Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Child Development
The Child Development program is designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of early childhood settings. The program provides opportunities for those interested in entering the early childhood field and those currently working with young children. Each student will engage in practical and professional experiences that will build their knowledge, skills, and abilities in caring for each and every child and family. The Child Development program is an excellent pathway for those interested in a career in the field of early childhood education. The short certificate program establishes the credentials necessary to be employed as an auxiliary teacher in Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program. The Associate in Applied Science degree exceeds the Alabama state minimum standard qualifications for a director, program director, and teacher in a licensed childcare center.
Child Development courses are offered as traditional in-person courses and as hybrid courses as well. Students enrolled in hybrid courses are required to attend evening seminar sessions three times during the Fall/Spring semesters and twice during the Summer semester. The seminar offers an opportunity for social interaction with instructors and classmates while also maintaining full-time employment in an early childhood setting.
Degrees and Certificates
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Child Development, -
Child Development, Certificate (CER) -
Child Development, CTE Short-Term Certificate (STC) -
Child Development Associate, CTE Short-Term Certificate (STC)
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.