Welcome to Early Childhood Education

Welcome to the Diablo Valley College Early Childhood Education Program!

I’m Juan Huerta Villicana, Department Chair for the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at Diablo Valley College, and I’m so glad you’re considering joining our supportive and inspiring learning community!

At DVC, we believe in learning by doing. Our program provides hands-on experience in our on-campus Children’s Center, where you’ll practice real-world teaching strategies in a structured learning lab. This immersive approach allows you to apply what you learn in class while gaining the confidence and skills needed to work in early childhood education.

Our dedicated faculty—many of whom are homegrown educators from our local communities—are deeply committed to your success. They serve as mentors, guiding and supporting you as you work toward your academic and career goals. Whether you’re planning to enter the workforce or continue your education, you’ll have a team behind you every step of the way.

One of the things that makes our program special is our strong student-parent community. We understand the challenges of balancing school and family life, which is why we offer student groups and resources designed to help you connect with others who share similar experiences. Through these networks, you’ll find support, encouragement, and opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.

Most importantly, we provide a safe and supportive space for student-parents. While you focus on your education, you can have peace of mind knowing that your child is in a nurturing daycare environment right here on campus. We’re committed to helping you succeed without having to choose between your education and your family responsibilities.

We’d love to have you join us at DVC and become part of our ECE community. If you have any questions, please reach out—we’re happy to help!

Warm regards, 
Juan Huerta Villicana 
Department Chair, Early Childhood Education 
Diablo Valley College