New courses for nannies, future elementary school educators

Foothill College is offering brand new courses this fall for students who wish to work as in-home childcare providers, likely among the first of their kind from an accredited institution of higher education, as well as a new course for students seeking careers as elementary school educators.

The Nanny and Family Studies program is new to Foothill College, and currently offers three courses designed to help raise the quality of care provided by nannies in private homes. Only one of these courses -- CHLD 80A: Communication & Self-Reflection Practices for Nannies -- will be offered during the Fall 2021 quarter. This course focuses on empowering nannies and offers them techniques of communicating with parents as employers. The class will also emphasize communication with families of different cultural backgrounds, value systems and child rearing approaches.

According to Foothill College’s Child Development and Education Department Chair, Nicole Kerbey, the Nanny and Family Studies program is planning to develop a certificate for students to complete. All courses in the program were created with input from The Institute for Families and Nannies (TIFFAN).

“Taking courses within our Nanny and Family Studies program is the perfect opportunity to learn best practices, gather new skills, reflect, and connect with other nannies,” Kerbey said. “We want to help nannies earn college units that support and empower them in their careers, whether it’s taking a few classes, earning certificates or obtaining degrees.”

The college’s other newest course, offered just once per year in the fall, caters to future elementary school teachers who begin their studies at Foothill and plan to transfer to a four-year university. Introduction to Elementary Education, or EDUC 2, will offer students an overview of the American K-12 education system, including educational philosophies, the history of schooling and the major economic, political and social policies that have shaped it. Students will be required to complete a minimum 48 hours of fieldwork in a public school elementary classroom, under the guidance of an approved credentialed K-5 classroom teacher.

“Children in classrooms across the Bay Area need passionate, qualified teachers in their classrooms,” Kerbey said. “Consider starting with us, earning a transfer degree and pursuing your goal of becoming an elementary teacher.”

Currently, the Bay Area is experiencing a shortage of elementary school teachers, a problem only magnified by the recent pandemic.

Fall quarter classes at Foothill College start September 20. Read more about the Nanny and Family Studies program.

Learn more about the Associate in Arts for Transfer degree in Elementary Teacher Education.