Our Degree Is A Great Fit If You Are

• Working in a childcare or early education setting and wanting to advance
• A parent or caregiver interested in child development
• Looking to move into a leadership or administrative role
• Considering a transfer to a four-year university to pursue a degree in education, social work, counseling, or psychology

Where can this degree take you?

A background in Child Development opens doors across many fields that serve children and families, including:

• Early Childhood Education — preschool teacher, center director, curriculum specialist, instructional coach
• Family & Community Services — family support specialist, home visitor, parent educator, case manager
• Child Welfare & Advocacy — Child Protective Services, child care licensing, foster care support, court-appointed advocate
• Therapy & Counseling — foundation for pursuing play therapy, art therapy, family counseling, school counseling, or Licensed Professional Counselor licensure
• Healthcare & Child Life — child life specialist, pediatric support roles, early intervention specialist
• Behavioral Support — behavior specialist, ABA therapist, developmental specialist, special education support
• Government & Policy — Texas Workforce Commission, Head Start administration, early childhood policy and advocacy

Early childhood education is one of the fastest-growing fields in Texas, and the need for qualified professionals who understand how children grow, learn, and thrive has never been greater.

Completion

• Child Development/Early Childhood Provider Certificate 
• Child Development/Early Childhood Administrator Certificate 
• Child Development/Early Childhood Associates of Applied Sciences (AAS) 

Labor Market Demand

CDEC Provider Certificate 

• Classroom Teacher - Early Childhood (Birth - 4yrs.) - Minimum Standards
• Paraprofessional - Texas Education Agency (TEA) - Educational Aide II

CDEC Administrator Certificate

• Director - Child Care Center - Minimum Standards
• Paraprofessional - TEA - Educational Aide III
• Provider - In Home Child Care

CDEC A.A.S.

• Transfer Student B.A.A.S.: Child Development, Family Studies, General Studies
• Preschool Teacher - Head Start or Early Learning Center 
• Career with state agencies such as Workforce Solutions Panhandle or Texas Department of Family and Protective Services 
• Leadership Opportunities in Early Childhood Education