Essential Information
Designed with standards developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), associate's degree programs in child development prepare students for entry-level careers or to transfer into bachelor's degree programs in early childhood development. Courses in this program typically examine the physical, emotional, language and behavioral development of infants, toddlers and school-aged children, as well as covering child nutrition and family dynamics. The curriculum also prepares students to develop age-appropriate education plans and utilize creative arts to foster learning.
This 2-year associate's degree program typically culminates in a child development practicum where students work with children in an educational setting. Admittance requires a high school diploma or GED certificate; prospective students may also need to submit to a criminal background and child abuse screening before being admitted into the practicum phase of the program.
Program Coursework
Coursework prepares students to work with infant, toddler and school-aged children through studies in language development, special needs, assessment and more. Topics of discussion typically include:
- Child safety
- Child development theories
- Cognitive development
- Behavior management
Popular Career Options
Graduates of a child development associate's degree program are prepared to work with children in settings like day cares, child enrichment centers, preschools and more. Job titles of graduates may include teaching assistant, preschool teacher, Head Start teacher and daycare provider.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average job growth of 20% for childcare workers from 2010 to 2020, while preschool teachers could see 25% growth in that same period. In 2012, childcare workers earned a median salary of $19,510 while preschool teachers earned $27,130, the BLS reported.
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