This program is designed primarily for students who plan to seek employment in preschool or school-age programs. All students are required to complete the General Education Core Requirements and the Child Development Common Core courses.
The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
The major CHD courses are offered once a year either in Huntsville or Decatur, in a variety of formats (hybrid and/or online). To optimize learning, it is recommended that students take a mixture of CHD and general education courses. Full-time students can complete an associate degree in child development within two years.
Special Requirements for Childhood Development Program
Field experiences: Students enrolled in CHD courses are required to participate in field experience assignments, which involve visits to a variety of child care settings. In order to participate in field experience opportunities, students must meet the Alabama Department of Human Resource (DHR) licensing requirements, including a criminal history background check. For more information, contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources at (334) 242-1435 or visit https://dhr.alabama.gov/child-care/instructions-for-child-care-licensing-background-checks/ (select ‘Child Care Licensing Criminal History Background Check’). Students are responsible for the criminal history background check fee.
Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)
Students interested in earning college credit while obtaining the CDA credential may take the following three child development courses:
CHD100 Introduction of Early Care and Education of Children (3 credits)
CHD 204 Methods and Materials for Teaching Children (3 credits)
CHD 206 Children’s Health and Safety (3 credits)
Questions? Contact Susan Satterfield at susan.satterfield@calhoun.edu