Academic Programs

    Child Development

    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 at FDLTCC

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    100% of recent Child Development graduates have found related employment.

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    Minnesota is short tens of thousands of child care spots due to a shortage of qualified teaching professionals.

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    Childcare workers earn a median wage of $13.07 in NE Minnesota.

    Degree Options

    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

     

    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
    • Childcare 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.

    Mission

    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

    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.

    Cultural Standards

    GIKENDAASOWIN – Knowing knowledge

    GWAYAKWAADIZIWIN – Living a balanced way

    ZOONGIDE’EWIN – Strong hearted

    AANGWAAMIZIWIN – Diligence and caution

    DEBWEWIN – Honesty and integrity

    ZAAGI’ IDIWIN – Loving and Caring

    ZHAWENINDIWIN – Compassion

    WINHEC Accreditation

    Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College’s Anishinaabeg Gikendaasowinan (all American Indian focused programs including American Indian Studies, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Development, Fine Arts, Ojibwe language, and community outreach and extension programs) are accredited by the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium (WINHEC). For a list of WINHEC Accredited Institutions, visit http://winhec.org/accreditation/.

    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.