Child and Family Development: AAS

Child and Family Development: AAS

Associate in Applied Science | 60 credit hours minimum

Area of Interest: Education, Public Service, and Social Sciences

Program Website

Academic Advising

Program Description:

The Child and Family Development, Associate in Applied Science offers students a variety of career pathways, including Infant Toddler Studies, the study of the Exceptional Child, and Early Childhood Leadership. Students will investigate leading theories of child development and methodologies for curriculum planning, and assessment. Through class lectures, observation studies, field work with mentor teachers, service learning, and opportunities for discussion with award winning faculty, students will engage in the best practices designed for the study of young children and their families.

The Child and Family Development program is aligned with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation. St. Louis Community College prepares students to work with young children from infancy through age eight.

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is a two-year program with a concentration of coursework in child development and family studies. AAS degree candidates can find employment as teachers, parent educators, community service workers, youth development program workers, administrators, program planners, managers or directors in early childhood settings. Environments for teaching young children include Head Start and Early Head Start, preschool programs, laboratory schools, elementary schools, and community child care programs. With further study, students have the possibility of a variety of career options such as those in the legal system, hospital and medical settings, government agencies, and therapy systems.

Students must earn at least a “C” in certain courses to be eligible for the associate degree. See an academic advisor or the program coordinator for details about this requirement.

Locations. This program is offered in its entirety at Florissant Valley and Forest Park. 

Cost of Attendance.  For more information on cost of attendance visit MoSCORES

Program Career and Salary Information.  Pursuant to Missouri HB 1606 (2018), information regarding the number of credit hours, program length, employment rate, wage data, and graduates employed in careers related to their program of study at St. Louis Community College can be found at the following URL: https://scorecard.mo.gov/scorecard/. Search using School / Program “St. Louis Community College” and choose the degree or credential type of interest. 

The following limitations to the data apply: Information provided is based on the most recent cohorts available. Typically, most recent cohorts for wage and completion data are six years prior to the current academic year. Time to complete a program of study varies depending on the number of credit hours students earn per semester.

Interested in this program? Start the enrollment process by visiting the Apply to STLCC page.   

At the completion of the program, students are expected to:

  1. plan appropriate lessons for each young child’s diverse characteristics and needs, based on their knowledge and understanding of child development.
  2. design effective communication strategies that support positive relationships.
  3. design culturally relevant curriculum.
  4. implement responsible assessment to promote positive outcomes for each child.
  5. implement reflective practice to improve their work with young children.
  6. demonstrate professionalism as essential for educators of young children.

Missouri Civics Examination.  Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.

Program of Study

General Education
ENG 101College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3
MTH 108Elementary Applied Mathematics (or higher or MOTR Natural Science)3
COM 101Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100) (or any MOTR Humanities and Fine Arts course)3
XXX xxxSocial & Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement3
XXX xxxMOTR Social & Behavioral Science Elective3
Program Requirements
CFD 101Foundations of Child and Family Development3
CFD 102Child Growth and Development3
CFD 103Child Nutrition, Health, and Safety3
CFD 104Creative Experiences in Early Childhood3
CFD 106Cognitive Development: Language and Literacy in Early Childhood3
CFD 107Family/Community Support and Engagement3
CFD 201Social and Emotional Development: Guidance and Discipline3
CFD 202Cognitive Development: Math, Science, and Engineering for Young Children3
CFD 204Principles of Curriculum Design: Preschool3
CFD 205Supervised Student Teaching Practicum: Preschool3
CFD 207Supporting Cultural Awareness and Diversity3
CFD 208Child and Family Development Capstone: Portfolio Design3
Select one of the following Career Tracks9
Infant Toddler Studies Track (9 Credit Hours)
Principles of Curriculum Design: Infants, Toddlers, and Two-Year-Olds
Supervised Student Teaching Practicum: Infants, Toddlers, and Two-Year-Olds
Social Emotional Supports for Infants and Toddlers
Exceptional Child Track (9 Credit Hours)
Introduction to Children with Special Needs
Activities for Children with Special Needs
Elective: Choose 3 credit hours from CFD, EDU, BHS, or HMS
Early Childhood Leadership Track (9 Credit Hours)
Management of Early Childhood Settings
Early Childhood Leadership Practicum
Elective: Choose 3 credit hours from CFD, IT, BUS
Total Credit Hours60

Early Childhood Leadership Track Fall Start Academic Plan

Missouri Civics Examination.  Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.

