Do you enjoy working with young children? Are you curious about why children do what they do? Do you have a playful spirit? Do you enjoy change and challenge? If yes, then working in childcare or early childhood education may be the right career for you!

Our Child Development program at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is a great choice for people interested in working with young children. We offer a range of program options, including short-term certificate, diploma, and associate of science and associate of applied science degree programs. Whether you want to enter the workforce quickly or pursue advanced college degrees, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is a great place to start.

Child Development programs at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College promote the philosophy that one size does not fit all when it comes to teaching and working with young children. Our college students learn why they need to accept young children as unique individuals, each one coming to class with different abilities, levels of development, temperaments, and family situations. It’s a concept that helps our students succeed in their careers, and we like to think children appreciate it, too.

Options and Advantages

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College offers Child Development certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs. The certificates allow students to acquire knowledge and experience with specific age groups of children. Students may then choose to continue their education by using the credits earned in a certificate or diploma program as the foundation of an associate degree or for transfer to four-year degree programs.

 

Degree Options

  • Early Child Development Associate of Science Degree
  • Early Child Development Associate of Applied Science Degree

 

Diploma Options

  • Early Child Development Diploma

 

Certificate Options

  • Early Child Development
  • Paraprofessional Educator

 

The Paraprofessional Educator certificate is perfect for students desiring to work as a paraprofessional or classroom assistant in a variety of early childhood, elementary and secondary school settings.

 

Career opportunities

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, and students completing our certificate and degree programs go on to work in a wide range of settings. Typical careers requiring at least a certificate or associate-level degree:

  • Childcare teacher
  • Childcare center director
  • Head Start teacher
  • Family childcare provider
  • Paraprofessional educator
  • Camp counselor
  • School age care
  • Classroom assistant
  • Preschool teacher
  • Child care trainers
  • Child psychology
  • Family life specialist

 

A degree or certificate from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is well-respected by employers. Multicultural experiences are an integral part of learning at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.

More Than Just Classes

The mission of the Child Development department is to provide students excellent opportunities for learning experiences that encompass all aspects of child development, and to facilitate and encourage personal application of developmentally appropriate practice in the care and education of children from birth to age eight.

Students will gain theoretical and practical knowledge directly through working with children. Hands-on learning situations are an integral part of our programs. Child Development students have the advantage of small class sizes, instructors who have experience working with children, and classes scheduled to meet the needs of working professionals, including online courses.

Our program is built with well-defined phases, meaning students can exit at points along the continuum. Students can choose to earn a certificate or diploma. Students may then choose to earn an associate degree, or transfer to another institution to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree program. It’s a great combination of options, flexibility, and convenience.

Required Program Courses

The current program planner checklists of required courses to complete the Child Development programs are available for viewing and printing here.

Course descriptions and course outlines are available here.

Program Planners

Degree requirements and course are subject to change. Students should consult with an advisor/counselor when registering for courses.

To receive more information about the Child Development program, contact:
Admissions Office,
218-879-0808
admissions@fdltcc.edu

Apply Online Now

  

Career Information

Testimonials

I chose FDLTCC because of its size and the curriculum. When I first came here in 2019, I was just looking for what I needed to volunteer, perhaps in a crisis shelter. I met with Don Jarvinen, and the rest is history.

It is awesome here at the FDLTCC Education Program because it is like a family here, if you need help or are struggling with anything, you have quite a few people who will help you out.

My favorite thing about FDLTCC is the people. I’ve met fantastic students, faculty and staff who go above and beyond what I expected.