The Child Development program is designed to provide students with a theoretical knowledge base and practical experience which will enable them to work within the field of child development.  The student may receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Child Development, an Early Childhood Administrator's Certificate, a Childhood Development-Early Childhood Certificate, Family Advocate Certificate, or Child Development Associate (CDA) Training.

Basic practicum experience is required in certain Child Development courses within the program.  Specific tasks performed in the practicum setting vary according to skills, interests and course requirements.  Students taking practicum courses must meet the requirements for staff in child care facilities as outlined in the Texas Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers: 1) Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent; and   2) must be able to pass a Department of Protective and Regulatory Services criminal background check verifying there has been no felony or misdemeanor classified as an offense against the person or family, felony or misdemeanor classified as public indecency or felony violation of any law intended to control the possession or distribution of any substance included as a controlled substance in the Texas Controlled Substances Act.  Students who do not meet the above requirements must see the program advisor.

Program advisor is Johnanne Reynolds, assistant professor of child development.

This curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for employment in early childhood centers as a teacher or director (according to Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers in Texas), as well as for other child-related occupations.  The curriculum meets all requirements for the Associate of Applied Science degree.  This program also awards a Tech Prep Enhanced Skills Certificate upon completion of additional technical courses.

An Enhanced Skills Certificate is a credential that is awarded concurrently with an approved Associate of Applied Science degree or as an additional certificate upon completion of specified technical courses.  The following courses are required for this certificate.

The Early Childhood Administrator's Certificate Option in Child Development is designed to prepare individuals to become program administrators and to assist those currently holding such positions to improve their skills.  The curriculum emphasizes both program and business management skills needed for the implementation of quality programs for children.  Upon successful completion of the following curriculum, student receives a Certificate of Proficiency.  This is not a TASP-waived certificate.

This curriculum is designed primarily for those who wish to work as assistant caregivers.  Basic skills such as positive communication, positive guidance and the normal development of the child from birth through eight years of age are emphasized.  The curriculum may be utilized as preparation for obtaining the National Child Development Associate Credential.  Upon successful completion of the following curriculum, the student receives a Certificate of Proficiency.  This is not a TSI-waived certificate.

The Family Advocate Certificate in the Child Development/Early Childhood Program is designed to prepare individuals interested in working with families and children in a service capacity, individuals interested in working in the field of Human Services, individuals interested in becoming Family Support Workers in Head Start Programs, and to assist those currently holding such positions.  The curriculum emphasizes knowledge of child development birth through adolescence, early childhood education and social work knowledge and skills through the Applied Rehabilitation Psychology Program.  Upon successful completion of the following curriculum, students will receive a Certificate of Proficiency.  Students must be in compliance with TSI.

The CDA Training Certificate is designed to prepare individuals for assessment by the National Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C.  Students are required by the National Council to be 18 years of age, hold a high school diploma or equivalent and be able to speak, read and write well enough to fulfill the responsibilities of a CDA Candidate.  Candidates seeking a Preschool endorsement are assessed working with children 3-5 years of age.  Candidates seeking an Infant/Toddler endorsement are assessed working with children birth to 36 months of age.  A Bilingual endorsement is also available.

College course work covers the six (6) CDA Competency Goals and the thirteen (13) Functional Areas of child development, early childhood education and professional development.  Students will develop a Professional Resource File to document their competence in early child care and education.  Their resource file will involve technical writing skills, be prepared by the student and submitted to the instructor via internet.  The course work will also include arranged classroom sessions.  These courses may be used as electives on the child development certificates and the associate degree.  Permission by instructor is required to enroll.

Upon successful completion of the following curriculum, students receive an Institutional Training Award and will be prepared for assessment by the National Council.

Related Links

www.naeyc.org - National Association for the Education of Young Children

www.texasaeyc.org - Texas Association for the Education of Young Children