Have a big heart?
Make a lasting difference in the lives of children. Prepare for a variety of roles such as teacher, paraprofessional, center director, parenting coach, child life assistant, and much more!
Enter the field right away after earning your degree or transfer to a bachelor’s program.
Take a hand - open a mind - change a life. It all starts in Early Childhood at DCTC.
Early Childhood and Youth Development Information Sessions
Register today for an Early Childhood and Youth Development Information Session. Dates include August 15th, September 19th, October 24th, November 21st and December 19th. All sessions begin at 5 p.m. Register Now!
| Awards/Outcomes | Credits | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood & Youth Development - A.A.S. Degree | 60 cr. | Rosemount | Online |
| Early Childhood Education - A.S. Degree | 60 cr. | Rosemount | Online |
| Child & Family Studies - A.S. Degree | 60 cr. | Rosemount | Online |
| Early Childhood & Youth Development - Diploma | 33 cr. | Rosemount | Online |
| Early Childhood & Youth Development - Certificate | 18 cr. | Rosemount | Online |
| Program Datasheet: Download the Early Childhood & Youth Development Datasheet | ||
There is a wide variety of career opportunities for working in the field of Early Childhood & Youth Development. These professions are projected to increase. All of the following outcomes require a clear MN Criminal Background Study.
Early Childhood & Youth Development A.A.S. Degree: This program prepares students for employment in a variety of early childhood and youth settings. Students learn about child development, guidance, professional relationships, nutrition, health & safety, cultural sensitivity, and techniques for promoting learning in young children. Courses meet Minnesota Department of Human Services educational requirements for assistant teacher and teachers in a child care setting or paraprofessionals in the elementary school setting. This program is available in the classroom on-campus and also online.
Early Childhood Education A.S. Degree: This program is designed to prepare students for transfer to an early childhood teacher licensure program. Students learn about child development, guidance, professional relationships, nutrition, health & safety, cultural sensitivity, and techniques for promoting learning in young children. Courses meet Minnesota Department of Human Services educational requirements for teachers and assistant teachers in a child care setting. This program is available in the classroom on-campus and also online.
Child & Family Studies A.S. Degree: This program delivers a broad scope of knowledge and skills necessary for working with, or on behalf of, children and families in a variety of non-teaching career fields such as human service agencies and services, home visiting, coaching, early childhood management, and child life. Students learn about child development, guidance, professional relationships, nutrition, health & safety, cultural sensitivity, and techniques for supporting children and families in a variety of settings, including therapeutic sites. This program can be used to focus on preparation for Child Life assisting. This program is available in the classroom on-campus and also online.
Early Childhood & Youth Development Diploma: This program prepares individuals who would like to work in a child care center or preschool as a lead teacher or in a family child care program. This program is available in the classroom on-campus and also online.
Early Childhood & Youth Development Certificate: This program prepares individuals for work in a child care center or preschool as an assistant teacher or in a family child care program. This program is available in the classroom on-campus and also online.
This program offers Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Seek credit for life experience to accelerate your progress toward a degree, diploma, or certificate. Visit the Credit for Prior Learning page to learn more.
I was interested in exploring career options within the early childhood education field and liked the variety of programs that were offered. Many of the courses in the program would also transfer over to another college. I liked the flexibility provided by being able to choose on-campus, online and hybrid courses to fit around my family’s schedule. I appreciated the expertise and supportive mentoring of my instructors and valued their eagerness to help me succeed in gaining internships, employment, etc. The lab room that is available for students to create their curriculum materials is also fantastic!
I appreciate the fact that I graduated from the program feeling I had a wealth of practical knowledge, as well as useful materials to use ahead. I felt prepared to succeed in my choice of career. I continually drawn upon what I have learned in my role as Child Life Associate on a daily basis. Everything I learned comes naturally as I strive to meet the needs of our patients and families, which is a testament to the quality of education I received at DCTC.
The Early Childhood & Youth Development teachers made the classes and the environment fun. I felt comfortable and the classes I took were some of the best I've ever taken. I enjoyed the connections and friendships I made in the classroom.
One thing people don't realize about DCTC is that everyone is so friendly. It's a very easy-going campus that makes it so you can do what you want to be doing. The education I received at DCTC helped me open my own successful business just six months after graduating.
I would tell other students thinking about the Early Childhood & Youth Development program to do it. It's a great program with awesome instructors who help you build your confidence and give you the tools and materials you need to be successful in the field. It's a great opportunity and experience to meet new people and learn skills you never knew you had. I am glad that I picked DCTC. I would do it again if I had the chance because I enjoyed the program that much!
The support I received from my instructors played a crucial role in my success. Dawn and Jill continued to support me through every decision I had to make. It did not matter if it was a decision that was school related or family related. I am forever grateful for this support.
