Child Development Certificate

Program Overview:

The purpose of the Child Development certificate is to provide specialized training and education that develops student’s professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions to work as aides and assistants with young children in a variety of settings. The 16-credit certificate in Child Development meets the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) educational requirement for assistant teachers and teachers in child care centers. DHS Rule 3 requires additional work experience to be hired as an assistant teacher or teacher.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion of the Child Development program at RCTC, students will achieve the following outcomes:

• Establish and maintain respectful, responsive, and reciprocal relationships with children and families.
• Promote child development and learning.
• Use developmentally effective approaches.
• Make informed professional decisions based on professional knowledge, reflection and critical thinking, and collaboration.
• Successfully complete clinical experiences in a variety of settings.

Additional Information:

Notice of Minnesota Background Check Requirement

Minnesota Statute 245C requires that students who have contact with individuals in licensed institutions complete an annual background study with the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Individuals who do not pass the background check will not be allowed to participate in clinical activities. A list of disqualifying offenses is available at Minnesota Statute 245C.15. Information about completing the background study will be available from program faculty.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE

MINNESOTA TRANSFER CURRICULUM (MnTC)/GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (4 CREDITS)

GOAL 1: COMMUNICATION (4 CREDITS)

• ENGL 1117 – Reading and Writing Critically I (4 cr)

PROGRAM CORE REQUIREMENTS (12 CREDITS)

• ECCE 1001 – Introduction to Early Childhood Care and Education (3 cr) OR ECCE 1220 – Health, Safety and Wellness (3 cr)
• ECCE 1210 – Child Growth and Development (3 cr)
• ECCE 1232 – Guidance: Managing Physical and Social Environment (3 cr)
• ECCE 1235 – Intentional Teaching through Learning Environments (3 cr)

RECOMMENDED COURSE SEQUENCES

FULL-TIME

• Semester 1 (9 CREDITS): ECCE 1001* OR ECCE 1220**, ECCE 1210*, ECCE 1235*
• Semester 2 (7 CREDITS): ECCE 1232**, ENGL 1117

*Fall Only
**Spring Only

Course descriptions can be found at: RCTC course descriptions