Child Development (CHD)

Jefferson Campus

Dr. Cindy Shackelford, Program Coordinator 
Bethune-Deramus Hall room 111
(205) 856-6047 • cindy.shackelford@jeffersonstate.edu

Heather Seagle, Instructor/Advisor 
Bethune-Deramus, room 113
(205) 856-7821 • hseagle@jeffersonstate.edu

Shelby-Hoover Campus

Dr. Cindy Shackelford, Program Coordinator/Advisor 
General Studies Building, room 214
(205) 856-6047 • cindy.shackelford@jeffersonstate.edu

“Positively Imprinting Young Children’s and Families’ Lives Through Education”

The mission of the Jefferson State Community College Child Development Department is to provide a quality, innovative program of study and to promote Child Development (Early Care and Education) as a professional field of study. The Child Development program is the first associate degree program in Alabama to receive the Early Childhood Higher Education Program accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC).

The Child Development Program seeks to provide students with a well-rounded, specialized, quality education to excel professionally with the skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively with young children (Birth to Age 5 - Afterschoolers) and their families. Graduates may be employed as educarers (teachers of young children) in private and not-for-profit early care and education programs, as assistant teachers in state pre-kindergarten to age 4, administrators in child care programs, professionals in before and after school programs, or aides in public school systems. Students transferring into an elementary education baccalaureate program should refer to the “University Parallel Programs” section of the Catalog and Student Handbook.

While completing courses for the AAS, students may complete incremental steps of professional recognition leading towards their degree – Basic Short Certificate, Short-Term Certificate, and Certificate.

Child Development courses are aligned with the Early Childhood Higher Education Program Standards and more than meet the specific training requirements for the Alabama Department of Human Resources Minimum Standards. Alabama Act 2000-775 requires criminal history check and child abuse and neglect check on all current and prospective early care and education teachers, directors, and any additional staff working with young children. Students entering this program must undergo the required checks including but not limited to criminal history, child abuse and neglect background and health checks as required by law. For more information contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources at (334) 242-1425 or visit their website at: https://dhr.alabama.gov/. See pages 38-53. Criminal history backgrounds check information and application are located at: https://dhr.alabama. gov and Child Abuse and Neglect application is located at: https://dhr.alabama.gov/. Prior to taking courses, the student should meet with an advisor and develop a comprehensive plan for satisfying program requirements. Since many of the major courses are offered only once a year at the Jefferson and Shelby-Hoover Campuses and online, it is recommended that students check with an advisor for available courses and intersperse general courses with major courses to complete the program in a timely manner. Students are required to participate in on-site, directed field experiences and observations in each course and should plan accordingly.

Child Development courses are offered in a traditional, hybrid (half online and half in class) and full online format offerings – online full semester and online compact half semester. With the exception of internship, the Educarer and Afterschool degree tracks are fully online. Students taking hybrid or online courses are to have met the minimum computer requirements for access. More information regarding this program can be found online at: www.jeffersonstate.edu/chd/.

Associate in Applied Science Degree Requirements 

It is the responsibility of graduating students from the Child Development Program to be prepared professionally to follow the professional code of ethical conduct and to meet the state’s minimum professional requirements, including health screenings, child abuse and neglect check and criminal background check. At least two semesters prior to graduation, students are to complete and submit a Graduation Application for certificates and the degree to the Enrollment Services Graduation Office.

Note: Students anticipating transfer to a four-year institution will need to check with the four-year institution for the transferability of courses in this program. While this program is not designed to transfer to a four-year institution, some course options for transfer have been identified and can be found on the Child Development website. Continued education is strongly recommended and encouraged.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

CHD 100: Introduction of Early Care and Education of Children

Credits 3
This course introduces students to the child education and care profession. It is designed to increase understanding of the basic concepts of child development and the developmental characteristics of children from birth through age 8/9 years. This course is the foundation for planning appropriate activities for children and establishing appropriate expectations of young children. This class also offers an opportunity to study the developmental domains (social, emotional, cognitive/ language and physical).
Course includes observations of the young child in early childhood settings.

CHD 201: Child Growth and Development Principles

Credits 3
This course is a systematic study of child growth and development from conception through early childhood. Emphasis is on principles underlying physical, mental, emotional and social development, and methods of child study and practical implications.
Upon completion, students will be able to use knowledge of how young children differ in development and approaches to learning to provide opportunities that supports physical, social, emotional, language, cognitive, and aesthetic development.
Currently open to Child Development majors only.

