NAEYC standards, the M.A.Ed. in Educational Psychology/Early Childhood Education option at CSU Northridge is designed to promote an in-depth understanding of young children, families, and communities. Featuring convenient evening classes, the 30-unit cohort program blends contemporary theories with real-world research and classroom experience. Students gain fieldwork through the Early Childhood Education Partnerships for Excellence and the WestEd Bridging Cultures Project. If desired, teachers can add the 15-unit Infant-Toddler Mental Health Certificate to support emotional and cognitive development. There’s also a Post-Master’s Certificate in Parent-Child Consultation. Graduates can excel as early childhood teachers or administrators in PreK-3 educational settings. Admissions requires a 3.0 GPA or satisfactory GRE subject scores.

Accreditation

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact

18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330
(818) 677-2529
carrie.rothstein-fisch@csun.edu
http://www.csun.edu/eisner-education/educational-psychology-counseling/ma-early-childhood-education

California State University Stanislaus

College of Science

Headquartered on a 228-acre suburban campus in Turlock within California’s Central Valley just 14 miles from Modesto, California State University Stanislaus is an accredited, four-year public state institution focused on “Engaging, Empowering, and Transforming” over 9,200 students yearly. Ranked fifth nationally for upward mobility by National Public Radio, Stanislaus State is the West’s 57th best college and 15th top public university according to the U.S. News. Housed in the state-of-the-art Naraghi Hall, the College of Science has an intellectual community studying biology, chemistry, child development, computer science, cognitive studies, geology, mathematics, nursing, physics, and psychology.

Bachelor of Arts in Child Development

The Bachelor of Arts in Child Development program at CSU Stanislaus introduces students to the developmental theories that explain the physical-motor, cognitive, linguistic, and socio-emotional changes associated with child growth. Students learn to apply these principles into protecting the education and welfare of children from birth to adolescence. The B.A. unlocks jobs in preschools, childcare centers, elementary schools, county education offices, social services, and more. The 37-credit major satisfies requirements for California’s Child Center Permit. Along with coursework in the Early Childhood, Middle Childhood, or Child Development Services emphases, students must complete a two-unit field internship. There’s also a Fast Track major available for those with an A.A. or A.S. degree in child development.

Accreditation

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact

One University Circle
Turlock, CA 95382
(209) 667-3386
rroy@csustan.edu
https://www.csustan.edu/cdev

Loyola Marymount University

School of Education

Established in 1911 after St. Vincent’s College, Loyola Marymount University is one of the West Coast’s largest private, co-educational Roman Catholic institutions with over 6,200 undergrad and 3,100 post-grad students enrolling on its 150-acre urban campus in Westside Los Angeles overlooking Marina Del Rey. Recognized for America’s 17th “Happiest Students” by Princeton Review, LMU is ranked the 3rd top college and 15th best value school in the West in the U.S. News survey. Featuring NCATE accreditation, the School of Education is also distinguished for the country’s 62nd best graduate teacher preparation.

M.A. in Early Childhood Education

Currently on hiatus, the M.A. in Early Childhood Education at LMU admits new cohorts for Fall semesters to transform students into early childhood teachers, policymakers, advocates, and program directors. The two-year program covers 32 units to deliver in-depth insights into the cognitive, social, physical, and emotional factors pertaining to youth development. Coursework will include developmental theory, infancy, early childhood, linguistics, curriculum design, learning assessment, research methods, and ECE administration. At least three fieldwork semesters are required for real-world classroom experience. The final summer sessions is devoted to a capstone master’s project. Loyola Marymount has a PLACE Corps program for students to serve in under-resourced LA Catholic schools.

Accreditation

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact

1 LMU Drive Suite 2100
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 258-8768
soeinfo@lmu.edu
http://soe.lmu.edu/admissions/programs/earlychildhoodeducation/

National University

Sanford College of Education

Boasting over 150,000 alumni in all 50 states, National University is California’s second largest private, non-profit higher education institution first established in 1971 on a main urban campus in La Jolla along the Pacific coastline. Each year, NU educates over 24,400 students either online or at 24 locations from California and Nevada to Florida. Acclaimed for America’s 114th best online bachelor’s programs by the U.S. News, NU was named a “Great College to Work For” in Chronicle of Higher Education. The Sanford College of Education ranks sixth nationally in awarding master’s degrees in education to minority groups.

Bachelor of Arts with Major in Early Childhood Education

NU’s Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BAECE) program is constructed around the competency standards outlined by the Child Development Associate Council (CDA). Fulfilling California permit requirements, the 180-unit program trains students to design age-appropriate learning environments with adaptive curricula for children from zero to eight. Concentrations are available in Early Childhood Administration, Teacher Education, or Infant and Toddler. Courses will explore topics like early cognition, literacy development, diversity, nutrition, family relations, pedagogical play, special needs intervention, and lesson planning. Field experience is built within upper-division seminars. Although most courses are online, students can enroll at 14 California locations, including Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Bernardino. There’s also a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education.

Accreditation

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact

11255 N. Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
(310) 662-2163
sgilbert@nu.edu
http://www.nu.edu/OurPrograms/SchoolOfEducation/TeacherEducation/Programs/EarlyChildhoodDevelopment.html

University of La Verne

College of Education and Organizational Leadership

Affiliated with the Church of the Brethern, the University of La Verne is a private, non-profit Christian institution founded in 1891 to educate around 2,700 students yearly from its 26-acre suburban campus in La Verne just 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles and 10 satellite locations. Given a C+ financial grade from Forbes magazine, ULV is ranked as America’s 160th best university and 130th top college for veterans with the 24th best online bachelor’s degrees by the U.S. News. The College of Education and Organizational Leadership has NCATE approval to prepare professional educators in flexible, interactive classes.

Child Development, B.S.

Available at the La Verne, Burbank, Irvine, Ontario, Oxnard, and Victorville campuses, the Child Development B.S. program grants a bachelor’s degree to students pursuing careers working with young children from birth through third grade. Students spend four years full-time studying the normal and abnormal development of children in relation to family, school, and community. The 52-credit major also has an accelerated option for adults 25+ who have an associate degree from an accredited community college. Students must pass courses in child psychology, parenting theory, toddler group care, literacy, cultural diversity, and early childhood assessment. Senior fieldwork is available at La Verne’s Child Development Center. Other placements have included Cecilia Solorio Elementary, Yorba Elementary, and Bonita Unified School District.

Accreditation

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Contact

1950 Third Street
La Verne, CA 91750
(909) 593-3511
admission@laverne.edu
https://education.laverne.edu/programs/

Research from the NEA supports that children who receive high-quality early childhood education are less likely to drop out, require special needs services, and get arrested later. Preschool programs reap a 12 percent return on investment according to the Federal Reserve Bank. Proof of its effectiveness on long-term intellectual development has drawn an increasing demand in early childhood. Hiring of preschool teachers is expected to grow by 7 percent through 2024. Fulfill your teaching goals by pursuing these accredited education degree programs in California.