Child Development
Overview
- Delivery: Daytime, Evening and Online Classes
- Start: Fall or Spring Semester, Full- or Part-Time
- Location: Rosemount Campus
Outcomes
- Child Development — A.S. Degree 63 credits
- Child Development — A.A.S. Degree 65 credits
- Child Development — Diploma 33 credits
- Child Development — Certificate 17 credits
- Child Life Assistant — A.A.S. Degree 60 credits
- National Child Development Associate — Certificate 10 credits
Child Development Blog
View 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
- Alison Tauer
Academic Advisor
alison.tauer@dctc.edu
651-423-8384
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 |