Child Development Specialist
Program Overview
The Child Development Specialist technical certificate of credit program is a sequence of five courses designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the field of early childhood education. The program emphasizes the basics needed for a career in early childhood, but this TCC also includes more content about planning curriculum and working in the field. In addition, the student may complete a practicum and work in a child care program. Graduates have qualifications to be employed in early care and education settings including child care centers, Pre-K programs and Head Start.
Students are accepted into the Child Development Specialist certificate program every semester. A full-time student can complete this program in 2 semesters. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 14 semester credit hours. If students choose the option of taking the practicum, they must submit to a GAPS fingerprint check.
Career Traits/Requirements
Individuals wanting to enroll in the Child Development Specialist certificate program must be fond of children, dependable and reliable, flexible, patient and have a positive attitude.
Offered at the Following Campuses/Delivery Mode
- North Campus (Sandersville)
- South Campus (Dublin)
- Online (Distance Education)
- Jefferson County Center
Salary Potential
$13,000.00 – $17,000.00
Program Costs
Tuition & Fees: $2,062.00
Books & Supplies: $530.00
Additional Fees
Malpractice Insurance: $11.00
Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED: $22.00
Fingerprinting: $47.75
(Costs are estimated and are subject to change.)
HOPE Career Grant:
The HOPE Career Grant, formerly known as the Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant, is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with one of 12 industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them.
To qualify, an OFTC student must be fully admitted to the college, enrolled in one of the above programs and receiving the HOPE Grant for the same term. The amount of the HOPE Career Grant award is a fixed amount for each term of enrollment:
- 9 or more credit hours – $500/semester
- 3-8 credit hours – $250/semester
- 1-2 credit hours – $125/semester
- Commercial Truck Driving – $1,000 one time award
High School students in dual enrollment and joint enrollment are NOT eligible.
Employment Opportunities
Students who successfully complete the Child Development Specialist TCC would be ideal candidates to work for a day care facility or even open their own day care facility. This program is not a requirement for working in a day care facility, but it will better prepare students for a career working with small children. Instruction and practical application of learned skills provide a broad occupational background which appeals to prospective employers.
Admission Requirements
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Submit a completed application and application fee;
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Be at least 16 years of age;
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Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;
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Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
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Meet assessment requirements by taking the entrance placement test. In lieu of the placement test, official scores on COMPASS, ASSET, SAT, ACT, PSAT or GED may be substituted.
Course Overview
OCCUPATIONAL COURSESECCE1101Introduction to Early Childhood Care and Education3 credit hours45 contact hoursPrerequisites: Provisional Admission
Introduces concepts relating the responsibilities and procedures involved in a variety of early childhood care situations. Topics include historical perspectives; professionalism; guidance; developmentally appropriate practices; learning environment (including all children); cultural diversity; and licensing, accreditation, and credentialing.
211ECCE1103Child Growth and Development3 credit hours45 contact hoursPrerequisites: Provisional Admission
Introduces the student to the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of the young child (prenatal through 12 years of age). The course provides for competency development in observing, recording, and interpreting growth and development stages in the young child; advancing physical and intellectual competence; supporting social and emotional development; and examining relationships between child development and positive guidance. Topics include developmental characteristics, prenatal through age 12, developmental guidance applications, observing and recording techniques, ages and stages of development, and introduction to children with special needs.
205ECCE1105Health, Safety and Nutrition3 credit hours60 contact hoursPrerequisites: Provisional Admission
Introduces the theory, practices, and requirements for establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment. Topics include CPR and first aid, health issues, safety issues, child abuse and neglect, and nutritional needs of children.
212ECCE1112Curriculum and Assessment3 credit hours60 contact hoursPrerequisites: ECCE 1103
Co-requisite: ECCE 1103
Provides student with an understanding of developmentally effective approaches to teaching, learning, observing, documenting and assessment strategies that promote positive development for young children. The course will enable the student to establish a learning environment appropriate for young children and to identify the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment in the development of curriculum for young children. Topics include observing, documenting, and assessing; learning environments; development of curriculum plans and materials; curriculum approaches; and instructional media.216and one of the following:ECCE1121Early Childhood Care and Education Practicum3 credit hours105 contact hoursPrerequisites: ECCE 1105
Co-Requisite: ECCE 1105
Provides the student with the opportunity to gain a supervised experience in a practicum placement site allowing demonstration of techniques obtained from course work. Practicum topics include promoting child development and learning; building family and community relationships; observing, documenting, and assessing to support young children and families; teaching and learning; becoming a professional; and guidance techniques and classroom management.220EMPL1000Interpersonal Relations & Prof Devlpmnt2 credit hours30 contact hoursPrerequisites: Provisional Admission
Emphasizes human relations and professional development in today's rapidly changing world that prepares students for living and working in a complex society. Topics include human relations skills, job acquisition skills and communication, job retention skills, job advancement skills, and professional image skills.
185Credit Hours: 14
