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CTE Student Success

Juan Ochoa Torres

Certificate: Early Childhood Development  

What made you come to Cerritos College and why?

What made you come to Cerritos College and why? My family played a big role in my decision to attend Cerritos College. My sister, who is a role model to me, went there, and I looked up to her and her educational path. Seeing her experience, I decided that Cerritos was the right choice for me, too. I also felt it was a better option than other community colleges. I researched child development programs in high school and found that Cerritos College had the best one in the area. The campus is great, and the program stood out to me.

I’ve always wanted to work with children. I connect well with them and try to understand them emotionally, treating them as equals rather than just kids. This approach helps me build strong bonds with them. Families often compliment me on how well their children interact with me, which reinforced my decision to work in this field.

At Cerritos College, I received several certifications, including a certificate of achievement, DRDP certification of reliability, mandated reporter training, food handling, and first aid. These certifications are crucial for anyone in child development. The courses I took at Cerritos provided me with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve these certifications.

Overall, the education and support I received at Cerritos College have been essential for my success. Without attending the Child Development program at Cerritos College, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish all of this.

STUDENT ADVICE

I’d say, go for it! The Early Childhood Education path is truly fulfilling and satisfying. Working with children, watching them develop, and encouraging them to learn is something special.
At first, you might not realize its importance, but as you pursue the major, you’ll see its value.

INSIGHT

The teachers and staff at Cerritos College are incredibly helpful and supportive, and I always recommend the campus. When I joined the child development program, I initially aimed to become a child development director. However, the teachers advised me to start as a teacher first since it requires a lower level of certification and is a more practical first step. This guidance helped me set realistic goals and work towards my ultimate career aspirations.

The Education and Human Services Learning Community Program (LCP) and the Teacher TRAC program have also been invaluable. They kept me informed about events, grants, and counseling opportunities. Joining Teacher TRAC had a significant impact on me, providing updates on graduation matters and child development-related events on campus.

Overall, the collective support from all the child development professors, counselors, and staff at Cerritos College has been crucial to my success. Their guidance and encouragement have helped me navigate my educational path and achieve my goals in the field of early childhood development.

Cerritos College

Early Childhood Development 

For more information on enrollment, please refer to the current class schedule or consult a counselor.
www.cerritos.edu/child-development