Shape the Future with a Career in Early Childhood Education
STLCC’s associate in applied science (AAS) in child and family development prepares you to support the growth, learning and development of young children and their families. Through interactive coursework and hands-on experiences in our Child Development Laboratory Centers (CDLC), you’ll learn about child development, curriculum planning, classroom environments and strategies that encourage early learning.
You’ll also explore the social, emotional and family factors that influence children’s development and learn how to create supportive learning experiences for young children. This degree prepares you to work with children from birth through age 8 in early childhood education programs, child care settings and other family support environments.
What is Child and Family Development at St. Louis Community College?
The child and family development associate degree at STLCC prepares you for professional roles in early childhood education and family support. The two-year program aligns with standards from the National Association for the Education of Young Children and focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to support young children’s learning and development.
You can complete the AAS degree full- or part-time, with some courses offered online. Students also choose from three concentration options to focus their studies:
- Infant and toddler studies.
- Exceptional child.
- Early childhood leadership.
Hands-on learning takes place in STLCC’s child development centers, where you observe and work with children in real classroom settings while applying what you learn in class.
What Can You Do With a Child and Family Development Associate Degree?
A child and family development degree prepares you for a career supporting young children, families and communities. You’ll gain skills in child development, curriculum planning, family engagement and creating positive learning environments for children from birth through age 8.
Graduates may pursue roles such as teacher, parent educator, community service worker, youth development program staff, administrator, program planner, early childhood manager or child care director.
STLCC graduates are prepared for opportunities in a variety of settings, including local school districts, privately owned child care centers, corporate child care programs, Head Start initiatives and other early childhood education organizations. This degree also provides a strong foundation for continued education and career growth in the early childhood field.
"I'm grateful for the tools that I've received from STLCC's child and family development program. The hands-on experience at the laboratory center sparked a fire in me to take things into the community as well as grow as a professional."
-Tiffani Martin '23, Heavenly Hearts S.T.E.A.M. Academy & Infant Center employee
AAS in Child and Family Development
- Degree offered: Associate in applied science
- Locations: Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Online
- Hours to complete: 60
- Program contact name: Carol Nixon
- Program contact email: cnixon@stlcc.edu
- Program contact phone: 314-513-4521
Tuition for district residents is $127 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.
Accreditation
St. Louis Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our child
and family development program is aligned with education standards set forth by the
National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Why You Should Choose STLCC's Child and Family Development Program
Learn From Esteemed Faculty
Our faculty, seasoned teachers themselves, provide valuable guidance, ensuring you learn from experts with first-hand experience in early childhood education.
Convenient and Unbeatable Location
Forest Park is centrally located in St. Louis, and Florissant Valley is positioned in north St. Louis County, both with easy access to public transportation.
Gain Real-Word Classroom Experience
Through our CDLCs, you'll develop essential skills and gain insights into the challenges and dynamics of working with children and families.
Enjoy Personal Career Advising
In addition to academic and career advising, you'll also benefit from guidance from your professors who have direct network connections in the community.
STLCC. What's your reason?