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Child Development Careers
Career/Program Overview
RCTC's Child Development major is designed to provide students with a comprehensive, basic curriculum needed to work in careers with children from infancy to youth in a variety of settings. Students gain necessary skills and competencies by observing and working with children in a well-equipped, on-site child development center, as well as through classroom lecture/labs and practical experiences in community-based programs for children and youth.
Curriculum-at-a-Glance
Depending on which degree option is selected, coursework may include Foundations of Child Development; Safety, Health, Safety, and Nutrition; Guidance; Family & Community Relations, Planning & Implementing Curriculum; Creative Development Experiences; Multicultural Learning Experiences, or Children and Youth with Special Needs. Refer to RCTC's program course requirements at http://www.rctc.edu/catalog/programs/index.html .
Program/Degree Options
RCTC's Child Development program offers a certificate, diploma, and three different degree options. The 15 credit certificate program meets the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) educational requirement for assistant teachers in child care centers. The 31-credit diploma option meets the minimum (DHS) educational requirements for teachers in child care centers. DHS Rule 3 requires additional work experience for individuals with a certificate or diploma in order to be hired as an assistant teacher or teacher.
RCTC offers three different two-year degree options. The A.A.S. degree in Child Development, Pathway One prepares students for a variety of positions working with or on behalf of children and youth. Students can choose to focus on infants and toddlers, preschoolers, school-agers, or children with special needs. The A.A.S. degree in Child Development: Pathway Two prepares students to transfer to a four year college and incorporates more liberal arts courses. The A.A.S. degree in Child Development: Pathway Three prepares students for employment as a Paraeducator in the public schools.
Program Start Date(s)
Child Development coursework can be taken any fall or spring semester. Depending on which degree option selected - students may need to start fall semester in order to complete the degree option in one or two semesters. If taken on a full-time basis, the diploma program can be completed in as little as one year and the A.A.S. degree within two years.
Career Opportunities/Information
Upon graduation students will be directly involved with the guidance and provision of educational/creative experiences appropriate to nursery schools, special education programs, Head Start, as a paraprofessional in elementary schools, or as a provider of in-home care (nanny) or as a licensed family child care provider. A child development assistant also works directly with other trained staff and/or parents. Graduates of the program may seek further education to earn a degree in early childhood education, early childhood special education, child development and family studies, psychology, or social work.
Articulations/Accreditations
Rochester Community and Technical College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission: A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
For additional information on the most current list of RCTC program articulations see us at: http://www.rctc.edu/catalog/articulations/index.html
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