PLEASE NOTE:  If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements.  Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.

Florissant Valley Only

New PlanGrids
First Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 101 Foundations of Child and Family Development3Reading Proficiency
CFD 102 Child Growth and Development3Reading Proficiency
CFD 103 Child Nutrition, Health, and Safety3Reading Proficiency
CFD 104 Creative Experiences in Early Childhood3Reading Proficiency
ENG 101 College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079
Credit Hours15
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 106 Cognitive Development: Language and Literacy in Early Childhood3CFD 101 and CFD 102 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
CFD 107 Family/Community Support and Engagement3Reading Proficiency
CFD 201 Social and Emotional Development: Guidance and Discipline3Reading Proficiency
CFD 204 Principles of Curriculum Design: Preschool3CFD 101 and CFD 102 with minimum grades of a "C", and Reading Proficiency
MOTR Natural Science/Mathematics Requirement3 MTH 108 or higher or any MOTR Natural Science course.
Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 202 Cognitive Development: Math, Science, and Engineering for Young Children3CFD 102 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
CFD 205 Supervised Student Teaching Practicum: Preschool3CFD 101, CFD 102, CFD 104, and CFD 204 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
CFD 207 Supporting Cultural Awareness and Diversity3Reading Proficiency
CFD 209 Management of Early Childhood Settings3CFD 103 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
XXX xxxSocial & Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement3  
Credit Hours15
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 210 Early Childhood Leadership Practicum3CFD 209 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation.
CFD 208 Child and Family Development Capstone: Portfolio Design3CFD 205 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Elective3 Choose from CFD, BUS, or IT
XXX xxxMOTR Social & Behavioral Science Elective3  
MOTR Humanities and Fine Arts or COM 1013  
Credit Hours15
Total Credit Hours60

*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.

**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.

*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice.  Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor. 

Early Childhood Leadership Track Spring Start Academic Plan

Missouri Civics Examination.  Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.

PLEASE NOTE:  If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements.  Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.

Forest Park Only

New PlanGrids
First Year
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 101 Foundations of Child and Family Development3Reading Proficiency
CFD 102 Child Growth and Development3Reading Proficiency
CFD 103 Child Nutrition, Health, and Safety3Reading Proficiency
CFD 104 Creative Experiences in Early Childhood3Reading Proficiency
ENG 101 College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079
Credit Hours15
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 106 Cognitive Development: Language and Literacy in Early Childhood3CFD 101 and CFD 102 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
CFD 107 Family/Community Support and Engagement3Reading Proficiency
CFD 201 Social and Emotional Development: Guidance and Discipline3Reading Proficiency
CFD 204 Principles of Curriculum Design: Preschool3CFD 101 and CFD 102 with minimum grades of a "C", and Reading Proficiency
MOTR Natural Science/Mathematics Requirement3 MTH 108 or higher or any MOTR Natural Science course.
Credit Hours15
Second Year
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 202 Cognitive Development: Math, Science, and Engineering for Young Children3CFD 102 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
CFD 205 Supervised Student Teaching Practicum: Preschool3CFD 101, CFD 102, CFD 104, and CFD 204 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
CFD 207 Supporting Cultural Awareness and Diversity3Reading Proficiency
CFD 209 Management of Early Childhood Settings3CFD 103 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
XXX xxxSocial & Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement3  
Credit Hours15
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 210 Early Childhood Leadership Practicum3CFD 209 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation.
CFD 208 Child and Family Development Capstone: Portfolio Design3CFD 205 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Elective3 Choose from CFD, BUS, or IT
XXX xxxMOTR Social & Behavioral Science Elective3  
MOTR Humanities and Fine Arts or COM 1013  
Credit Hours15
Total Credit Hours60

*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.

**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.

*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice.  Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor. 

Exceptional Child Track Fall Start Academic Plan

Missouri Civics Examination.  Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.

