Embark on a Rewarding Career in Childhood Education
At St. Louis Community College, our associate in applied science (AAS) in child and family development empowers you to be an educator who advocates for children and families. Through dynamic coursework and hands-on fieldwork at one of our two Child Development Laboratory Centers, you'll learn leading theories of child development, curriculum planning skills and assessment methodologies.
You'll also develop a comprehensive understanding of the intricate challenges young children and families face within today's diverse socioeconomic and cultural contexts. With our child and family development degree, you'll be qualified to work with children from infancy through age eight.
What is Child and Family Development at St. Louis Community College?
Our two-year AAS program aligns with rigorous standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), ensuring you have the credentials needed to begin professional practice.
Our AAS degree can be completed full- or part-time, with some classes available online. To further hone your child development studies, you can choose from three specialized concentrations:
- Infant toddler studies
- Exceptional child
- Early childhood leadership
At our hands-on Child Development Laboratory Centers (CDLC), you can study children in their natural environments and apply classroom learning in a practical setting.
What Can You Do With a Child and Family Development Associate Degree?
With our associate in applied science degree, you can take your passion and expertise for working with children to diverse settings. You'll develop the skills and knowledge needed to excel in positions such as:
- Teacher
- Parent educator
- Community service worker
- Youth development program worker
- Administrator
- Program planner
- Early childhood manager/director
Local school districts, privately-owned centers, corporate child care programs and Head Start initiatives actively employ our graduates.
With the nationwide shortage, qualified early childhood teachers are in critical demand. Our program plays a crucial role in not only filling that need, but also elevating the quality of early childhood programs 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
- Hours to complete: 60
- Program contact name: Jasmin Marshall
- Program contact email: jmarshall136@stlcc.edu
- Program contact phone: 314-513-4061
Cost of Attendance
Tuition for district residents is $122 per credit hour. 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.
Come as you are. See what you become.