Child Development Specialist Certificate (CD61)

The Early Childhood Care and Education Child Development Specialist certificate program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the field of early childhood education. The program emphasizes the basics needed for a career in early childhood, but this TCC also includes more content about planning curriculum and working in the field. In addition, the student may complete a practicum and work in a childcare program. Graduates have qualifications to be employed in early care and education settings, including childcare centers and Head Start.

NOTE: To be employed in a child care center licensed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, an individual must first complete a comprehensive background check with evidence of a satisfactory determination of the following: National fingerprint-based criminal history check; Georgia Child Abuse Registry; National Sex Offender Registry; and, a State fingerprint-based criminal history records check and State child abuse registry for every U.S. territory, tribal land, or state in which the person has resided in the past five (5) years. Students must have a comprehensive background check with evidence of a satisfactory determination from the above list in order to complete program requirements. The cost of these record checks are at the student's expense and must be completed before participation in a practicum or internship whether completing practicum or internship at a licensed Georgia child care center, private child care or public school.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may find employment in early care and education settings including childcare centers and Georgia Pre-K programs. Bright from the Start (BFTS), the regulatory agency in Georgia, requires the basic knowledge included in this TCC for a person to be a lead teacher in a childcare center and family day care center. (Bright from the Start recognizes this certificate as equivalent to a CDA for employment.)

Credit Required for Completion: Minimum of 14 credit hours

Curriculum

Occupational Courses

ECCE 1101	Introduction to Early Childhood Care and Education	3
ECCE 1103	Child Growth and Development	3
ECCE 1105	Health, Safety and Nutrition	3
ECCE 1112	Curriculum and Assessment	3
ECCE 1121	Early Childhood Care and Education Practicum	3
	-or-
EMPL 1000	Interpersonal Relations and Professional Development	2