Teacher and children at a table working on a learning activity

Child Development

Certificate Technical Degree

A strong early foundation can give children the confidence and skills that will support them throughout their lives. San Jac’s child development program will train you to provide high-quality care in child care centers, preschools, and more.

Program at a Glance

Earning Potential

  • Childcare Workers: $20,710
  • Teachers Assistant: $22,046
  • Substitute Teacher: $23,397
  • Preschool teacher: $44,626
  • Education administrator, preschool, and childcare: $61,518

For more salary information, check out Texas Wages.

Career Opportunities

  • Teaching
  • Directing or owning an early childhood program
  • Teaching in a family day home setting
  • Becoming a nanny
  • Working at a children’s museum

Locations

  • Central Campus
  • North Campus
  • San Jac Online

 

DEGREES & CERTIFICATES

Child Development Associate Training for Director, Occupational Certificate

Certificate
The Occupational Certificate prepares you for the A.A.S. degree or Certificate of Technology program or to advance in your current career.With this program—along with a national certification—you’ll get the training and credentials you’ll need to teach young children or to direct child care centers.
Length 3 Months
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 18 credits for this certificate in one term.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Apply

Child Development/Early Childhood Education, AAS

Technical Degree
The Associate of Applied Science degree prepares you for an entry-level career.The Child Development/Early Childhood Education A.A.S. degree curriculum develops basic skills, attitudes, and competencies necessary for personnel to provide high-quality care and early education in preschools and child care centers.
Length 2 Years
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 60 credits for this program in four terms.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Apply

Child Development/Early Childhood Education, Certificate of Technology

Certificate
The Certificate of Technology prepares you for the degree program, an entry-level career, or advancement in your current career. After completing this certificate program, you can explore many career paths, such as teaching, working at a children’s museum, or becoming a nanny. All courses apply toward the A.A.S. degree.
Length 1.5 Years
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 42 credits for this certificate in three terms.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Apply

Educational Aide, Certificate of Technology

Certificate
The Certificate of Technology prepares you for the degree program, an entry-level career, or advancement in your current career. Teach in child care centers or as an assistant in a K-12 setting after completing this program and applying for advanced educational aide/child development certificates.
Length 1.5 Years
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 38 credits for this certificate in three terms.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Apply

Educational Aide, Occupational Certificate

Certificate
The Occupational Certificate prepares you for the A.A.S. degree or Certificate of Technology program or to advance in your current career.After completing this program and applying for basic educational aide/child development certificates, you'll be prepared to work in child care centers, assist in K-12 settings, or be a paraprofessional, educational aide, or teacher's assistant in an Independent School District.
Length 3 Months
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 16 credits for this certificate in one term.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Apply
teacher with students

Advancing Toward a New Career – Online, Anytime

San Jac’s online program is taking this career seeker into a profession she can enjoy for many years to come.
Caresal Bolds
Quality educators are in high demand, and this program allows students to complete coursework in less than a year. In addition, the credits students earn for this certificate will transfer to the Associate of Applied Science degree.”
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North Campus child development program director
Shawnetta Thomas came to San Jac to pursue a career that she can enjoy for decades: preschool education. With her certificate in early childhood education, she’ll be ready to take a national credential test and begin work as a preschool teacher or public school teacher’s aid.

 

 

Child Development

Accreditation

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood/Childhood Development at San Jacinto College-Central is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The accreditation term runs from March 2021 through March 2025.
Teacher

The Four Components of our Program

The conceptual framework of the San Jacinto College-Central Child Development and Education department consists of four components:
  • Professionalism
  • Diversity and equity
  • Knowledge and skills
  • Community partnerships.
These components align with NAEYC standards and San Jac values and we integrate them into the students’ curriculum and experiences.

 

Teacher

From Naptime to Graduation

Earn a Teaching Degree or Certificate
Not interested in Child Development? No problem — you can still help shape and motivate the next generation. Make your way towards a Texas teaching certification by earning an A.A.T. in one of two tracks: Early Childhood - 6th Grade, or 7th-12th Grade.
Teaching
Teaching

Any Questions?

We’re happy to offer additional details. Contact our department chair to learn more.
Gwendolyn Berry
Dept Ch, Child Dev/Educ/Psyc
Email
Gwendolyn.Berry@sjcd.edu
Phone
(281) 998-1867