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
Schedule a Tour0%
100% of recent Child Development graduates have found related employment.
0
Minnesota is short tens of thousands of child care spots due to a shortage of qualified teaching professionals.
$0
Childcare Workers earn a median wage of $16.00 per hour in Minnesota.
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 Childhood Development Transfer Pathway Associate of Science Degree
- Early Childhood Development Associate of Applied Science Degree
Diploma Options
- Early Childhood Diploma
Certificate Options
- Early Childhood Certificate
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.
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.
Degree requirements and course are subject to change. Students should consult with an advisor/counselor when registering for courses.
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
Students will:
- Understanding Child Development: analyze the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from birth through age eight. (Certificate-Degrees)
- Creating Learning Environments: design safe, healthy, and engaging learning environments that promote children’s growth and development. (Certificate-Degrees)
- Curriculum Planning: develop and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities that support children’s learning and development. (Diploma-Degrees)
- Guidance and Behavior Management: formulate strategies for guiding children’s behavior in positive ways and managing classroom environments effectively. (Certificate-degrees)
- Family and Community Engagement: evaluate the importance of building strong relationships with families and communities to support children’s development. (Degrees)
- Professionalism and Ethics: apply the ethical standards and professional behaviors expected in the field of early childhood education. (Certificate-Degrees)
- Observation and Assessment: conduct observations and assess children’s development and learning to inform instructional practices. (Diploma-degrees)
- Cultural Competence: develop an understanding of and respect for cultural diversity and learn to create inclusive environments for all children. (Degrees)
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/.