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 childcare, family childcare, and program planning. Participants are introduced to effective communication strategies. The program focuses on integrating developmentally and culturally appropriate practices for young children. This is not a K-12 teacher certification or preparation program.

Mission Statement

The Trenholm State Community College's Child and Human Development Program: Early Care and Education aims to prepare individuals to become professionals in early education and development. The program represents a comprehensive interdisciplinary field of study with the knowledge 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. They continue their educational goals in higher education.

Average Full-Time Wage

Pay depends on the worker's educational attainment and the establishment type. The median hourly wages of childcare workers, preschool teachers, and teacher’s assistants range from $13.71 to $22.00. The median annual salary for preschool and childcare teacher assistants was $35,330 for preschool teachers, $30,920 for teacher’s assistants, and $49,690 for child development program directors 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 5, 2024).

Additional Requirements

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

Program Participants must have obtained a high school diploma or GED credential.
Provide documentation of a completed tuberculosis (TB) test
Program Participants must be at least 19 years of age to participate unsupervised in laboratory experiences through the College upon completing an Alabama State Department of Human Resources Mandatory Criminal Background Check and Alabama Child Abuse and Neglect Registry Clearance.
Program participants must be at least 19 years of age to participate in Trenholm State Community College-approved laboratory experiences 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 must be provided for Alabama DHR & Alabama Bureau of Investigations ($54.95) by completing the Mandatory Criminal History Check. "No substantiated report” on Alabama Child Abuse and Neglect Clearance. *** Suitability Determination documentation must submitted by the final semester before graduation. (No charge) **Fingerprint Clearance ($5.00))

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

The College regularly evaluates student learning outcomes for each program as part of ongoing planning and evaluation.

Estimated Program Length & Cost*

Award	Length	Credit Hours	Tuition/Fees	Books	Tools	Supplies
Associate Degree	6 Terms	62	$10,704	$1,300	$120	$300
Certificate	4 Terms	41	$7,092	$1,100	$120	$300
Short Term Certificate	1 Term	19	$3,287	$250	$50	$105
Short Term Certificate	1 Term	16	$2,768	$250	$50	$105
Short Term Certificate	1 Term	11	$1,903	$200	$50	$105
Short Term Certificate	1 Term	10	$1,730	$200	$50	$105
Short Term Certificate	1 Term	9	$1,557	$200	$50	$105
CDA Certificate	1 Term	12	$2,076	$200	$50	$105

CDA Application Fee (Online) $425 CDA Application Fee (Paper) $500 CDA Credential Renewal Fee (Online) $125 CDA Credential Renewal Fee (Paper) $150

The application fee is paid directly to the Council for Professional Recognition www.cdacouncil.org

* Tax not included. Prices are subject to change without prior notice; the cost of books may vary considerably among suppliers. The cost of general education 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.
A written medical examination report is required 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 certified in Pediatric CPR/First Aid 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.