Child Development

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Overview

  • Delivery: Daytime, Evening and Online Classes
  • Start: Fall or Spring Semester, Full- or Part-Time
  • Location: Rosemount Campus

Outcomes

Child Development Blog

Instructor BlogsView regular blog posts by your instructor or program department on industry news, announcements, events, recent projects, success tips, and other material such as photos or video.

Major Description

This program prepares students for employment in a variety of early childhood settings. Courses meet Minnesota Department of Human Services educational requirements for assistant teachers and teachers in a child care setting. Students learn about child development, guidance, professional relationships, nutrition, health and safety, cultural sensitivity and techniques for promoting learning in young children. Child life assistants are part of the team responsible for supporting children and families through health care experiences and helping them effectively cope by using developmental play and normalized activities in their environment.

Work Environment

Child Development professionals work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children and special-needs children in homes, schools and community centers. Other career options include child advocacy and social service. Child life assistants are an important component to the interdisciplinary team found in most pediatric facilities. Their role promotes healing by supporting and facilitating play and development for hospitalized children and adolescents and is a valuable component in the delivery of family-centered care.

Potential Job Titles

  • Child Life Assistant
  • Preschool Teacher
  • Day Care Worker
  • Family Day Care Provider
  • Child Care Development Specialist
  • Nanny/Household Manager
  • School District Paraprofessional

Salary Data

  • Child Care
    Average Wage: $10.61/hour
    Top Earners: $13.92/hour
  • Preschool Teacher
    Average Wage: $14.96/hour
    Top Earners: $20.73/hour

Academic Advisor

Dean

  • Sherralyn Cox
    Dean of Design and Health/Human Services

Instructors

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

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