Child Development, A.A.S.

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Program Code: SS050

If you are interested in teaching children from birth to eight years of age, a career in Early Childhood Education could be for you. The Child Development program is designed to prepare students for careers in early childhood care and education, including preparation for employment in DCFS-licensed child care facilities, Head Start programs and preschools. CDEV courses are intentionally organized with practical, competency driven field experiences including support within an on campus early education program. The CDEV Career program includes the Associates of Applied Science (AAS) and three certificate programs. As the early care and education field continues to grow, the need for highly qualified staff will increase. According to the US Department of labor employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2014 to 2024. Growth is expected due to a continued focus on the importance of early childhood education. As an “Illinois Gateways to Opportunity” entitled Institution, JJC offers Level 2-4 Illinois Early Childhood (EC) Credentials to further validate specialized early childhood knowledge, skills and experience. In addition to attaining the AAS degree, students will qualify for the Level 4 IL EC Credential. Students interested in specializing in infant/toddler care and education, can obtain a Level 3 Infant/Toddler Credential by completing the AAS degree requirements including
infant/toddler specialty course work. Students completing a Child Development Certificate may qualify for the Level 2 or 3 IL Gateways credential.

The student should be aware that the State of Illinois requires a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, to work in a child care setting and a medical clearance with TB test and immunization clearance.

Completion Guide

Click here for semester-by-semester guide and advisor contact information.

General Education Requirements: 15 Semester Hours

Select 15 credit hours of courses from the following groups:

Group I: Communications - ENG 101 - Rhetoric or ENG 130 - Technical Writing and Communication Students may substitute ENG 102 or ENG 230 for either of the above courses.

Group II: Social and Behavioral Sciences - Minimum of 3 credit hours required.

Group IV: Math/Sciences - Minimum of 3 credit hours required.

Groups I-V: General Education - Select coursework from Groups I-V: General Education Requirements to fulfill remainder of 15 hours.

Students are encouraged to select a Humanities or Fine Arts course as part of their General Education coursework.

Major Core Requirements: 36 Semester Hours

Major Core Electives (Select from following): 12 Semester Hours

Total Required Hours: 63 Semester Hours

Includes Online Courses

This program includes the option for distance education courses (online and/or hybrid).