PLEASE NOTE:  If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements.  Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.

Florissant Valley Only 

New PlanGrids
First Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 101 Foundations of Child and Family Development3Reading Proficiency
CFD 102 Child Growth and Development3Reading Proficiency
CFD 103 Child Nutrition, Health, and Safety3Reading Proficiency
CFD 104 Creative Experiences in Early Childhood3Reading Proficiency
ENG 101 College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079
Credit Hours15
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 106 Cognitive Development: Language and Literacy in Early Childhood3CFD 101 and CFD 102 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
CFD 107 Family/Community Support and Engagement3Reading Proficiency
CFD 201 Social and Emotional Development: Guidance and Discipline3Reading Proficiency
CFD 204 Principles of Curriculum Design: Preschool3CFD 101 and CFD 102 with minimum grades of a "C", and Reading Proficiency
MOTR Natural Science/Mathematics Requirement3 MTH 108 or higher or any MOTR Natural Science course.
Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 202 Cognitive Development: Math, Science, and Engineering for Young Children3CFD 102 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
CFD 205 Supervised Student Teaching Practicum: Preschool3CFD 101, CFD 102, CFD 104, and CFD 204 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
CFD 207 Supporting Cultural Awareness and Diversity3Reading Proficiency
CFD 111 Introduction to Children with Special Needs3Reading Proficiency
XXX xxxSocial and Behavioral Science: Civics Requirement3  
Credit Hours15
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 211 Activities for Children with Special Needs3CFD 111 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation.
CFD 208 Child and Family Development Capstone: Portfolio Design3CFD 205 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Elective3 Choose from CFD, BHS, EDU, or HMS
XXX xxxMOTR Social & Behavioral Science Elective3  
MOTR Humanities and Fine Arts or COM 1013  
Credit Hours15
Total Credit Hours60

*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.

**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.

*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice.  Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor. 

Exceptional Child Track Spring Start Academic Plan

Missouri Civics Examination.  Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.

PLEASE NOTE:  If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements.  Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.

Forest Park Only 

New PlanGrids
First Year
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 101 Foundations of Child and Family Development3Reading Proficiency
CFD 102 Child Growth and Development3Reading Proficiency
CFD 103 Child Nutrition, Health, and Safety3Reading Proficiency
CFD 104 Creative Experiences in Early Childhood3Reading Proficiency
ENG 101 College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079
Credit Hours15
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 106 Cognitive Development: Language and Literacy in Early Childhood3CFD 101 and CFD 102 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
CFD 107 Family/Community Support and Engagement3Reading Proficiency
CFD 201 Social and Emotional Development: Guidance and Discipline3Reading Proficiency
CFD 204 Principles of Curriculum Design: Preschool3CFD 101 and CFD 102 with minimum grades of a "C", and Reading Proficiency
MOTR Natural Science/Mathematics Requirement3 MTH 108 or higher or any MOTR Natural Science course.
Credit Hours15
Second Year
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 202 Cognitive Development: Math, Science, and Engineering for Young Children3CFD 102 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
CFD 205 Supervised Student Teaching Practicum: Preschool3CFD 101, CFD 102, CFD 104, and CFD 204 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
CFD 207 Supporting Cultural Awareness and Diversity3Reading Proficiency
CFD 111 Introduction to Children with Special Needs3Reading Proficiency
XXX xxxSocial and Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement3  
Credit Hours15
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 211 Activities for Children with Special Needs3CFD 111 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation.
CFD 208 Child and Family Development Capstone: Portfolio Design3CFD 205 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Elective3 Choose from CFD, BHS, EDU, or HMS
XXX xxxMOTR Social & Behavioral Science Elective3  
MOTR Humanities and Fine Arts or COM 1013  
Credit Hours15
Total Credit Hours60

*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.

**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.

*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice.  Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor. 

Infant Toddler Studies Track Fall Start Academic Plan

Missouri Civics Examination.  Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.

PLEASE NOTE:  If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements.  Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.

