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, reliable, flexible, patient, positive.

Offered at the Following Campuses/Delivery Mode

• North Campus (Sandersville)
• South Campus (Dublin)
• Online (Distance Education)
• Jefferson County Center

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 approved 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

• Submit a completed application and application fee;
• Be at least 16 years of age;
• Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;
• Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
• OFTC may accept a student’s official entrance score on the following validated assessment instruments if the scores meet the required minimums: COMPASS/ASSET, SAT, ACT, PSAT, PACT, Accuplacer/Accuplacer Next Generation/Companion, HOPE GPA after completion of 10th grade of 2.6 or higher or GED.