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 work with young children and support their families. Through interactive classes and hands-on learning in our Child Development Laboratory Centers (CDLC), you’ll study child development, curriculum planning and ways to support learning and growth.
You’ll also learn about the real challenges children and families face in today’s communities. This degree prepares you to work with children from birth through age eight in a variety of early childhood and education settings.
What is Child and Family Development at St. Louis Community College?
The child and family development AAS is a two-year program designed to prepare you for professional work in early childhood education. The program aligns with standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
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?
With this degree, you can turn your interest in working with children into a meaningful career. You’ll build skills for a variety of early childhood and family-focused settings.
Graduates may find opportunities in roles such as:
- Teacher.
- Parent educator.
- Community service worker.
- Youth development program staff.
- Administrator or program planner.
- Early childhood manager or director.
Local school districts, privately-owned centers, corporate child care programs and Head Start initiatives actively employ our graduates.
With a nationwide shortage of qualified early childhood educators, demand for trained professionals continues to grow. This program helps prepare graduates to support high-quality early childhood education in St. Louis and beyond.
"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: Jasmin Marshall
- Program contact email: jmarshall136@stlcc.edu
- Program contact phone: 314-513-4061
Tuition for district residents is $122 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 (HLC).
Our child and family development program is aligned with education standards set forth
by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
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?