Child Development & Family Studies

Degrees Available:

• Child Care Specialization, AAS, Tech Prep
• Montessori Infant/Toddler Specialization, AAS

Certificates:

• Montessori Infant/Toddler Advanced Technical Certificate
• Child Care Director Certificate
• CDA Preparation Certificate - Infant and Toddler Specialization
• CDA Preparation Certificate - Preschool Center-Based Specialization
• Instructional Paraprofessional Certificate

The child development and family studies program prepares individuals for employment as program directors/administrators of child care centers and/or early childhood programs, preschool teachers, public school aides (lower pre-K, kindergarten, first and second grades usually), and teachers in Headstart programs. The State of Texas, Family Protective Services requires criminal background checks for employment. Candidates with concerns about their background in this regard should choose an alternate career option. Certificates are available for individuals seeking preparation as preschool teachers and teaching assistants in child care centers, child care providers (in the home), and potential child care center directors. This program provides pre-service and in-service training for employees of licensed child care centers through contract courses, workshops and short-term CEU classes. These classes meet the state requirements for required clock hours for all employees of licensed centers.

The A.A.S. Child Care and Development degree includes education in the knowledge, skills and abilities used with the early childhood age span. The practical application requirement is fulfilled through two capstone courses (CDEC 1364 Practicum-Child Development and CDEC 1366 Practicum-Early Childhood) One of the courses must be completed under the guidance of master trainers at the NHC Child Development Lab School and the other in an approved early childhood or child development setting in the community.

The A.A.S. Montessori Infant and Toddler Specialization degree covers conception to age three and the competencies necessary to be recommended for certification by the American Montessori Society. The practical application requirement is fulfilled by two capstone courses, CDEC 1364 Practicum-Child Development and CDEC 1484 Cooperative Education in Montessori. One of these courses must be completed under the guidance of a certified Montessori teacher at NHC Lab School or at an approved Montessori School in the community.

The Montessori Infant and Toddler Advanced Technical Certificate is available for the student who enters the program with a bachelors degree or advanced degree. This certificate stands alone to offer the option of achieving the advanced skills necessary for the American Montessori Society certification as an infant and toddler specialist without completing the AAS Montessori infant and toddler degree program.

The CDA (Child Development Associate) is awarded by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. It is available with a specific setting and age level endorsement: center-based preschool (3 to 5 years old), center-based infant toddler (birth to age 3) and family daycare (birth through age 5). The CDA preparation certificate allows the student to prepare for the credentialing process and is available with two options: preschool center based or infant and toddler.

Students interested in pursuing the teaching profession through transfer to a university and certification by the State Board for Educator Certification, should consider the AAT Associate of Arts in Teaching.

The general education core courses and several child care courses will transfer to a variety of universities. Students may have earned some college credit while in high school through articulation if they enroll within one year of graduation. Contact a program administrator, a counselor, or a child development faculty member at North Harris College for specific information and to obtain the recommended sequencing of courses.

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