7-14 City Center Campus Operations Remain Virtual Until Further Notice
JJC Alert: Due to ongoing storm damage repairs, JJC City Center Campus operations will continue virtually for now. The building will remain closed until further notice.
Students should continue to check iCampus for course instructions from faculty members.
Students & employees, please check JJC email for message from Dr. Namuo. All other JJC campuses are operating normally.
More info is available at jjc.edu/closures July 16, 2024 03:19:37
The Child Development Career program is designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of positions in the growing early care and education field.
Child Development
Social & Behavioral Sciences
The mission of the JJC Child Development Career program is to strengthen delivery of early childhood care and education services by providing cohesive, high quality pre-service and professional development which responds to the evolving needs of our community and the educational system.
The Child Development program is designed to prepare students for careers in early childhood care and education, including preparation for employment in DCFS-licensed child care facilities, Head Start programs and preschools.
The student should be aware that the State of Illinois requires a criminal background check, including fingerprinting, to work in a child care setting and a medical clearance with TB test and immunization clearance.
What Will I Learn?
CDEV courses are intentionally organized with practical, competency driven field experiences including support within an on campus early education program. The CDEV Career program includes the Associates of Applied Science (AAS) and three certificate programs.
Scholarship Opportunities & Support for Students
JJC has received ECACE funding through a Preschool Development Grant, Birth Through Five Initiative (PDG B-5) to support students who are currently or have worked in the early childhood field.
As an “Illinois Gateways to Opportunity” entitled institution, JJC offers Level 2-4 Illinois Early Childhood (EC) Credentials to further validate specialized early childhood knowledge, skills and experience.
In addition to attaining the AAS degree, students will qualify for the Level 4 IL EC Credential. Students interested in specializing in infant/toddler care and education, can obtain a Level 3 Infant/Toddler Credential by completing the AAS degree requirements including infant/toddler specialty course work.
Students completing a Child Development Certificate may qualify for the Level 2 or 3 IL Gateways credential.
As the early care and education field continues to grow, the need for highly qualified staff will increase. According to the US Department of Labor, employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected due to a continued focus on the importance of early childhood education.
Social & Behavioral Sciences
If you’re an empathetic servant leader who enjoy helping others, learning about human behavior and working in groups, this pathway is for you.