Child Development

Dr. Marcie Robinson, Program Director
256.352.8383
marcie.robinson@wallacestate.edu

Associate in Applied Science Degree (4 semesters)

Certificate (3 semesters)

Short-Term Certificate (1 semester)

At a Glance

Completion of the Child Development Program provides students with specialized education and the necessary knowledge and skills to become successful caregivers and administrators in early care and education programs such as family day cares, childcare centers, Head Start, Early Head Start or Pre-K.

Teachers of young children play a vital role in their development. Positive experiences during children’s early years are critical for brain development and can shape their views of themselves and the world. What children learn and experience in the first five years can affect their later success. Preschool teachers use a variety of teaching strategies and materials to teach basic skills and introduce concepts to children in all areas. Teacher assistants provide instructional support for classroom teachers. They may also tutor and assist children.

There will be an increased demand for preschool programs as the population of children ages 3 to 5 is expected to rise. Because children between these ages are typically enrolled in preschool, the demand for preschool teachers increases when this population increases. (U.S. Department of Labor).

Child Development courses are offered in only an online format. Students may enroll in most of the child development (CHD) courses without being admitted into the program.

Program Description

The Child Development Associate in Applied Science Degree is designed to prepare students for employment in preschool programs.  Graduates may be employed as teacher assistants in public kindergartens and as teachers or director in private and preschool program.  Classes in this program are designed to meet the Alabama state minimum standard qualifications for a director, program director, and teacher in a licensed childcare center.

The Child Development Certificate program offers the student background knowledge of all stages of child growth and development; training and practical experience in conducing all types of learning activities with children; knowledge and application of techniques in positive guidance and discipline, health, safety, and first aid practices, and basic knowledge of the state minimum standards for day care centers and homes.

The Child Development Short-Term Certificate fulfills basic objectives to provide care to children in one of four areas: Infant/Toddler, Preschool/Family Child Care, Child Development, and Early Childhood Education.  Courses to earn at least one of the short-term certificates are offered each semester.  Students who earn a minimum of nine hours in child development are qualified to obtain teaching positions as assistants in Head Start and First Class Pre-K classrooms or many other early care programs. 

Students can fulfill the 120 hours of professional early childhood education training for the Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) by successfully completing three courses which are CHD 100, CHD 206, and CHD 204 or 209 (infant and toddler only). See below for details.

The Child Development Associate in Applied Science at Wallace State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1313 L Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005. (800) 424-2460 ext. 8001. 

Admission Requirements

1. Submit a WSCC college application and meet all the general admission requirements of the college. Student must be in good standing with the college. Students must have completed all placement assessments as required by Admissions.

Child Development (AAS) Degree option:

1. Submit a WSCC college application and meet all the general admission requirements of the college. Student must be in good standing with the college. Students must have completed all placement assessments as required by Admissions.
2. Submit a CHD program application.  The CHD program online application is located on program's website at www.wallacestate.edu.  Online application instructions are under the Application to Program tab. All applicants are required to upload all required documentation for consideration.  Applications will be accepted March 1st through June 1st. Applications received after June 1st will be considered on a space available basis.
3. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale on all previous high school and college work attempted. 
4. Students may apply to the program before completion of the general education courses.  It is preferred that students have completed a minimum of three CHD courses with a grade of C or better to apply.
5. Schedule an interview with the Child Development program director prior to the semester you with to enroll. 

Selection and Notification - Degree option

1. The Child Development Program accepts applications March 1st through June 1st for admission. 
2. Program applications will be reviewed for completion of program admission requirements. Email notification of program acceptance status will be sent to each applicant via information supplied on the program application. 
3. A student who fails to respond may forfeit his/her place in the class.

Upon Admission - Degree Option

Upon acceptance into Child Development, the student must submit a completed background check through the college or provide a copy of a cleared background check from the State of Alabama or Department of Human Resources dated within one year. Students are also required to sign and submit copies of college policies from the Child Development program handbook. 

Admission to the Child Development program shall be conditional depending upon the student's ability to submit a cleared background check and signed signature pages from the handbook. Failure to submit all required clinical documentation before the program established deadline will result in program dismissal. 

Program Expectations

Students enrolled in child development courses are required to participate in observations and field experiences to complete activities and assignments with young children for some coursework. Students are expected to be able to fulfill these assignments at the student’s expense and should plan accordingly. Students are expected to abide by the policies, procedures, and rules of behavior of the clinical agencies.

Child Development courses are offered online and utilize Canvas for communication, information and submission of assignments so students are expected to have access to a computer with a webcam and Internet access and have the necessary skills to complete coursework utilizing word processing and accessing Internet files or websites. CHD 215 requires admission and acceptance into the CHD program. Students may enroll in all other CHD courses without first being admitted into the program.

Child Development program faculty may require all online quizzes or exams to be completed using a webcam and designated browser as described in course syllabi.  Any request for credit for CHD courses must be for courses completed within the last five years with a grade of at least a “C” or above. Not all CHD courses are eligible for transferred credit. Contact program director for details.

Progression

Systematic progression through the program will ensure timely completion of the program. Prior to taking courses, students are advised to meet with the program director to develop a comprehensive plan for satisfying program requirements in a timely manner. Most courses are only offered once per year, so it is recommended that students plan ahead to take the courses that are needed. By following the suggested course schedule students will be able to complete the program within four semesters.

Uninterrupted progression is most desirable. If progression is interrupted for more than one semester (excluding summer), the student must apply for readmission to the program. Students who are readmitted must follow all program expectations as listed in the catalog and student handbook.

Students are required to achieve a grade of “C” or above in all general and major required courses. Students who fail to earn a “C” or above will be required to repeat the course.

Students are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA while enrolled in the program. If the GPA falls below a 2.0 for more than one semester, the student will be dismissed from the program and must apply for readmission. Students can reapply to the program one time.

Career Path

The Child Development Associate in Applied Science Degree program is designed to prepare students for employment in preschool programs. Emphasis is upon development competency in guiding the experience of preschool children. Graduates may be employed as teacher assistants or aides in public school systems, Head Start or Alabama's First Class Pre-K and as teachers or directors in other private and preschool programs. Classes in this program are designed to meet the Alabama state minimum standard qualifications for a director, program director, and teacher in a licensed child care center. Some Child Development courses from WSCC will be accepted for transfer to other four year institutions to obtain a B.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education. Please consult the Alabama Transfers transfer guide for the latest information.

The Child Development Certificate is designed as a step between the short-term certificates and the Associate in Applied Science degree in Child Development. Students who earn a certificate in child development are qualified to work as assistants in many early care and education programs including the First Class Pre-K and Head Start classrooms and in many other early care and education programs. 

The Child Development Short-Term Certificate program offers the student background knowledge of all stages of child growth and development; training and practical experience in conducting all types of learning activities with children; knowledge and application of techniques in positive guidance and discipline, health, safety and first aid practices, and a basic knowledge of the state minimum standards for day care center and homes. 

Employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 56,300 openings for preschool teachers are projected each year, on average. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. The median annual wage for preschool teachers was $35,330 in May of 2022. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Preschool Teachers, visited Mar. 4th, 2024).

** For apprenticeship information see General Studies with Concentration in Child Development Apprenticeship pathway. **