Child Development Specialist Certificate Program
CD61 - 202014
Program Description
The Child Development Specialist technical certificate of credit 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 certificate also includes more content about planning curriculum and working in the field. In addition, the student may complete a practicum and work in a child care program. Graduates have qualifications to be employed in early care and education settings, including child care centers and Head Start.
Program Specific Information
Students are accepted every semester based on course and space availability.
Students must complete ALL COURSES with a grade of C or higher in order to graduate.
Industry Certification Preparation
This certificate meets the Bright from the Start/Day Care licensing teaching credential requirements.
Additional Requirements
The State of Georgia has a law regarding the placement of persons with criminal records in childcare facilities. Anyone who has been convicted of a felony offense, neglecting or abusing a dependent person, a sexual offense, or any other "covered crime" will not be allowed to work in a childcare facility. If you are affected by this law, or think you may be, discuss your situation immediately with your advisor. Because your employment options may be severely limited in the early childhood profession, a person who has received an unsatisfactory criminal records check is discouraged from pursuing this program of study and may need to reconsider their chosen field of study. Prior to beginning clinical/ internship courses, students must order and pay for a background check and meet background check screening requirements as required by the clinical facility. Cost is approximately $50.
Program Length and Availability
1 Semester
Campus Availability: Hall, Jackson, Barrow
Financial Aid
This program is not eligible for the Pell Grant but may be eligible for Institutional and State Financial Aid.
Contact a Financial Aid Counselor for eligibility requirements and application materials.
Admissions Requirements
Must be 16 years of age.
High school diploma or GED is required prior to admission. (Official transcripts or GED scores must be submitted from all colleges and/or high schools attended for credit.)
ACCUPLACER Testing, or submit SAT, ACT, COMPASS, or ASSET test scores.
Curriculum
Program-Specific Core – Total of 14 Hours
Total Credit Hours: 14
Graduation Plan
Semester One
Apply for Graduation
Choose One:
| EMPL 1000 | Interpers Relations/Prof Dev | 2 |
| Or | |
| ECCE 1121 | Early ECCE Practicum | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Total Credit Hours: 14
This plan is for informational purposes ONLY. It is not a substitute for meeting with a program advisor each term.