At the outbreak of the American Civil War, he enlisted with a company of volunteers which protected emigrant trails to California.

[4] In 1878, Childs was hired by his alma mater, the California State Normal School to head the history, civil government and bookkeeping departments.

In 1891, in response to declining male enrollment at the institution, he called for the formation of an athletics department to sponsor a football team, which would begin competition in 1892 under James E. Addicott.

[2][3] Towards the end of his tenure as principal, Childs advocated for the adoption of a fourth year of coursework for the students, citing the increased demand for highly qualified teachers.

After his retirement, Childs purchased two orchards, one in San Jose and one in Napa Valley, and founded an organization for California prune growers.

In his final years, he assisted in the creation of the St. Helena, Vineland, Spring Valley, and Lodi school districts.