Last updated on October 8, 2019
Interested in a career in early childhood development, but not sure where to start? The Dallas County Community College District can help.
Why Should I Study Child Development?
Teaching is not only rewarding, it’s also an extremely in-demand career field. Kindergarten through grade 12 teaching jobs are expected to grow six percent by 2024, with preschool teaching jobs expected to grow seven percent.
In addition to a early childhood development, DCCCD also offers education degrees with specializations in Special Education, Foreign Language and Mathematics, all leading to various levels of an Initial Texas Teacher Certification.
Get Started in Child Development at DCCCD
First, you’ll need to complete the admissions process and meet with an academic advisor. There are no special requirements to enter the Child Development/Early Childhood Education program, except for our requirements for the Texas Success Initiative where applicable for the Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) or Associate in Applied Sciences (A.A.S.) degrees.
Courses Offered (Curriculum)
One way to decide if a program is right for you is to look at some of the courses you’ll have to take in order to earn a particular degree.
For example, an Associate of Applied Science in Child Development/Early Childhood Education curriculum consists of (but is not limited to) classes like:
- Educating Young Children
- Child Guidance
- Families, School and Community
- Child Growth and Development
- Wellness of the Young Child
- Emergent Literacy for Early Childhood
- Child Development
Earning a Bachelor’s Degree and Texas Teacher Certification
In order to earn a Texas Teacher Certification, you will first need to earn a bachelor’s degree. While DCCCD strives to make its programs as transfer-friendly as possible, we still highly recommend contacting a DCCCD transfer advisor and your intended university as you begin and throughout your study in the program.
Once you finish your bachelor’s, you will then need to complete an educator preparation program, pass certification exams and submit your application to the state. First-time applicants will also need to complete fingerprinting as part of a national criminal background check.
Get Real-World Experience While You Learn About Child Development
Child Development/Early Childhood Education degrees and certificates require cooperative education, practicums and internships. You can earn this experience without even leaving campus through Brookhaven College’s Head Start Center or at Eastfield College’s Children’s Laboratory School.
Not sure if a career in early childhood education is right for you, but still interested in teaching? Read more about DCCCD teaching degrees.
What Else Can I Do With an Education Degree?
Not interested in teaching, but still love the idea of working with kids? That’s okay, too! Depending on education level and specialization, there are plenty of career possibilities to explore outside of teaching:
- Church education programs
- Community programs such as the YMCA, YWCA or Red Cross
- Child care centers, from private to corporate-sponsored
- Federal programs such as Head Start
- Not-for-profit organizations such as AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps or America Reads
- Public schools
- Private schools
More Information About Child Development at DCCCD
- If you are a Dallas County high school graduating senior, you may qualify for Rising Star funds to help pay for this program. The Rising Star program offers academic support services and up to $4,000 for tuition and books, if you have established financial need.
- Read an overview of the child development program.