Childhood Development and Education (CDE)
Career paths chosen by students pursuing undergraduate studies in CDE commonly include infant/toddler or preschool teachers and administrators. Careers in the discipline that generally require graduate-level degrees include administrators of government funded programs like Head Start and state preschools. Even students who choose not to major in CDE find that coursework in the field improves their parenting skills.
College of the Desert’s CDE curriculum includes course offerings that provide a general overview of the discipline, as well as teaching strategies that are developmentally appropriate for young children. Students earning CDE certificates may also choose to continue their study toward an associate, baccalaureate or advanced degree in the field. Students earning an associate’s degree in CDE may pursue entry-level positions as preschool teachers or may choose to continue their study in the discipline toward a bachelor’s or graduate degree. COD has transfer agreements with CSUSB, in this discipline/program. However, transfer requirements at four-year colleges and universities tend to vary from institution to institution; students should consult with a counselor for specific information regarding the transfer requirements of their preferred college or university.
Program General Information
Please call 760-568-3093 or one of the faculty advisors listed below:
CDE Faculty Advisors
Advisors:
Maria Avalos
maavalos@collegeofthedesert.edu
760-674-7817
Dr. Jessica Huffman
jhuffman@collegeofthedesert.edu
760-396-2408
Tiffanie Schnabel-Moreno
tschnabel-moreno@collegeofthedesert.edu
760-773-2595
Campus Child Care Centers
Palm Desert
The McCarthy Child Development and Training center serves children 12 months to 5 years old. It is state-funded, providing care for school hours as well as breakfast, lunch, and/or snack depending on the hours of care. Parents must prove income eligibility and need of services. Please call 760-862-1308 for more information.
Indio
As of 2025, we also have a child development center on the Indio Campus. We serve toddlers and preschool children. Like the Palm Desert Center, it is state-funded and we provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Parents must provide income eligibility and need of services. Please call 760-568-7500 for more information.
Child Development Permit
This link contains basic information on who needs a permit and how to obtain one. Includes links to further resources.
Child Development Training Consortium Grants
Attention!
If you are an CDE student here at College of the Desert and are also working with children, you may qualify for a stipend from the Child Development Training Consortium. You must apply each semester to qualify for this stipend.
Student Child Development Training Consortium stipend and instructions
If you have questions, please email cdtc@collegeofthedesert.edu
