The California P3 Preschool to Grade 3 state initiative including Universal Pre-Kindergarten is creating increased demand for a workforce trained in child development and early childhood education (ECE). Career opportunities range from entry level jobs requiring 6-12 college units and earning $15/hour, to Bachelor's Degrees which more often pay living wages.

High school students are poised to move into careers in the preschool setting. High school students may want to consider participating in college level courses in the senior year, earning the 6-12 ECE units they need to work in the field. This invaluable experience working with children while concurrently pursuing a BA degree supports the identification of areas students want to pursue in the field of education. All three of our community colleges offer programs in child development/early childhood education, and the School of Education at CSU Channel Islands has a state-renowned program for the Bachelor Degree required for Transitional Kindergarten. Click on links for more information on community college programs: Moorpark College, Oxnard College, and Ventura College.

VCOE Career Education is scheduling fall tours of community college programs for site and district CTE leads and will send out dates in the coming weeks. VCOE is tracking local initiatives and will continue to provide information on career opportunities for high school students.