The Child Development program prepares students for employment in the field of Early Care and Education of children. The program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to work effectively with young children and families. Graduates may be employed as administrators in private preschool programs; as teachers in state pre-kindergarten programs, preschool programs, Head Start, and Early Head Start programs; or as teaching assistants in public school systems.
This program is designed to allow students to develop a broad base of competencies that will prepare them to guide experiences of children from birth through early childhood. Admission is conditional and depends on the student's ability to perform the essential functions identified for this program. Reasonable accommodations are considered.
Students interested in meeting the educational component of the nationally recognized Child Development credential in a formal educational setting may take the following courses. The credentialing exam and associated fees are administered by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition.
After successful completion all Semester 1 courses students will be:
- Eligible for CDA Educational Certification
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.