Child and Family Development, Associate in Applied Science

Florissant Valley, Forest Park and Meramec

The Child and Family Development program offers students a variety of degree options and pathways of study. 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 education standards for Associate Degree programs set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). 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 preschool programs, laboratory schools, elementary schools, and community nursery schools. 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.

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. exhibit knowledge of child development, including young children's characteristics and needs, influences on development and learning.
2. demonstrate an understanding of diverse family and community characteristics by developing positive relationships with family and community members.
3. develop evidence of appropriate child assessments, including observation, documentation, anecdotal records and other assessment tools.
4. reflect on effective strategies for teaching, learning and connecting with children and families..
5. organize content knowledge to create meaningful, individualized and challenging curricula for each child.
6. appraise his/her role as an ethical, collaborative, knowledgeable, reflective and informed early childhood professional and advocate.

Program of Study