Child Development Specialist, Certificate

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This program prepares students for employment in child care centers and preschools as group teachers and assistant teachers working under the supervision of head teachers.

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

Use theories and knowledge of growth and development to understand the multiple influences that promote child development and learning.
Build relationships with families and the community to create a respectful and reciprocal community of learning to support children and families.
Support young children through the use of observation, documentation, and assessment techniques and strategies.
Create, implement and evaluate effective early childhood curricula while implementing the philosophy of developmentally appropriate practices.
Exhibit characteristics of an early childhood professional by following the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) ethical guidelines, participating in professional organizations and professional development, and advocating for children and families.
Program Goals are based on NAEYC Associate Degree Program Standards.

First Year

Fall Semester

PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3
CDEV 101 - Intro. to Early Childhood Educ. Credits: 3
CDEV 150 - Lang. Devel. & Lang. Arts in Early Childhood Education Credits: 3 (FA)
CDEV 270 - Curriculum Studies in Early Childhood Education Credits: 3 (FA)
EDUC 202 - Historical and Philosophical Patterns in Education Credits: 3
OR
EDUC 275 - Working with Special Needs Children Credits: 3

Total Semester Hours: 15

Winter Session

Spring Semester

ENGL 101 - English Composition I Credits: 3
PSYC 111 - Child Psychology Credits: 3
CDEV 160 - Child Health and Nutrition Credits: 3 (SP)
CDEV 260 - Methods of Teaching Infants & Toddlers Credits: 3 (SP)
CDEV 280 - Child Care Internship I Credits: 3

Total Semester Hours: 15

Summer Session

Total Program Hours: 30

Developmental Courses

Sussex has embraced a practice of directed self-choice whereby students are encouraged, through guided conversations with an advisor, to best determine their readiness for this course. Students should be aware that Developmental Studies exist and are available to help strengthen skills and encourage success. Pursuing testing and/or developmental courses is entirely up to the student. Further, testing, though providing a valuable reference point for reflection, does not create for the student an obligation to follow Accuplacer recommendations.

The exception to this is where students seek enrollment in higher-level math courses. Students wishing to enroll in the following math courses are required to take and adhere to placement guidance from, the Advanced Algebra and Functions test, as part of Accuplacer, through the college’s testing center, for admission into any of the following courses: MATH 110, MATH 112, and MATH 113. Please note, courses in other disciplines may also require advanced mathematics placement. Students should check with their advisor.