Child Development

The Child Care Provider Training program will provide students with foundational knowledge of early childhood development as well as information about business practices to help progress towards vocational, academic, personal and/or professional goals working with children. Students become familiar with the local requirements for childcare businesses and regulations pertaining to childcare providers. Program instruction incorporates development of critical thinking skills and soft skills needed in academic, professional and social settings with emphasis placed on caring for infants and young children. This program provides the knowledge and academic experience necessary for a student to successfully transition to credit institutions and further study in the field of child development.

The Infant Care Specialist program will provide students with knowledge specific to infant care and development, as well as an understanding of basic business practices involving the care of infants ages 0-12 month. Students learn how to provide safe, nurturing and appropriate care for infants in the family home or in a child care center. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills to open their own infant family child care home. This program provides the knowledge and academic experience necessary for a student to successfully transition to credit institutions and further study in the field of child development.

The Child Home Care Training program will provide students with knowledge of early childhood development, information about childcare business practices, and applied skills in both business and early childhood care and education. The program prepares students to have a successful child care business of their own serving children ages 0-5, as they experience hands-on-practice in a laboratory setting with multi-age children. Employment options, as well as opportunities for home business success, increase with program completion. This program provides the knowledge and academic experience necessary for a student to successfully transition to credit institutions and further study in the field of child development.

The Infant and Toddler Development program will provide students with knowledge of the physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth of infants and toddlers. The program focuses on developmentally appropriate practices in the care of children ages 0-24 months and the creation of safe, appropriate and nurturing home and child care environments. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to provide safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate care for infants and toddlers. The student will explore and identify careers and vocations in infant and toddler development and care. This program provides skills necessary for entry-level employment in child care occupations and will provide students the opportunity explore educational pathways in Early Childhood Care and Education.

The Early Learner Development Program will provide students with knowledge of the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development of children ages 2-5 years. The program focuses on developmentally appropriate practice in the care and education of children ages 2-5 years, and the creation of safe, appropriate and nurturing environments which foster emerging skills and readiness for school entry. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to provide safe and nurturing environments and implement developmentally appropriate activities for early learners. The student will explore and identify careers and vocations in early childhood education, development and care. This program provides skills necessary for entry-level employment in child care occupations and will provide students the opportunity explore educational pathways in Early Childhood Care and Education.

The Infant and Toddler Enrichment program will provide students with knowledge and experience in various ways to promote and enrich infant/toddler physical, cognitive and socioemotional development. The emphasis will be on infant/toddler brain development as enhanced by experiences with music, movement and outdoor learning and play. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to lead activities at home and in the workplace with children 0-24 months that benefit infant and toddler brain development. The student will be able to create safe outdoor play and learning environments for infants and toddlers and demonstrate for parents and caregivers how to do so. The student will also gain knowledge and academic experience necessary to foster a successful transition to credit institutions and/or further study in the field of child development.

The Early Learner Enrichment program will provide students with knowledge and experience in various methods to promote and enrich physical, cognitive and socioemotional development in the early childhood between the ages of 2-5 years. The emphasis will be on brain development as enhanced by experiences with music, movement and outdoor learning and play. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be prepared to lead activities at home and in the workplace with children ages 2-5 years that benefit growth and development, with special emphasis on brain, language and physical development. The student will be able to demonstrate for parents and caregivers how to create safe outdoor play and learning environments for early learners. This program provides skills necessary for entry-level employment in child care occupations and will provide students the opportunity explore educational pathways in Early Childhood Care and Education.

The School-Age Care & Leadership program develops childcare providers’ foundational knowledge of the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of school-age children and those needing special attention, in order to design a program that uses positive guidance and discipline. Students construct school-age child development center curriculum for practical application. The program incorporates the development of critical thinking and soft skills needed in academic, professional and social settings where emphasis is placed on before and after school care.

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be prepared to lead activities at home and in the workplace with children ages 6 to 12 years focusing on advancing growth on all domains of development as well as academic success. The student will also gain knowledge and academic experience necessary to foster a successful transition to credit institutions and/or further study in the field of child development.

The Three to Five-Year-Old Specialty Curriculum program provides students with knowledge to develop and implement curricula designed for 3 to 5-year-old-children in the specialty areas of literacy, communication, reading, science, technology, engineering concepts, art and math. Emphasis is placed on understanding normative development and in utilizing the specialty curriculum to enhance growth potential and educational engagement in 3 to 5-year-olds. Additional emphasis is placed on recognizing unique needs or developmental delays in equitable and inclusive settings. Upon successful completion of the program, students are prepared to lead emergent literacy and STEAM activities in the workplace and at home with children 3 to 5-years-old. With an understanding of classroom mechanics, students will be able to successfully implement curriculum as well as modify literacy and STEAM activities to address individualized needs and unique environments.

The Instructional Aide Program will help students understand the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), individualized educational program (IEP), and characteristics of disabilities in the school-aged child. Students will become familiar with teaching strategies, professional responsibilities, and laws and regulations related to teaching children with disabilities. Program instruction focuses on understanding terminology and applied practice through role-play and observation as well as students. This program prepares students for entry-level positions in school, home, and community-based programs that support learning and independence for individuals with disabilities.