Florissant Valley Only 

New PlanGrids
First Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 101 Foundations of Child and Family Development3Reading Proficiency
CFD 102 Child Growth and Development3Reading Proficiency
CFD 103 Child Nutrition, Health, and Safety3Reading Proficiency
CFD 104 Creative Experiences in Early Childhood3Reading Proficiency
ENG 101 College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079
Credit Hours15
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 106 Cognitive Development: Language and Literacy in Early Childhood3CFD 101 and CFD 102 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
CFD 107 Family/Community Support and Engagement3Reading Proficiency
CFD 201 Social and Emotional Development: Guidance and Discipline3Reading Proficiency
CFD 204 Principles of Curriculum Design: Preschool3CFD 101 and CFD 102 with minimum grades of a "C", and Reading Proficiency
MOTR Natural Science/Mathematics Requirement3 MTH 108 or higher or any MOTR Natural Science course.
Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 202 Cognitive Development: Math, Science, and Engineering for Young Children3CFD 102 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
CFD 205 Supervised Student Teaching Practicum: Preschool3CFD 101, CFD 102, CFD 104, and CFD 204 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
CFD 207 Supporting Cultural Awareness and Diversity3Reading Proficiency
CFD 108 Principles of Curriculum Design: Infants, Toddlers, and Two-Year-Olds3CFD 101 and CFD 102 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
XXX xxxSocial and Behavioral Science: Civics Requirement3  
Credit Hours15
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 110 Social Emotional Supports for Infants and Toddlers3CFD 101 and CFD 102 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation.
CFD 109 Supervised Student Teaching Practicum: Infants, Toddlers, and Two-Year-Olds3CFD 101, CFD 102, CFD 104, and CFD 108 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency
CFD 208 Child and Family Development Capstone: Portfolio Design3CFD 205 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
XXX xxxMOTR Social & Behavioral Science Elective3  
MOTR Humanities and Fine Arts or COM 1013  
Credit Hours15
Total Credit Hours60

*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.

**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.

*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice.  Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor. 

Infant Toddler Studies Track Spring Start Academic Plan

Missouri Civics Examination.  Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.

PLEASE NOTE:  If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements.  Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.

Forest Park Only

New PlanGrids
First Year
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 101 Foundations of Child and Family Development3Reading Proficiency
CFD 102 Child Growth and Development3Reading Proficiency
CFD 103 Child Nutrition, Health, and Safety3Reading Proficiency
CFD 104 Creative Experiences in Early Childhood3Reading Proficiency
ENG 101 College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079
Credit Hours15
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 106 Cognitive Development: Language and Literacy in Early Childhood3CFD 101 and CFD 102 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
CFD 107 Family/Community Support and Engagement3Reading Proficiency
CFD 201 Social and Emotional Development: Guidance and Discipline3Reading Proficiency
CFD 204 Principles of Curriculum Design: Preschool3CFD 101 and CFD 102 with minimum grades of a "C", and Reading Proficiency
MOTR Natural Science/Mathematics Requirement3 MTH 108 or higher or any MOTR Natural Science course.
Credit Hours15
Second Year
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 202 Cognitive Development: Math, Science, and Engineering for Young Children3CFD 102 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
CFD 205 Supervised Student Teaching Practicum: Preschool3CFD 101, CFD 102, CFD 104, and CFD 204 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
CFD 207 Supporting Cultural Awareness and Diversity3Reading Proficiency
CFD 108 Principles of Curriculum Design: Infants, Toddlers, and Two-Year-Olds3CFD 101 and CFD 102 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading Proficiency
XXX xxxSocial and Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement3  
Credit Hours15
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
CFD 110 Social Emotional Supports for Infants and Toddlers3CFD 101 and CFD 102 with minimum grades of "C", and Reading ProficiencyApply for graduation.
CFD 109 Supervised Student Teaching Practicum: Infants, Toddlers, and Two-Year-Olds3CFD 101, CFD 102, CFD 104, and CFD 108 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency
CFD 208 Child and Family Development Capstone: Portfolio Design3CFD 205 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
XXX xxxMOTR Social & Behavioral Science Elective3  
MOTR Humanities and Fine Arts or COM 1013  
Credit Hours15
Total Credit Hours60

*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.

**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.

*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice.  Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.