DEGREE: ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
DIVISION: ARTS AND HUMANITIES
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Care & Development of Young Children is designed to prepare students for the workforce in occupations related to the direct care, education, curriculum development, and/or administration of programs for young children. Graduates will be prepared and eligible to open their own licensed childcare centers, serve as childcare providers and directors of licensed centers, or work in quality childcare programs such as Head Start and Early Start.
This program is viewed as a terminal, not a transfer, degree program; however, all requirements for credentials of instructors and quality of courses are maintained exactly as needed for AS and AA (transfer) degrees of the College. Specific courses may transfer to senior colleges; students planning to transfer should seek advising from the transfer institution of choice as early as possible to select appropriate courses. Additional courses may be needed for transfer. Graduates are encouraged to explore transfer options other than Teacher Education, such as a baccalaureate degree programs in General Studies, Family & Consumer Sciences, Child and Family Studies, or related fields such as Psychology or Child Development.
Students who wish to transfer to a nationally accredited Teacher Education degree program at a senior college should investigate the Associate of Science in Teaching, Grades 1-5.
Teachers in possession of Louisiana teacher certification and who seek “add-on” certification in Early Childhood (Pre-Kindergarten to Third Grade) should contact the State Department of Education (http://www.teachlouisiana.net) to determine specific CDYC courses to complete at Delgado Community College.
The College offers credit courses to help students prepare for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and CDA renewal. Students with current CDA certification or Child Care Administration Certificate may request a LEAP credit in place of some coursework, if they have not previously registered for the course. See Academic Policies and Procedures for nontraditional credit policies and information.
Students are required to maintain a portfolio and other artifacts for this degree program. Students are required to work under supervision and mentorship at schools or child care centers outside of class. Service Learning or Professional Networking projects are required.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the Care and Development of Young Children Associate of Applied Science program, the learner will be able to:
- Promote child development and learning (NAEYC Standard #1) (SLO #1)
- Build family and community relationships (NAEYC Standard #2) (SLO #2)
- Observe, document, and assess to support young children and families (NAEYC Standard #3) (SLO #3)
- Use developmentally effective approaches (NAEYC Standard #4) (SLO #4)
- Apply content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum (NAEYC #5) (SLO #5)
- Exhibit professionalism in the field of early child education (NAEYC #6) (SLO #6)
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