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 1101, ECCE 1103 and ECCE 1112: “C” or higher grade is required for all these courses.
Select one (2 Credits)
| ECCE 1121 | Early Childhood Care & Education Practicum | 3 |
| EMPL 1000 | Interpersonal 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 ($385 per semester): $770
Books/Supplies: $245 for the 1-year access – plus the cost of core textbooks.
Liability Insurance: Liability Insurance (click to find your program)
Hepatitis B Series: $265 - Optional
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: Currently no cost
Course Supply Fees: Early Childhood Care and Education (click to find individual course fees)
(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.