Child Care and Development
Statement of Purpose
The Child Development Early Childhood (CDEC) program is designed to provide instruction and field experience necessary for the successful care and guidance of young children from birth to eight years of age. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early childhood education and high-quality care of children.
Upon successful completion of the program, students may earn:
- Level 1 Certificate - Child Care and Development
- Associate of Applied Science - Child Care and Development
Who the Program Serves
The Child Care and Development program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and experience levels who have a passion for working with young children. This program is a great fit for individuals who enjoy engaging with children, have strong communication skills, and are open to new challenges and learning opportunities. Whether you are just beginning your education, this program provides the support and hands-on experience needed for success.
If you are interested in learning more about whether this program is the right fit for you, contact one of our academic advisors today.
Skills and knowledge you will gain
Graduates will be able to:
- apply knowledge of child development and learning to create healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environments for young children from birth through age eight;
- build reciprocal relationships with families and communities to support young children’s development and learning;
- use systematic observation, documentation, and assessment to inform curriculum planning and instructional decision-making; and
- demonstrate professional dispositions, ethical conduct, and reflective practice in early childhood settings.
Career Options
The Early Childhood profession is rapidly expanding, and students completing the CDEC program are prepared to work with children in a wide variety of settings including:
- Childcare centers
- Preschools
- Family care settings
- Early intervention programs
- Head Start programs
Job search assistance
TSC connects students to high-wage, high-demand jobs by aligning academic and continuing education pathways to the workforce. Texas Southmost College provides valuable experiences that make our graduates exceptionally marketable, such as:
- Internship Opportunities: Students in the associate degree program will participate in an official internship program. The internships offer students enhanced experiences outside of the classroom to develop their skills and to better prepare them to enter the workforce.
- Job Fairs: Each spring, TSC hosts a job fair that features more than 70 employers, all looking for the next generation of qualified candidates. Students and alumni are invited to bring their resumes and strengthen their contacts in their chosen fields.
- Career Services: TSC’s Transfer, Career, and Employment Services team assists students in mapping out college transfers, shaping career aspirations, and aiding in post-graduation job placements. Their services encompass guidance on job hunts, crafting compelling resumes and cover letters, and conducting interest in inventory evaluations. More information may be found here.
Funding your education
Texas Southmost College remains the most affordable institution of higher education in the entire Rio Grande Valley. When we talk about financial literacy, we talk about accumulating wealth, not debt. If you want to make a good return on investment, Think TSC, and study local.
TSC offers a number of grants and scholarships for those who qualify.
- Applying for scholarships is easy. Submit one application, and you are automatically matched with all of the scholarships you qualify for at TSC. Click here to learn more about the TSC scholarship portal.
- Federal financial aid is available through grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Applying for financial aid is free! Click here to learn more.
FAQ
How long does it take to complete the program?
The Early Childhood Program offers two pathways depending on the student’s goals:
- Certificate Program: Can typically be completed in 1 year (2-3 semesters) for full-time students.
- Associate degree: Usually it takes 2 years (4-5 semesters) to complete when attending full-time.
Part-time students may take longer depending on their course load each semester.
How much time will I need to commit to coursework and assignments?
Students should expect to dedicate consistent time both in and outside of class. This includes approximately 2-3 hours per week/per course for class time and an additional 4-6 hours per week per course for reading, assignments, and projects. Some courses also require hands-on field experience or lab hours working with young children. Overall, full-time students should plan to spend about 20-30 hours per week on coursework, with additional time needed during major projects or fieldwork.
How do I apply to the program?
- To apply, complete the ApplyTexas application and follow the admissions process. If you need assistance, our advisors are available to guide you through the steps.
- NOTE: As part of the training, students are required to work directly with young children in the model laboratory on campus and in community early childhood programs, where they must demonstrate performance skills that meet the specific needs of children and collaborate with parents and other adults to support children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Prior to attending a field placement site, the Texas Southmost College Child Development Academic Program requires all students enrolled in a child development laboratory course to complete a criminal background check, affidavit, and any additional training required by the campus lab school, as well as submit a Background Student Information Form and a Background Check Consent Form to the instructor.
Testimonials from students, faculty, and/or employers
Yarethzy Maldonado
Phone: (956) 442-4707
Email: yarethzy.maldonad100@student.tsc.edu
Maria Hernandez
Phone: (956) 621-6396
Email: maria.juarez101@student.tsc.edu
Yolanda Vela
Phone: (956) 961-0837
Email: yolanda.vela101@student.tsc.edu
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