Rate My Professor Laurel Anderson

Laurel Anderson is an Associate Professor of Child Development and serves as Chair of the Child Development and Education Department at Palomar College. Holding a Ph.D., she joined the faculty in 2011 and is a prominent member of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Division. Her office is in MD-361, reachable at extension 5528. Anderson teaches essential courses in the child development curriculum, including CHDV 104 on child growth and development, CHDV 115 on child, family, and community, and CHDV 172, frequently incorporating service learning to provide students with practical experiences in early childhood settings. She co-adapted the open educational resource textbook 'Child Growth and Development' (Version 1.2, 2019) with colleagues Ken Breeding and Gina Wilson for use in CHDV 100 courses, promoting accessible learning materials.

Anderson's leadership and dedication have earned her the Palomar College Distinguished Faculty Award for full-time faculty in 2014. She actively contributes to college governance through service on the Curriculum Committee, Equivalency Committee (2021-2023), Perkins Advisory Committee, and as a facilitator for department meetings on equity and program planning. As department chair, she oversees program reviews, curriculum modifications such as those for CHDV 190, and initiatives like the partnership with Escondido School District to create degree pathways for district employees. Her role includes guiding student success, as highlighted in the department's Student Success Guide where she provides examples for professional portfolios crucial for career placement in early childhood education. Anderson's extensive involvement in faculty senate exhibits, instructional services, and advisory mappings for student transfers to institutions like CSUSM underscores her impact on academic quality and student pathways in child development and education.