Program Curriculum 
for AAS Degree and Associated Certificates

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EARLY CHILDHOOD/CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(64-66 semester credit hours)
An Associate of Applied Science degree offered by the Department of Early Childhood/ Child Development                                                                                                           

This is a workforce program designed to prepare students for a career in early childhood instruction that does not require teacher certification. Additionally, the program will provide lower-level academic and technical courses for continuing educational experiences to satisfy state (Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services) and national (The Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition) credential requirements. This workforce program may be eligible for transfer credit to a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree (BAS) if students take the general education courses marked with an asterisk (*). For this option, please see an academic advisor for details.

Early Childhood Certificates

EARLY CHILDHOOD/CHILD DEVELOPMENT

SPECIAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS for Early Childhood Programs:

  Documentation must be provided and/or on file for the following within the first week of your first early childhood course:

1.     A signed statement that you have read and agree to abide by the Texas minimum Standards for day care centers.

2.     Criminal History Statement as required by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (This will be submitted for verification and may include a minimal fee to the student.)  The following types of criminal convictions permanently bar a student from childcare operations:

Felony convictions of an offense under The Texas Penal Code or any like offense under the law of another state or federal law:

·         Title 4:  Inchoate Offenses (Chapter 15 Preparatory Offenses 15.031)

·         Title 5:  Offenses Against the Person (Chapter 19, 20, 21, 22)

·         Title 6:  Offenses Against the Family (Chapter 25)

·         Title 7:  Offenses Against Property (Chapter 29)

·         Title 8:  Offenses Against Public Administration (Chapter 38)

·         Title 9:  Offenses Against Public Order and Decency (Chapter 42, 43 Subchapter A & B)

·         Title 10: Offenses Against Public Health, Safety, and Morals (Chapter 46, 49)

Offenses under the Health and Safety Code:  Chapter 481. Texas Controlled Substance Act (Subchapter D. Offenses and Penalties)

Deferred adjudication is treated the same as a conviction until the probation is successfully completed. Any types of central registry findings such as sustained findings of physical or sexual abuse also permanently bars the student from childcare operations. Students with other misdemeanor or felony indictments, convictions or complaints may not enroll in child development courses until the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services completes an assessment of risk. This may take several months.

3.    Documentation of a negative TB skin test must be submitted each year while enrolled in the program.  

4.    Confirmation that confidentiality and professional discretion will be observed at all times.  

5.   A signed statement verifying that you are aware that the college encourages you to obtain and/or maintain personal liability insurance while you are enrolled in the program.

The following certificates are designed to prepare students for a career in early childhood/child development instruction or in related child care professions. Students successfully completing the program will have obtained the minimal competencies needed to provide quality childcare, which integrates child development and developmentally appropriate practices.  The certificates will satisfy State, (Texas Department of Protective & Regulatory Services) and National (The Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition) credential education requirements.

Early Childhood/Child Development Administrative Certificate (THEA Waived, Level I Certificate)

 (33 semester credit hours)
A certificate offered by the Department of Early Childhood/Child Development

NOTE:   A manager/director must be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma or its equivalent. There are several ways to satisfy the state requirements for a director’s license. Students should refer to the Texas Administrative Code. This credential is designed for the student with no college credit or less than 60 credit hours. This is a workforce program, not a transfer program to a college or university.

CC = Capstone Course

Early Childhood/Child Development Technical Certificate (THEA Waived, Level I Certificate)

(36-38 semester credit hours)

A certificate offered by the Department of Early Childhood/ Child Development

This course of study is designed to prepare students for a career in early childhood/child development instruction or in related child care professions. Additionally, the program will provide lower-level academic and technical courses for continuing educational experiences to satisfy state (Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services.) and national (The Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition) credential requirements.  This is a workforce program, not a transfer program to a college or university.

CC = Capstone Course