The Child Development Early Educator - Entry Level short certificate (STC) prepares students to enter the field of Early Care and Education and serves as an intermediate step toward the Associate in Applied Science degree program. The 9-credit program STC qualifies graduates to work as teachers in private preschool programs and as auxiliary teachers in Alabama's state pre-kindergarten programs. Completion of this short certificate satisfies Level 2 requirements in the Alabama Pathways Professional Development Lattice and meets the Alabama First Class Pre-K auxiliary teacher qualifications.
Students seeking to fulfill the education requirements of the nationally recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in a formal educational setting may do so through the courses offered in this short certificate program. The credentialing exam and associated fees are administered by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition
Admission is conditional and depends on the student's ability to perform the essential functions identified for this program. Reasonable accommodations are considered.
Child Development Field Experience Requirements
As a Child Development student, you will be expected to complete field experience observation and participation in childcare programs throughout your CHD courses. According to the Child Care Licensing and Performance Standards for Day Care and Nighttime Centers Regulations and Procedures from the Alabama Department of
Human Resources, staff including substitutes and volunteers must meet the following minimum qualifications for records (page 42-43).
Required records include:
- DHR staff application (DH-CDC-1947)
- Three references (DHR-CDC-1948)
- Request for Clearance of State Central Registry on Child Abuse/Neglect (DHR-DFC-1598)
- Criminal History Background Check including Alabama Bureau of Investigations Fingerprint Clearance (Code of Alabama 1975, Title 38, Chapter 13, effective November 1, 2000)
- Medical examination including TB Test (DHR-CDC-737)
- CPR certification (Students can take the course through the College by registering for EMS 100 concurrently with the initial registration in Child Development (CHD) courses.)
Students cannot begin field experience observation and participation in childcare programs until CHD instructor has verified records. Students will keep records in their Student Learning Opportunities (SLO) Portfolio and make available to CHD instructors each semester.