Teacher and children at a table working on a learning activity

Child Development

Certificate Technical Degree

A strong early foundation can give children the confidence and skills that will support them throughout their lives. San Jac’s child development program will train you to provide high-quality care in child care centers, preschools, and more.

Learn how to meet our youngest minds where they are, while we meet you where you are. Our flexible, hands-on program is designed to help you fit classes into your busy life.

Multiple Career Pathways

Prepare for in-demand roles such as preschool teacher, childcare worker, substitute teacher, or director of an early childhood program, with options to work in centers, family day homes, museums, and more.

Stackable Credentials

Earn certificates or a technical AAS degree that build on each other; from entry-level credentials to advanced qualifications that strengthen your expertise and employability in the field.

Flexible Delivery Options

Classes are offered on multiple campuses and online, giving you the flexibility to fit your education around work, life, or family commitments.

Recognized Quality and Professional Preparation

The program aligns with national early childhood education standards and prepares students to provide high-quality care and early learning experiences that support children’s lifelong success.

Careers

Childcare Worker

$28,408

Preschool Teacher

$33,733

Substitute Teacher

$30,425

Opportunities

Teaching
Directing or owning an early childhood program
Teaching in a family day home setting
Becoming a nanny
Working at a children’s museum

Locations

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Salary Source: Texas Wages

Child Development Associate Training for Director, Occupational Certificate

Certificate

The Occupational Certificate prepares you for the A.A.S. degree or Certificate of Technology program or to advance in your current career. With this program—along with a national certification—you’ll get the training and credentials you’ll need to teach young children or to direct child care centers.

4 Months

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 18 credits for this certificate in one term.

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Child Development/Early Childhood Education, AAS

Technical Degree

This degree helps you develop basic skills, attitudes, and abilities to provide high-quality care and education in preschools and child care centers.

2 Years

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 60 credits for this program in four terms.

This degree is also offered online.

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Child Development/Early Childhood Education, Certificate of Technology

Certificate

The Certificate of Technology prepares you for the degree program, an entry-level career, or advancement in your current career. After completing this certificate program, you can explore many career paths, such as teaching, working at a children’s museum, or becoming a nanny. All courses apply toward the A.A.S. degree.

1.5 Years

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 36 credits for this certificate in three terms.

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Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Applied Science

Technical Degree

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Education degree prepares you to work with children from six weeks through third grade. Graduates will also be eligible to work in an early childhood organization, such as Head Start. They can also apply for teacher certification to teach preschool through third grade in public schools.

4 years

If you’re studying full-time, you can complete the 120 credits for this program in four years.

This degree is also offered online.

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Educational Aide, Certificate of Technology

Certificate

The Certificate of Technology prepares you for the degree program, an entry-level career, or advancement in your current career. Teach in child care centers or as an assistant in a K-12 setting after completing this program and applying for advanced educational aide/child development certificates.

1.5 Years

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 31 credits for this certificate in three terms.

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Educational Aide, Occupational Certificate

Certificate

This certificate prepares you for the Educational Aide Certificate of Technology, a degree, or career advancement. After completing your certificate, you'll be eligible to apply for the state's Educational Aide - Level 1 Certificate. You'll be prepared to work in childcare centers, assist in grades K-12, serve as a paraprofessional, educational aide, or teacher's assistant.

4 Months

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 16 credits for this certificate in one term.

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Ready to take the first step toward an exciting future? It’s time to apply to San Jac. We’ll guide you through the process and help you start building your future, today.

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Your questions deserve answers. Get the answers you need right here.

How is the department structured?

The San Jacinto College Child Development and Education department has a conceptual framework that consists of three components:

Professionalism
Knowledge and skills
Community partnerships.

These components align with NAEYC standards and San Jac values and we integrate them into the students’ curriculum and experiences.

What careers can this lead to?

Preschool teacher, childcare worker, substitute teacher, or early childhood program director in settings like childcare centers, schools, and community organizations.

What are the program's goals and outcomes?

Information regarding our program outcomes and learning objectives can be found here.

Is the program accredited?

Yes, the Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood/Childhood Development at San Jacinto College-Central is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The accreditation term runs from March 2021 through March 2028.