When I was hired for my first employment in the field of Early Childhood, my boss knew the level of education I was receiving. This led me to a lead teacher position. When I interviewed for my second location within the field, I brought my portfolio filled with projects, lesson plans, educational ideas and my school accomplishments. All these items I presented allowed me to gain the assistant teacher position within a Head Start location. The professors always presented to the students the best manner of practice in each and every class. These best practices also have led to my success. I have recommended the school to various individuals within my field. I have always stated that the school has integrity, support, small classes and fabulous teaching standards.
| Early Childhood & Youth Development A.A.S. Degree • 60 credits |
Early Childhood Education A.S. Degree • 60 credits |
Child & Family Studies A.S. Degree • 60 credits |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $174/cr. | $174/cr. | $174/cr. |
| Fees | $21.45/cr. | $21.45/cr. | $21.45/cr. |
| Textbooks | $1,250 | $1,250 | $0 |
| Supplies | $450 | $450 | $0 |
| Personal Property Fee | $100 | $175 | $0 |
| Grand Total | $13,527 | $13,602 | $11,727 |
| Early Childhood & Youth Development Diploma • 33 credits |
Early Childhood & Youth Development Certificate • 18 credits |
|
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $174/cr. | $174/cr. |
| Fees | $21.45/cr. | $21.45/cr. |
| Textbooks | $750 | $350 |
| Supplies | $300 | $175 |
| Personal Property Fee | $100 | $50 |
| Grand Total | $7,599.85 | $4,093.10 |
Each year, Dakota County Technical College and the DCTC Foundation make more than $200,000 in scholarships available to our students. Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.
Students looking for ways to help finance their college education can find part-time jobs on campus with various DCTC departments and programs. Deliver your completed Work-Study Application to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and search for openings at College Central Network Services. For more information, you can review Work Study Procedure.
Step 1: Apply now for financial aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
DCTC's Federal School Code: 010402
Step 2: After receiving an official award letter from DCTC, you may apply online for a Federal Stafford Student Loan. Visit the Loans page for more information.
Early Childhood & Youth Development professionals work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children/youth, and children with differing abilities in homes, schools, and community centers/agencies. Other career options include child advocacy and social service. Child Life Assistants may work in clinical and non-clinical settings with young children or youth who have special health needs.
According to CAREERwise Education, Minnesota's career, education and job resource, employment for in the Early Childhood & Youth Development industry is expected to grow up to 20.4 percent in the U.S. and 24.6 percent in Minnesota by the year 2020.
CAREERwise on child care workers: "There is a continuing trend for parents to put their children in day care. There should be an increased demand for child care workers, especially for those who take care of infants." CAREERwise on preschool teachers: "Besides the expected job growth, many preschool and kindergarten teachers will leave the occupation or retire. This will result in many more openings each year."
Acquiring a solid, industry-driven education in child behavior, developmental activities and health and safety gives DCTC early childhood & youth development students a powerful competitive advantage. More than ninety percent of our early childhood & youth development grads find employment in the field.
Graduates spend most of their day working with children and provide them basic care, opportunities to learn and help them build self-esteem. The work environment may be in a day care, school or health care setting.
Articulation Agreements are formal agreements between two or more colleges and/or universities to accept credits in transfer toward a specific academic program. DCTC has articulation agreements in place with a number of public and private colleges and universities.
MN Transfer.org is your official guide to a seamless transfer experience in Minnesota Higher Education. Use this resource to find agreements that DCTC has entered with other Minnesota State institutions.
Do you want to see how your courses transfer to programs at participating colleges and universities? Add the coursework you've taken and use Transferology to find out how it might transfer to any of the participating schools in the Transferology network. Get an account and create a plan now!
Whether you're a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or an international student or transferring from high school or a four-year university, DCTC will help you through the process. Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.
The Early Childhood & Youth Development program at DCTC is active throughout the year and makes headlines in college publications. Read about student and alumni success as well as accomplishments of our early childhood & youth development instructors.
Check out the Early Childhood & Youth Development blog.
As a student in DCTC's Early Childhood and Youth Development program, you have many opportunities to make connections in the child care industry through your involvement in professional clubs and organizations.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
National Child Care Association (NCCA)
National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NAECTE)
National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
National Center for Early Development & Learning (NCEDL)
National Head Start Association (NHSA)
Child Care Aware-MN
DCTC features active, industry-relevant clubs for Early Childhood and Youth Development students right on campus. Getting involved in these clubs allows you to make the most of your college experience and gives you an edge when seeking employment in the interior design field. The following clubs are open to all ECYD students:
Early Childhood and Youth Development Club
The Early Childhood and Youth Development student club "Cares for Kids." This club serves students by building connections and resources between ECYD students while also providing information to DCTC students regarding children and quality early childhood programs. The ECYD club will offer volunteer opportunities for serving DCTC's local communities.
Membership is open to all currently enrolled DCTC students. Students in the Early Childhood and Youth Development and/or Child Life Assistant programs are highly encouraged to participate in the club.
SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a national non-profit organization for students at community and technical colleges across the U.S. The organization focuses on students in academic programs that lead to careers in the trade, industrial, technical and health care fields. Nearly 100 SkillsUSA competitions at the state and national levels relate to leadership skills or programs of study at DCTC.
