Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Child Development
The Child Development (CHD) program prepares students for careers in a variety of early childhood education settings, including First Class Pre-K, Head Start, public and private schools, child care centers, and other early learning environments. The program serves both individuals entering the field and those seeking professional advancement.
Students engage in a blend of academic study and hands-on learning, building the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to nurture and educate every child and family they serve. Through observation, project-based learning, practicum experiences, and reflective practice, students are prepared for leadership and teaching roles in early childhood education.
The CHD program offers stacked credentials that support flexible career entry and advancement. Students may earn a Short Certificate, a Certificate, and an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree - each credential building upon the last and aligned with workforce and quality standards in early childhood education.
- The Short Certificate establishes the credential necessary to serve as an Auxiliary Teacher in Alabama's First Class Pre-K program.
- The AAS degree exceeds Alabama's minimum qualification requirements for teachers, directors, and program directors in licensed child care centers.
Additionally, individuals who hold a bachelor's degree and teacher certification in elementary education may complete 9 credit hours of Child Development coursework to meet Alabama's early childhood content requirement for lead teachers in First Class Pre-K classrooms.
CHD courses are offered in both traditional in-person and hybrid formats. Students enrolled in hybrid courses complete most coursework online but are required to attend in-person seminar sessions three times during the Fall and Spring semesters and twice during the Summer semester. These seminars support applied learning, professional reflection, and peer collaboration, while providing flexibility for students who maintain full-time employment.
Graduates of the Child Development program are well-prepared to meet or exceed state standards and quality benchmarks in early childhood education and are positioned to pursue further education in the field if desired.
Degrees and Certificates
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Child Development, -
Child Development, Certificate (CER) -
Child Development, Short Term Certificate -
Child Development Associate, Short Term Certificate
Classes
CHD 100: INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CARE & EDUCATION OF CHILDREN
Class Program
This course introduces the child education and care profession. It is designed to increase understanding of the basic concepts of child development and the developmental characteristics of children from birth through age 8/9 years, including infant and toddler and pre-school years. This course is the foundation for planning appropriate activities for children and establishing appropriate expectations of young children. This class also offers an opportunity to study the developmental domains (social, emotional, cognitive/language and physical). Course includes observation of the young child in early childhood settings.
Prerequisites
Eligible for ENG 101.
CHD 201: CHILD GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES
Class Program
This course is a systematic study of child growth and development from conception through early childhood. Emphasis is placed on principles underlying physical, mental, emotional and social development, and on methods of child study and practical implications. Upon completion, students should be able to use knowledge of how young children differ in development and approaches to learning to provide opportunities that support physical, social, emotional, language, cognitive, and aesthetic development.
Prerequisites
Eligible for ENG 101.
CHD 202: CHILDREN'S CREATIVE EXPERIENCES
Class Program
This course focuses on fostering creativity in preschool children and developing a creative attitude in teachers. Topics include selecting and developing creative experiences, in language arts, music, art, science, math and movement with observation and participation with young children required. Upon completion, students should be able to select and implement creative and age-appropriate experiences for young children.
Prerequisites
Eligible for ENG 101.
CHD 203: CHILDREN'S LITERATURE AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
Class Program
This course surveys appropriate literature and language arts activities designed to enhance young children's speaking, listening, pre-reading, and writing skills. Emphasis is placed on developmental appropriateness as related to language. Upon completion, students should be able to create, evaluate and demonstrate activities which support a language-rich environment for young children.
Prerequisites
Eligible for ENG 101.
CHD 204: METHODS AND MATERIALS FOR TEACHING YOUNG CHILDREN
Class Program
This course introduces basic methods and materials used in teaching young children. Emphasis is placed on students compiling a professional resource file of activities used for teaching math, language arts, science and social studies concepts. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate basic methods of creating learning experiences using developmental appropriate techniques, materials, and realistic expectations, including infant and toddler and pre-school. Course includes observations of young children in a variety of childcare environments.
Prerequisites
Eligible for ENG 101.
CHD 205: PROGRAM PLANNING FOR EDUCATING YOUNG CHILDREN
Class Program
This course provides students with knowledge to develop programs for early child development. Specific content includes a review of child development concepts and program contents. Upon completion students will be able to develop and evaluate effective programs for the education of young children.
Prerequisites
Eligible for ENG 101.
CHD 206: CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND SAFETY
Class Program
This course introduces basic health, nutrition and safety management practices for young children. Emphasis is placed on setting up and maintaining a safe, healthy environment for young children including specific procedures for infants and toddlers and procedures regarding childhood illnesses and communicable diseases.
Prerequisites
Eligible for ENG 101.
CHD 208: ADMINISTRATION OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Class Program
This course includes appropriate administrative policies and procedures relevant to preschool programs. Topics include local, state and federal regulations; budget planning; record keeping; personnel policies and parent involvement. Upon completion, students should be able to identify elements of a sound business plan, develop familiarity with basic record keeping techniques, and identify elements of a developmentally appropriate program.
Prerequisites
Eligible for ENG 101.
CHD 209: INFANT AND TODDLER EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Class Program
This course focuses on child development from infancy to thirty-five months of age with emphasis on planning programs using developmentally appropriate materials. Emphasis is placed on positive ways to support an infant or toddler's social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Upon completion, students should be able to plan an infant-toddler program and environment that is appropriate and supportive of the families and the children.
Prerequisites
Eligible for ENG 101.
CHD 210: EDUCATING CHILDREN WITH EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS
Class Program
This course explores the many different types of exceptionalities found in young children. Topics include speech, language, hearing and visual impairments; gifted and talented children; mental retardation; emotional, behavioral, and neurological handicaps. Upon completion, students should be able to identify appropriate strategies for working with young exceptional children.
Prerequisites
Eligible for ENG 101.
CHD 211: CHILD DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR
Class Program
This course provides students with knowledge of a variety of issues and trends related to the childcare profession. Subject matter will vary according to industry and student needs. Upon completion students should be able to discuss special topics related to current trends and issues in child development.
Prerequisites
Eligible for ENG 101.
CHD 214: FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES IN EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Class Program
This course provides students information about working with diverse families and communities. Students will be introduced to family and community settings, the importance of relationships with children, and the pressing needs of today's society. Students will study practice techniques for developing these important relationships and effective communication skills.
Prerequisites
Eligible for ENG 101.
CHD 215: SUPERVISED PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Class Program
This course provides a minimum of 90 hours of hands-on, supervised experience in an approved program for young children. Students will develop a portfolio documenting experiences gained during this course. Students must have permission of the Department Chair.
Prerequisites
Completed thirty-three (33) hours of Child Development courses and approval from the program director.
CHD 224: SCHOOL-AGE CHILDCARE
Class Program
This course is designed for caregivers/teachers providing programs for children age 5-12 in their before and after school care needs. The course provides information on developmental profiles, discusses family concerns, and includes a variety of activities that caregivers can adopt to provide an educational and stimulating program.
Prerequisites
Eligible for ENG 101.