HELP [Archived Catalog] Child Study (A.S.) Print-Friendly Page Add to Portfolio

The Child Study program prepares students for careers in the Child Care profession. The Program includes a blend of professional preparation courses and liberal arts courses. An essential component of the program is the interaction of students with the children of the Longfellow Preschool, and the Mount Ida College Laboratory Preschool. Students also have multiple opportunities for teaching and observing in a variety of early childhood settings.

Career Options

Students with an Associate Degree in Child Study are qualified for certification by the Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC), which allows them to work in day care and preschool environments.

Students can also continue their education at the Bachelor level at Mount Ida College.

Learning Objectives

Students who successfully complete this program will:

• Have a current working knowledge of the developmental ages and stages of young children and theories of development as they apply to the cognitive, psychosocial, and physical domains of development;
• Plan appropriate curriculum and instruction;
• Deliver effective instruction;
• Manage the environment effectively;
• Be qualified for DEEC certification;
• Communicate effectively through oral, written and other means;
• Use critical thinking skills to interpret, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information in order to make a considered judgment;
• Have interpersonal skills to work effectively with others to achieve goals;
• Have the knowledge, skills, and abilities for entrance into a career and further professional growth.

Policies, Conditions, and/or Fees

A minimum grade of C- or higher is required for all other program-specific required courses (courses with the designation of CH) in this major.

To progress to CH203: Practicum and Seminar I and CH 205: Practicum and Seminar II, Child Study students must achieve a grade of C or higher in the CH and/or ED courses(s) that serve(s) as prerequisite(s) to the same. Child Study practicum placements are contingent upon the approval of the Program Director and upon meeting the criteria for students working with young children. If, in the judgment of the site director, a student does not meet such criteria, the College will neither approve nor be obliged to approve the placement.

Requirements