Early Childhood Development
Program Options
There are several options in the Early Childhood Development area including:
-- Certificate - 16 credits
-- Diploma - 36 credits
-- Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree - 63 credits
-- Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree - 64 credits
Program Overview - A.A.S. Degree
The Early Childhood Development program is designed to prepare students as child development professionals in a variety of settings. Courses include child development, family dynamics, teaching strategies, children with special needs, etc. These courses meet the Minnesota Department of Human Services requirements for childcare workers.
"I work full time and only able to go to school part time. The instructors are very encouraging and want to help you succeed in whatever path you choose to follow. Classes are very fun, interesting, challenging and especially beneficial because they are taught with the hands on method. I would encourage anyone who is interested in the Early Childhood field to attend this fine institute of higher learning."
- Heidi M. (alumni)
In-Class Courses: Day and evening courses provide opportunities for learners to work with peers to apply skills
Web-enhanced Education: Learners collaborate with peers using virtual class discussions, email, and Internet message boards.
"I have been attending the program for two years and it is fascinating to learn about child development and techniques tha are very useful while working with children as well as your personal experiences in your life."
- Rechelle T. (alumni)
Program Plan
Certificate - 16 credits
CDEV 1200 Professional Relations in Early Childhood Careers (3)
CDEV 1210 Foundations of Child Development (3)
CDEV 1220 Child Safety, Health & Nutrition (4)
CDEV 1230 Guidance: Managing the Physical & Social Environment (3)
CDEV 1240 Family & Community Relations (3)
Diploma - 20 additional credits
ENGL 1276 College Composition (4)
PSYC 1200 Introduction to Psychology (3)
CDEV 1340 Planning & Implementing Curriculum (4)
CDEV 2510 Internship (3)
COCP 1201 Microsoft OS Basics (2)
PTCG 1225 Job Seeking (1)
Technical Elective (3)
A.A.S. Degree - 27 additional credits
PHIL 1220 Human Ethics (3)
PHIL 1270 Critical Thinking Skills (3)
General Education Elective (3)
CDEV 2530 Challenging Behaviors (3)
CDEV 2600 Professional Leadership (3)
CDEV 2620 Inclusion: Special Needs & Mixed Age Groups (3)
CDEV 2640 Program Planning (3)
CDEV 2810 Practicum (3)
Technical Elective (3)
Recommended Technical Electives
American Sign Language, First Aid/CPR, Infant & Toddler Development & Learning, Preschool Development & Learning, School Age Development & Learning, Profiles of the Exceptional Child, Sensory-Motor Learning Experiences, Emotional Learning Experiences, Multicultural Learning Experiences, Creative Development Learning Experiences, Language & Literature Learning Experiences
Click here for a printable version of the program plan.
Career and Employment Information
According to the U.S. Department of Labor,
"Employment of teacher assistants is expected to grow somewhat faster than the average for all occupations through 2012. Although school enrollments are projected to increase only slowly over the next decade, the student population for which teacher assistants are most needed-special education students and students for whom English is not their first language-is expected to increase more rapidly than the general school-age population."
For more information on the career field of teacher assistants, visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor,
"Employment of childcare workers is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2012. The number of women of childbearing age (widely considered to be ages 15 to 44) in the labor force and the number of children under 5 years of age is expected to rise gradually over the projected 2002-12 period."
For more information on the career field of childcare worker, visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Program Overview - A.S. Degree
The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree will prepare students to organize and lead activities and provide nurturing care for children in early childhood programs such as: child care centers, family child care, preschool/nursery schools, elementary classrooms, and before/after-school programs.
Graduates of the A.S. degree will know how to promote and communicate knowledge of child development; create healthy, respectful and challenging learning environments; create and maintain respectful and supportive relationships with families; and design and implement developmentally and culturally appropriate activities and curriculum. Articulation opportunities exist with other colleges and universities to complete bachelor degree programs after completing the A.S. degree.
Program Plan
A.S. Degree - 64 credits
ENGL 1276 College Composition (4)
ENGL 2200 Advanced Composition (3)
SPCH 1270 Introduction to Speech (3)
SOCI 1220 Marriage, Family and Relationships (3)
MN Transfer Goal Area 3 - Natural Sciences (7)
MN Transfer Goal Area 4 - Mathematical / Logical Reasoning (3)
MN Transfer Goal Area 5 - History, Social, and Behavioral Sciences (3)
MN Transfer Goal Area 6-10 - Electives (6)
CDEV 1200 Professional Relations in Early Childhood Careers (3)
CDEV 1210 Foundations of Child Development (3)
CDEV 1220 Child Safety, Health & Nutrition (4)
CDEV 1230 Guidance: Managing the Physical & Social Environment (3)
CDEV 1240 Family & Community Relations (3)
CDEV 1340 Planning & Implementing Curriculum (4)
CDEV 2510 Internship (3)
CDEV 2600 Professional Leadership (3)
CDEV 2620 Inclusion : Special Needs & Mixed Age Groups (3)
CDEV 2810 Practicum (3)
Click here for a printable version of the program plan.
Transfer Options
The Early Childhood Development A.S. degree has several transfer/articulation agreements with four-year colleges or universities. It also transfers into a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education (Birth to Grade 3) with Southwest Minnesota State University which is offered entirely on the Pine Technical College campus.
Cost of Program
The cost of the program per credit is $144.71.
Certificate: 16 credits = $2,315.36 + $500 (est. books & supplies) = $2,815.36
Diploma: 36 credits = $5,209.56 + $800 (est. books & supplies) = $6,009.56
A.A.S Degree: 63 credits = $9,116.73 + $1,500 (est. books & supplies) = $10,616.73
A.S. Degree: 64 credits = $9,261.44 + $1,200 (estimated books & supplies) = $10,461.44
Yearly criminal background study fee = $20
(Students are required, per PTC Policy 223, to complete a yearly criminal background study.)
