Child Development, A.A.S.

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The Child and Family Studies Associate in Applied Science degree program is designed for individuals who want to work directly with young children and their families in early care and education programs, human service organizations, or professional development services. The program provides both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

As an Illinois Gateways to Opportunity entitled institution, completion of course requirements for the A.A.S. degree can lead to an Illinois Early Childhood Teacher Credential 2, 3, or 4. Students who pursue an Illinois Infant-Toddler Teacher Credential 1 or an Illinois Director Credential 1 can complete the requirements for those credentials through Early Childhood Education elective choices. Students should seek more information from the Early Childhood Education/Child and Family Studies Coordinator.

Please note: Students interested in teaching in the elementary schools in Illinois should enroll in the Associate in Arts Degree in pre-elementary or pre-early childhood education. Consult a counselor or advisor for further information. Students interested in pursuing the Level 1 Illinois Director Credential from the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRA) have up to two years following graduation to document 1200 hours of early childhood/school age management experience. Either while earning their A.A.S. degree or following its completion, students must demonstrate that they have made contributions to the profession in one of the areas described in the program brochure.

I. General Education Core (16)

Area A: Communication (6 credits)

ENG 101 Composition I 3 hrs transfer credit - with a grade of C or better
COMM 101 Principles of Communication 3 hrs transfer credit

Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts (3 credits)

Select one course from Area B

Area D: Physical and Life Sciences (4 credits)

Select one laboratory science course from the courses for Area D

Area E: Social and Behavioral Science (3 credits)

PSYCH 101 Introduction to Psychology 3 hrs transfer credit

Program Requirements (45)

ECED 103 Health, Safety, and Nutrition 3 hrs transfer credit
ECED 104 Introduction to Early Childhood Education 3 hrs transfer credit
ECED 115 Observation and Assessment of Young Children 3 hrs credit
ECED 108 Math for the Young Child 3 hrs transfer credit
ECED 120 Child, Family, and Community 3 hrs transfer credit
ECED 130 Guidance and Classroom Management 3 hrs transfer credit
ECED 205 Language Arts for Children 3 hrs transfer credit
ECED 213 Multicultural Education 3 hrs transfer credit
ECED 251 Curriculum Design for Early Childhood Programs 3 hrs credit
ECED 299 Early Childhood Education Internship 3 hrs transfer credit
ED 101 Child Growth and Development 3 hrs transfer credit
ED 212 Exceptional Child 3 hrs transfer credit
ED 220 Children’s Literature 3 hrs transfer credit

Select 6 credit hours from the following courses after consultation with program coordinator:

ECED 105 Creative Activities for Children 3 hrs transfer credit
ECED 110 Care and Education: Infants, Toddlers, Two Year Olds 3 hrs transfer credit
ECED 150 Introduction to Early Childhood Center Administration - Legal Requirements 1 hr credit
ECED 151 Introduction to Early Childhood Center Administration - Program Operations 1 hr credit
ECED 152 Introduction to Early Childhood Center Administration - Facilities Management 1 hr credit
ECED 217 Administration of Early Childhood Education Centers - Personnel, Families and Children 3 hrs credit
ECED 218 Administration of Early Childhood Education Centers - Practices and Procedures 3 hrs credit
ECED 219 Applied Early Childhood Center Administration 3 hrs credit
ECED 298 Administration of an Early Childhood Center Internship 3 hrs credit