Program Overview
The Child Development program is designed to prepare early childhood professionals to respond to the needs and uniqueness of children and their families. The courses are designed to allow the student to work up the career ladder in the child development employment area (i.e., center-based settings, Head Start, preschools). Through E-LECT (E-Learning for Early Childhood Teachers), credit based child development courses, certificate, diploma and AAS degree are available online as well as in the traditional classroom setting. There are also options for obtaining a four-year bachelor's degree through articulation with four year institutions.
Qualifications
Students interested in the Child Development program should have a strong interest in children from infant stage through age eight. High school courses in child development, family relations, psychology and nutrition are beneficial. Due to a Minnesota legislative mandate, accepted students must have a criminal background check prior to any lab experience. Students who have criminal backgrounds are ineligible to participate in classroom labs, practicums and internships. They are ineligible for graduation.