The Child Development and Education Department educates and prepare students to work with young children and their families in a variety of roles and settings including elementary schools, state and federally funded children's programs, private and public infant care, preschool and after school programs, and family child care homes. Child Development majors may also transfer to 4 year colleges and universities to continue their preparation to become Transitional Kindergarten or Early Elementary school teachers.

Housed in the Child Development Laboratory School, one of the strengths of the Early Childhood Education program is its integration with GCC's nationally accredited Laboratory School.