Child and Human Development

Program Information

The Child and Human Development program is designed to prepare students for employment in  early childhood care and education programs. Graduates are employed as aides, teachers, directors, and owners of private programs.

The program focuses on the comprehensive care and education of children from birth to age 5 with varied electives to explore school-aged childcareand program planning. Students are also introduced to effective communication strategies. The primary focus of the program is the integration of developmentally and culturally appropriate practice for young children. Completion of this program does not directly lead to teacher certification.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Trenholm State Community College’s Child and Human Development Program: Early Care and Education is to prepare early care and education as well as human service professionals. The program represents a comprehensive interdisciplinary field of study with the assumption that development takes place across the lifespan in relation to child development, family, community, public policy, and advocacy in support of the educational mission of Trenholm State Community College. 

Occupational Choices

Program completers have become child development teachers, teacher assistants, program assistants, directors, assistant directors, social workers, public school teacher’s assistants, state administrators and managers as well as continuing their educational goals in higher education.

Average Full-Time Wage

Pay depends on the educational attainment of the worker and the type of establishment. More education usually means higher earnings. Median hourly wages of childcare workers, preschool teachers, and teacher’s assistants range from $11.43 - $22.00. The median annual wage of preschool and childcare Teacher assistants was $28,900 yearly.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Childcare Workers,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm (visited February 14, 2023).

Additional Requirements

Child and Human Development Program participants must meet the following criteria:

  • Program Participant must have obtained high school diploma or GED credential.
  • Provide documentation of a completed tuberculosis (TB) test
  • Program Participants must be at least 18 19 years of age to participate unsupervised in laboratory experiences through the College upon completion of a Alabama State Department of Human Resources Mandatory Criminal Background Check and Alabama Child Abuse and Neglect Registry Clearance.
  • Program participants who are at least 18 years of age may participate in laboratory experiences through the College with approved supervision. 
  • Program Participants must meet all criteria of the Alabama State Department of Human Resources for persons working with children to include:
    • Suitability determination documentation provided (issued by Alabama DHR & Alabama Bureau of Investigations ($54.95) by completing the Mandatory Criminal History Check. *** (Suitability Determination documentation must submitted by the final semester before graduation. Fingerprint Clearance ($5.00))

Estimated Program Length & Cost*

Award

Length

Credit Hours

Tuition/Fees

Books

Tools

Supplies

Associate Degree

6 Terms

62

$10,106

$1,300

$120

$300

Certificate

4 Terms

41

$6,683

$1,100

$120

$300

Short Term Certificate

1 Term

19

$3,097

$250

$50

$105

Short Term Certificate

1 Term

16

$2,608

$250

$50

$105

Short Term Certificate

1 Term

11

$1,793

$200

$50

$105

Short Term Certificate

1 Term

10

$1,630

$200

$50

$105

Short Term Certificate

1 Term

9

$1,467

$200

$50

$105

CDA Certificate

1 Term

12

$1,956

$200

$50

$105

CDA Application Fee $425**

* Tax not included. Prices are subject to change without prior notice; cost of books may vary considerably among suppliers. Cost of generaleducation books is in addition to the total listed above. The length of the program is based on full-time status of 12-15 credit hours per term.Enrollment in transitional level general education courses will alter the length of the program.

**This application fee is paid directly to the Council for Professional Recognition.

  • Ability to stoop, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Required written medical examination report to include TB skin test results.
  • Program participants must be at least 19 years of age to complete the required laboratory experiences.
  • Program participants must complete field experience hours (laboratory, observation, professional development and community service hours) to meet graduation requirements.
  • Program participants should be Pediatric CPR/First Aid certified by graduation.
  • Program participants must be able to provide valid photo identification.

*** Program participants must complete the Alabama Child Abuse and Neglect Clearance with no substantiated reports before being placed in cooperating laboratory sites.

Awards Available

Associate of Applied Science
Child and Human Development

Certificate
Child and Human Development

Short Term Certificate
Child and Human Development
CDA General Credential Concentration
CDA Preschool Credential Concentration
CDA Family Child Care Credential Concentration
CDA Infant/Toddler Credential Concentration
Families and Communities Concentration
Child Growth and Development Concentration
Child Development Center Administration Concentration

Program Contact

Doris Pinkston Program Coordinator/Instructor
334-420-4325
Location: Trenholm Campus - Bldg. I

As part of ongoing planning and evaluation, the College regularly evaluates student learning outcomes for each program.

Degrees