Child Development Associate in Applied Science

Shape young minds as a child development professional

Have you always had an interest in caring for young children? Are you fascinated by the prospect of helping young minds develop? If you like helping children learn and grow, Child Development might be a great career path. You’ll take classes in everything from diversity and learning environments to theory and practice.　

The associate degree gives you the base for further education and a career as a teaching assistant, lead teacher, paraprofessional or even operating your own daycare.

Child Development student teaching in a classroom.

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Upon completion of the Associate degree, LMC graduates have the option to move into their career path or, if they want to earn a Bachelor degree, transfer to a four-year institution’s Child Development and Family Studies program.

General Education Requirements	Credit Hours
*English 101, English Composition	3
English 102, English Composition, or Communication 101, Introduction to Public Speaking	3
*Mathematics 123 Quantitative Reasoning, or Higher	3
Music 200, Music for the Elementary Teacher	3
Natural Science	3
Social Sciences	3

Major Requirements	Credit Hours
Art 111, Art Education	3
English 214, Children’s Literature	3
Child Development 110, Introduction to Child Development Theories and Practices	3
Child Development 111, Early Childhood Learning Environments	2
Child Development 112, Curriculum and Assessment for Young Children	3
Child Development 113, Guiding Young Children’s Social Development	3
Child Development 210, Curriculum and Assessment for Young Children, II	3
Child Development 211, Diversity in Child Development	3
Child Development 212, Administration of Early Childhood Programs	3
Child Development 213, Current Issues and Advocacy in the Early Childhood Field	3
Psychology 201, Introduction to Psychology	3
Psychology 203, Human Development	3
Education 101, Foundations of Education	3
Physical Education 208, Introduction to Elementary Physical Education	2
General Electives	2

If you are planning to transfer to a four-year college or university, you should become familiar with your chosen school’s requirements. The curriculum for students planning to transfer to a 4-year institution varies considerably. LMC has developed articulation agreements/partnerships with many colleges and universities. Agreements are designed to facilitate the transfer of credits from LMC to these Colleges of Education. See your Academic Advisor for assistance in developing your Student Education.

Visit the webpage to learn about available scholarships.

The child development program also offers courses for those seeking application for their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential through the state of Michigan. The CDA credential is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement. LMC does not award the CDA credential, but information on requirements and application for the CDA can be found online at https://www.cdacouncil.org/credentials/apply-for-cda.