Child Development Specialist Certificate (CD61)

The Early Childhood Care and Education Child Development Specialist TCC is a sequence of five courses designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the field of early childhood education. The program emphasizes the basics needed for a career in early childhood, but this TCC also includes more content about planning curriculum and working in the field. In addition, the student may complete a practicum and work in a childcare program. Graduates have qualifications to be employed in early care and education settings including childcare centers and Head Start.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the Child Development Specialist certificate program are prepared for entry-level employment as Child Development Specialists in child care centers, group child care, and preschool programs. This certificate satisfies DECALs educational requirements for childcare employees (Rule 591-1-1-.31 staff).

Admissions Criteria

  • Submit a completed application and application fee;
  • Be at least 16 years of age;
  • Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;
  • Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
  • Meet the following assessment requirements:
Test Reading Writing Numerical Algebra
Accuplacer 36 30 23 NA
Accuplacer (Next Gen) 218 222 223 NA
Compass 70 32 26 NA
SAT 16 15 18 NA
SAT 270 280 310 NA
ACT 14 13 14 NA
ASSET 37 38 32 NA
PSAT 16 15 18 NA
GED NA 145 145 NA
TABE 461 NA 442 NA

Child Development Specialist Certificate Curriculum

The curriculum for the Child Development Specialist program is designed for the semester system. A student may enter the program any semester. To graduate, certificate-seeking students must earn a minimum of 14 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 240 contact hours and generally takes 2 semesters to complete.

Program Courses

Occupational Courses (14 Credits)

ECCE 1101Introduction to ECCE

3

ECCE 1103Child Growth and Development

3

ECCE 1105Health Safety and Nutrition

3

ECCE 1112Curriculum and Assessment

3

ECCE 1101, ECCE 1103 and ECCE 1112: “C” or higher grade is required for all these courses.

Select one (2 Credits)

ECCE 1121Early Childhood Care & Education Practicum

3

EMPL 1000Interpersonal Relations & Professional Development

2

ECCE 1121: “C” or higher grade is required for this course.

Program Costs

Tuition ($100 per credit hour): $1,400

Fees ($370 per semester): $740

Books/Supplies: $288 for the 1-year access – plus the cost of core textbooks.

Liability Insurance: $10 per fiscal year

Hepatitis B Series: $265 - Optional

Criminal Background Check: Currently no cost

Course Supply Fees:

  • ECCE 1105 Health, Safety and Nutrition: $10
  • ECCE 1112 Curriculum & Assessment: $10

(Costs are estimates and are subject to change.)

Practicum Education

Number of Practicum Sites: Currently at 15 sites. This number changes as needed.

General Location of the Internship Sites: Bulloch, Evans, Effingham, Bryan, Jenkins, Candler, Screven, and surrounding counties

Special Requirements of the Internship Sites

  • Pediatric CPR Certification
  • Pediatric First Aid Training
  • Students must include documentation of Hepatitis B vaccination. Students who refuse the Hepatitis B vaccination series must sign a declination form. Forms will be provided by the instructor;
  • Criminal Background Check: With satisfactory determination letter

Practicum Education Courses

The Child Development Specialist program provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of principles and techniques in childcare and school settings. The practicum allows the student to become involved in a professional work situation applying technical skills.

The practicum course requires that the student spend a minimum of 6 hours a week in a supervised work setting, for a total of 75 hours. For practicum courses, students are evaluated by the lead teacher/director and an early childhood care and education faculty member.

Practicum Assignments

Practicum times will vary depending on the site. Practicum sites are selected by the instructor. Students are responsible for having reliable transportation to the site.