Non-Traditional Degrees
Certificate of Applied Science • 60 Credit Hours
The Occupational Development A.A.S. degree is designed to provide for cooperatively sponsored educational opportunities leading to the Associate in Applied Science degree for students in registered apprenticeship training programs and to provide a mechanism for Mountwest Community & Technical College to deliver educational programs to individuals employed in the Child Development field.
The Occupational Developmental Degree in Child Development Specialist is designed to meet two major needs:
1. To provide for cooperatively sponsored educational opportunities leading to the Associate in Applied Science degree for students in approved apprenticeship training programs.
2. To provide a mechanism for Mountwest Community & Technical College to deliver educational programs to individuals employed in the Child Development field.
What you will learn:
A concentration in Child Development Specialist prepares students for employment in daycare centers, Head Start programs and other early childhood learning centers. Components of the program include general education courses, classroom instruction in child development and on-the-job training. Program graduates will possess supervisory skills, computer software skills, relevant essential math skills, and written and oral communication skills.
Child Development Specialist
2019 Median Pay
$34,410 per year
Number of Jobs
523,600 in 2018
Job Outlook
2018-2028 7%
Much faster than average employment.
For the most current salary information, please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics “Occupational Outlook Handbook” found online at bls.gov/ooh/.
The college adheres to an open admission policy which means applications with a high school diploma or GED are eligible for admission. Applicants with neither a high school diploma nor GED may be admitted on a conditional basis.
Employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected due to a continued focus on the importance of early childhood education.
High replacement needs should create good job opportunities for childcare workers. Qualified persons who are interested in this work should have little trouble finding and keeping a job. Opportunities for nannies should be especially good, as many workers prefer not to work in other people’s homes. Employment opportunities include working at childcare centers, as child care supervisors, and as nannies.
