Program Overview
Delta's Child Development Advanced Certificate prepares you for a position as an assistant teacher or teacher in early childhood education and care programs. Students learn to plan and implement high quality, developmentally appropriate programs for all ages of children, infants through school-age, in both centers and family childcare homes.
After you complete the Advanced Certificate program, you have the option to continue your education by earning an Associate Degree in the field. Delta also offers an entry-level Child Development Certificate of Achievement. It's called a 'laddered program' because the courses you take at Delta count toward the next step up: the Advanced Certificate or Associate Degree.
Earning Potential
Interested in a career in child development? Learn more about our region’s employment outlook and career opportunities you can pursue in this field of study.
Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing and overseeing play.
median annual salary
annual job openings
are currently employed within the State of Michigan Prosperity Regions 5 and 6.
This number is expected to over the next four years.
of current workers will reach retirement age within the next ten years.
Visit Career Coach for more details.
Instruct preschool-aged children in activities designed to promote social, physical and intellectual growth needed for primary school in preschool, day care center or other child development facility. May be required to have a State certification.
median annual salary
annual job openings
are currently employed within the State of Michigan Prosperity Regions 5 and 6.
This number is expected to over the next four years.
of current workers will reach retirement age within the next ten years.
Visit Career Coach for more details.
Plan, direct or coordinate the academic and nonacademic activities of preschool and childcare centers or programs.
median annual salary
annual job openings
are currently employed within the State of Michigan Prosperity Regions 5 and 6.
This number is expected to over the next four years.
of current workers will reach retirement age within the next ten years.
Visit Career Coach for more details.
About Delta's Program
Delta College’s child development program foundation courses include infant and toddler development, psychology, teaching practicum, childcare program management and first aid. Your education in child development will include gaining the respect, confidence and cooperation of children, maintaining discipline and responding to emergency situations. You will spend 300 hours (over several different courses) working with children from birth to age eight in a variety of settings.
Laddered certificate program
Child Development - Certificate of Achievement – Program code: CSZ.35760
Delta College also offers an entry-level Child Development Certificate of Achievement. It's called a 'laddered program' because the courses you take here count toward the next step up – the Advanced Certificate or Associate Degree.
In addition, the courses taken to complete the Certificate of Achievement can also count toward the required hours of formal training required for your CDA credential.
It's also a great way to explore the career field or gain skills to accompany another
human services, education or health care degree.
The Child Development Program at Delta College is accredited by the Commission on
the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association
for the Education of Young Children.
The current accreditation term runs from September 2019 through September 2026.
All CD 110W, CD 113W, CD 115W and CD 117W students must complete the following and submit the appropriate documentation to the program coordinator:
- TB Skin Test. You must submit evidence of freedom from communicable tuberculosis
- Criminal background check
- DHS Child Abuse/Neglect clearance check
- Employment and volunteer contract (practicum agreement)
In addition, a Child Development information session is held in December, April and August. Students must attend one of these sessions. Be sure you notify Academic Advising Office to state your major as CD.
CD 110W and CD 113W each require 30 hours of volunteer work at a licensed childcare program. CD 115W requires 90 hours and CD 117W requires 150 hours of teaching in a licensed program other than your current employment site. CD 115W and CD 117W must be unpaid and outside of your work schedule. More information will be given at the information sessions.
Why you should choose Delta
The Delta College child development program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). As a result, the curriculum for the associate’s degree is aligned with the standards issued by the NAEYC and involves rigorous assessment and program and peer evaluations.
Life is busy. But that shouldn't get in the way of your education. Delta offers classes at night, on weekends and online to make taking classes and getting that degree easier. Plus, Delta has three centers so you can take classes even closer to home.
You can get hands-on experience in your field while you're working toward that degree. I know. It's awesome! Plus, you'll even get paid. That's co-op! Check it out.
At the Teaching Learning Center, located in the Library, we offer tutoring on a wide variety of subjects, and help with developing study and learning skills. Most tutoring is on a walk-in basis but we do have some online tutoring options.
Best of all, it's free for currently enrolled Delta students. Just another way we demonstrate our commitment to helping students succeed.
The specially-designed courses emphasize creative and critical thinking, providing a unique learning experience. You have more exploration of the subject area with increased faculty and student interaction. Make the most of your Delta experience. Join Honors!
Want to travel and see the world? You can do that at Delta. And get college credit while you do. Every year Delta offers study abroad opportunities.
Why study abroad?
- Experience a new culture
- Improve your foreign language skills
- Make lifelong friends
- Find new interests
- Looks good on job applications
- Personal growth
Facts & Figures
With a student to professor ratio of 16 to 1, our students get personal attention.
95% of our professors have a master’s degree or higher.