CHD 202: Children’s Creative Experiences

Credits 3
This course focuses on fostering creativity in preschool children and developing a creative attitude in teachers. Topics include selecting and developing creative experiences in language arts, music, art, science, math and movement with observation and participation with young children required.
On completion, students will be able to select and implement creative and age-appropriate experiences for young children.

CHD 203: Children’s Literature and Language Development

Credits 3
This course surveys appropriate literature and language arts activities designed to enhance young children’s speaking, listening, pre-reading and writing skills. Emphasis is placed on developmental appropriateness as related to language. Upon completion, students should be able to create, evaluate and demonstrate activities which support a language-rich environment for young children.

CHD 204: Methods and Materials for Teaching Children

Credits 3
This course introduces basic methods and materials used in teaching young children. Emphasis is placed on students compiling a professional resource file of activities used for teaching math, language arts, science, and social studies concepts. Upon completion students will be able to demonstrate basic methods of creating learning experiences using developmental appropriate techniques, materials, and realistic expectations. Course includes observations of young children in a variety of childcare environments.

CHD 205: Program Planning for Educating Young Children

Credits 3
This course provides students with knowledge to develop programs for early child development. Specific content includes a review of child development concepts and program contents. Upon completion students will be able to develop and evaluate effective programs for the education of young children.
Currently open to Child Development majors only.

CHD 206: Children’s Health and Safety

Credits 3
This course introduces basic health, nutrition and safety management practices for young children. Emphasis is placed on setting up and maintaining a safe, healthy environment for young children including specific procedures for infants and toddlers and procedures regarding childhood illnesses and communicable diseases.
Currently open to Child Development majors only.

CHD 208: Administration of Child Development Programs

Credits 3
This course includes appropriate administrative policies and procedures relevant to preschool programs. Topics include local, state and federal regulations, budget planning, record keeping, personnel policies and parent involvement. On completion, students should be able to identify elements of a sound business plan, develop familiarity with basic record-keeping techniques, and identify elements of a developmentally appropriate program.

CHD 209: Infant and Toddler Education Programs

Credits 3
This course focuses on child development from infancy through thirty-five months of age with emphasis on planning programs using developmentally appropriate material. Emphasis is placed on positive ways to support an infant’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Upon completion, students should be able to plan an infant-toddler program and environment that is appropriate and supportive of the families and the children.

CHD 210: Educating Children with Exceptional Needs

Credits 3
This course explores the many different types of exceptionalities found in young children. Topics include speech, language, hearing and visual impairments; gifted and talented children; mental retardation; emotional, behavioral, and neurological handicaps. Upon completion, students should be able to identify appropriate strategies for working with children.
Currently open to Child Development majors only.

CHD 212: Special Topics in Child Development

Credits 2
This course provides students with knowledge of a variety of issues and trends related the childcare profession. Subject matter will vary according to industry and student needs. Upon completion students should be able to discuss special topics related to current trends and issues in child development.

CHD 213: Child Development Trends Seminar

Credits 3
This course includes current topics in the child development field as an update to the professional caregiver industry needs determined by course topics. Upon completion of this class, students will demonstrate the competency needed in meeting the course objectives.

CHD 214: Families and Communities in Early Care and Education Programs

Credits 3
This course provides students with information about working with diverse families and communities. Students will be introduced to family and community settings, the important relationships with children, and the pressing needs of today’s society. Students will study techniques for developing these important relationships and effective communication skills.
Currently open to Child Development majors only.

CHD 219: Supervised Practical Experience

Credits 2
This course provides hands-on, supervised experience in an approved program for young children. Emphasis is placed on performance of daily duties, which are assessed by the college instructor and the cooperating teacher. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate competency in a childcare setting.

CHD 230: Introduction to Afterschool Programs

Credits 3
This course will introduce and discuss the unique aspects of quality afterschool programs and the roles of the adult staff. Topics will include a brief view of child development, positive guidance techniques, administrative consideration, beginning program planning and adaptations for a variety of program settings. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the staff’s role, create and modify unique program settings, use positive guidance, and implement a quality program.

CHD 231: Afterschool Programming

Credits 3
This course focuses on the specialized variety of needs for a quality afterschool program. Topics will include program planning and material considerations for a variety of quiet/ active, indoor/outdoor activities, health/safety/nutrition needs, parent and community information and involvement. Upon completion, students should be able to select a variety of age-appropriate activities, implement a safe, healthy, quality program, and effectively communicate with parents and the community.