AA Child Development

The Associate in Arts Degree Program in Child Development provides a comprehensive background in developmental theory, emphasizing its practical application to the child and family. The program places special emphasis on basic theories, principles, research findings and ideas about child development from a cognitive, sociological, psychological, and physiological perspective.

The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of adults working in various early childhood settings, including both public and private day care homes, child development centers, kindergartens, Head Start, pre-school and school-age care programs. The program complements the competency requirements for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and the standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Students must complete practicum and field experiences which are a part of many of the courses in the curriculum. The UDC Child Development Center can serve as the practicum and field experience site for students in the program. Before and after school programs in the District of Columbia Public Schools and Recreation Department also serve as sites, particularly for students who elect the school-age care concentration.

The curriculum is designed to be completed in two years with full-time enrollment in 15-18 credits each semester. Students may, however, elect to attend on a part-time basis. Courses are scheduled to accommodate persons who may already be employed in early childhood settings.

Accreditation: The Associate in Arts program complements the competency requirements for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and the standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Transfer of Credit: Students may transfer credits earned in the program to the bachelors degree program in Early Childhood Education. Students who have received a CDA prior to enrolling in the associate degree program may apply for credits for prior learning which may be applied to the required practicum courses.

Program of Study:The program consists of a minimum of 60 semester hours, including University- and College-wide requirements, Department of Education core courses, Child Development concentration courses, and electives.

Program Admission Requirements: Students must have completed the application process and be admitted to the University. A minimum 2.5 grade point average must be maintained while in the program.

Student Organizations:Students may join the Early Childhood Education Club, and the Student National Education Association (SNEA).

Alumni:Graduates of the program are licensed to open day care homes, work as teachers in child development centers, serve as teacher aides in pre-school programs in the District of Columbia Public Schools as well as in private pre-school programs. Other graduates have completed their bachelors degree and have become teachers and/or administrators in various child care facilities throughout the metropolitan area.

The Associate of Arts Degree Program in Child Development

Total Credit Hours of College-Level Courses Required for Graduation: 60

Core Courses (12 Credit Hours)

Option I: Preschool (21 Credit Hours)

Suggested Electives (6 Credit Hours)

Option II: School-Age Care (21 Credit Hours)

Suggested Electives (6 Credit Hours)

Note: Students enrolled in the Associate of Arts degree program in Child Development should consult their academic advisor to determine the specific University and College-wide requirements for their major. The 90-hour certificate workshops may be used as electives for the school-age care option. Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all required courses.