Program Description
Are you passionate about helping young children grow and learn? The Child Development program offers everything you need to start a rewarding career.
Our program covers all aspects of child development training, including classroom management, child psychology, and effective teaching strategies. Our hands-on approach ensures you gain practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge.
In just two years, you can earn a child development degree that opens doors to various career opportunities. We provide a strong foundation for their future studies.
Our program also prepares you for additional education and certifications, making you a competitive candidate in the job market. With certification, you can pursue roles in preschools, daycare centers, and other educational settings.
We offer an 18 credit Early Childhood Development Certificate that can be completed completely online. If you have a current CDA Certification, that can reduce the number of credits for the Certificate to 12 total. This is a great way to increase your credentials in a short amount of time.
Our child development courses are designed to fit your schedule, whether you’re a full-time student or balancing work and study. We offer a range of early childhood development classes to ensure you receive a comprehensive education.
Explore a childhood education degree and understand the complexities of early childhood development. Our curriculum covers everything from developmental milestones to creating effective learning environments.
With our program, you’re not just earning a degree; you’re preparing for a fulfilling child development career. Our graduates are in high demand, thanks to our rigorous training and strong industry connections.
Join us and take the first step towards a rewarding career in child development. Explore our program today and see how we can help you achieve your educational and career goals.
Workforce services for eligible adults are available through this program authorized by Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Wages/Outlook/Advancement
Wage and Job Outlook information for this program are available at Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED). Job opportunities are available in child care centers, special needs programs, in home care (nanny), family child care, school-age care, recreational, and parent/child programs.
Upon completion of an articulated bachelor’s degree, there are expanded opportunities in early childhood programs, as well as the ability to teach through third grade in public school systems when a license is granted.
Hennepin Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a member of the HLC Academic Quality Improvement Program.
All faculty belong to National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and are affiliate members of:
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- MN Association for the Education of Young Children (MNAEYC)
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- Faculty are also members of Minnesota ACCESS (faculty of Child Development programs in Associate Degree programs) and participate in Project E-LECT, a child development consortium for online courses in Minnesota.
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- Our program also partners with T.E.A.C.H., which provides scholarships for students earning Associate degrees.
Articulations
An articulation agreement between Hennepin Tech and the following institutions will facilitate credit transfer of Hennepin Tech’s Child Development A.S. degrees toward a bachelor’s degree:
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- Southwest Minnesota State University: B.S. in Early Childhood Education. This bachelor’s degree is the first step to become licensed and teach through the third grade. To learn more about this partnership, please contact Mary Risacher to schedule a time to visit at either the Brooklyn Park or Eden Prairie campus.
USDE Professional Licensure Disclosure
The Hennepin Technical College Child Development curriculum is designed to help prepare students for employment in Minnesota. At this time, Hennepin Technical College is unable to make a determination if the Child Development programs meet the licensing requirements for any state or US protectorate. You will want to contact the licensing board in which state you intend to pursue licensure for their requirements, below we provide a link to a list of each state’s licensing board.
For more information on state licensing boards and their contact information for Child Development, please visit US Department of Education website.
Last reviewed 03/01/2025
Below are links to scholarship and financial aid resources for the child development program.