Child Development

Courses

View our program Web site

Child Development Web siteThe Child Development program has its very own Web site. View the program Web site to access more information such as testimonials, newsletters, blogs, announcements, student employment, and instructor biographies.

Major Description

The Child Development program is designed to prepare individuals for employment in a variety of early childhood settings. Courses are designed to meet Minnesota Department of Human Services educational requirements for assistant teachers and teachers in a child care setting. Throughout the program, students will learn about child development, guidance, professional relationships, nutrition, health and safety, cultural sensitivity and techniques for promoting learning in young children.

Each level provides either lab, internship or practicum opportunities that allow students to apply their skills and knowledge in a practical experience.

The Child Development Program at DCTC is a participant in E-LECT. Through E-LECT (e-learning for early childhood teachers) we are able to offer high quality credit-based child development courses, certificate, diploma and A.A.S./A.S. degree online.

This program also meets Associates in Applied Science/A.S. Degree requirements for school district paraprofessionals and Head Start mandates. Students with an A.A.S./A.S. degree can transfer to University of Wisconsin – Stout or Southwest Minnesota State University to complete their Pre-K-Primary teaching degree or transfer to Metropolitan State University to complete a B.A. in Psychology or B.A.S. in Early Childhood Studies.

Nature of Work

Students completing the Child Development program will be able to work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, children with special needs and parents of young children in homes, centers and community-based programs. Other career options could be in child advocacy or social service agencies.

Career Opportunities

Depending on the level of training and experience, a student may find employment as a child care assistant teacher or teacher, child care center director, family child care provider, nanny, home visitor, child care resource and referral counselor, special education program assistant or child advocate.

Program Delivery

Students can begin this program Fall or Spring semester. Day, evening, weekend and online courses are offered. Full- or part-time starts are available.

Advanced Standing

Previous college courses, certification, licensure and training may be considered for credit in the major. The responsibility for seeking credit rests with the student and can be initiated by completing the course SMGT2950 Prior Experiential Learning Portfolio Development (1 elective credit).

After DCTC

Southwest Minnesota State University offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education (Pre-K-Primary) at DCTC. This program allows working students to become part of a cohort group completing online, I-TV, and traditional courses to complete a bachelor's degree requirements. DCTC has transfer agreements for this program with the following colleges: Metropolitan State University, University of Wisconsin – Stout, we have also worked with Concordia University in St. Paul. See Transfer Credits for more information.

Program Prerequisites

No prior record involving child maltreatment or any crime of violence.

Student Outcomes

  1. Students completing any of the Child Development programs will be prepared for employment as qualified child care providers.
  2. Students will be able to demonstrate basic caregiving skills.
  3. Students will have the ability and knowledge to access community and family resources and systems that impact children's/families' lives.
  4. Students will have knowledge of a variety of early childhood curriculum models.
  5. Students will have hands-on training in a variety of childcare settings.
  6. See General Education outcome statement

Academic Advisor

Dean

  • Sherralyn Cox
    Dean of Design and Health/Human Services

Faculty

Jill Behnke 651-423-8398 jill.behnke@dctc.edu BIO
Dawn Braa 651-423-8315 dawn.braa@dctc.edu BIO

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