Family Studies Department

Family Studies (formerly Child Development) emphasizes cross-cultural lifespan development and the social and economic roles of diverse individuals, families and communities.  The department explores the relevance of culture as it pertains to health, psychology, sociology, parent education, nutrition, early childhood care, education, violence, family development, community resources, curriculum, child-rearing, and language acquisition.  Family Studies are a recommended major for those interested in numerous studies:

• Preschool Teacher
• Elementary School Teacher
• Family Childcare Provider
• Family Educator
• Child Advocate
• Psychologist
• Play or Art Therapist
• Social Worker
• Child Life Specialist
• Counselor
• Nurse
• and many others

Programs

• Associate in Arts Degree in Child Development – Transfer Pattern (Major Code: 01750)
• Associate in Arts Child Development Teacher (Major Code: B02721)
• Child Development Teacher Permit Certificate (Major Code: B02722)
• Spanish-to-English Associate Teacher Certificate Program (Major Code: 02723)

Family Studies Resource Center

The Family Studies Resource Center (located on both the Chula Vista campus, room 554 and San Ysidro campus, in the Learning Resource Center) was designed for Family Studies students for tutoring (Bilingual), studying, assistance in presentations, help with on-line learning, research, textbooks and study materials, and camaraderie! Please check with the Department for hours of operation each semester (619) 421-6700 x5878.

Cafe Community Alliance for Family Education

The Cafe is the Family Studies department parent education program that supports, trains and provides education and resources for the community. Family Studies students will participate in the Cafe in various roles throughout their courses of study. 

Point Loma Nazarene University Partnership

Southwestern College is partnering with Point Loma Nazarene University to launch an extensive, on-site baccalaureate program with the university that offers students four bachelor degrees at the community college campus. Under the partnership, Southwestern College students who are accepted into Point Loma Nazarene University partnership programs can earn bachelor degrees in Nursing, Criminal Justice, Management & Relational Development, and Child & Adolescent Development without having to leave the Chula Vista district. Follow this link for more information about the partnership.