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The Child Development Careers major is designed to provide students with a comprehensive, basic curriculum needed to work in careers with children from infancy to twelve years of age in a variety of settings. Opportunities to gain necessary child care skills and competencies are provided by way of observation and practical experience in a well-equipped, on-site child development center for children ages 2-5, as well as classroom lecture/labs and internships in community-based care facilities.
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, 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 or take further courses to improve their earning potential and job position.
A program prerequisite requires a documented statement that there is no prior record involving child maltreatment or any crime of violence. A background check will be conducted by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.