Child Development/Early Childhood
Department of Human Sciences and Education: (361) 698-2809
The Child Development/Early Childhood curriculum is designed to prepare an individual to educate and care for young children from birth through age eight. The program is designed to provide performance-based training in the skills needed to be a competent teacher or administrator in child care centers, preschool programs, family day homes, Head Start programs, or other early childhood programs.
As part of the training, students are required to work directly with young children in the model laboratory on campus and in community early childhood programs. Students must demonstrate performance skills which meet the specific needs of children and work with parents and other adults to nurture children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Prior to field site placement, students are required to have a criminal history check, record of a negative TB test, and a food handler's card. For students interested in this field, please be advised that a criminal background could keep you from being certified/licensed or may prevent you from working in some settings. For more information about required background checks for this field, please speak to a faculty member in this program.
Curriculum
- Certificate: Child Development/Early Childhood - Level II
- Certificate: Child Development/Early Childhood Administrator - Level II
- AAS: Child Development/Early Childhood
- AAS: Child Development/Early Childhood Education Assistant
Students planning to continue towards a bachelor's degree should check specific requirements of the college or university to which they plan to transfer.
A minimum grade of "C" is required for all CDEC students in their major field.