2022-2023 Course Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
    Dec 26, 2024  
2022-2023 Course Catalog and Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Child Development Specialist Certificate Program Fact Sheet


What is a Child Development Specialist? The purpose of this technical certificate is to provide the necessary skills for entry-level employment as a child development specialist. Skill areas include planning a safe and healthy learning environment, steps to advance children’s physical and intellectual development, positive ways to support social and emotional development, and strategies to build relationships with families.
Degree and Certificates

This certificate does not qualify for Federal financial aid as it does not meet the minimum hour requirements.

Prerequisite Courses
  1. FYES 1000  
  2. Diploma level proficiency in English, reading and math are required to take ECCE technical courses.  Please refer to course descriptions in the online catalog for specific prerequisites.
Semester Program Begins Fall, spring, or summer
Application Process Applicants to the Early Childhood Care and Education program must meet all admission requirements; complete an application and pay the application fee.  Individuals apply to Gwinnett Technical College at GwinnettTech.edu, submit all transcripts from high school and previous college work, and take the ACCUPLACER test, if required.
 
Field Experiences ECCE 1121/ Practicum
The D. Scott Hudgens Jr Early Learning Center is a state of the art campus lab school, located on the Lawrenceville campus, where ECCE 1121  students engage with children and families for 75 hours throughout the semester.  The students are mentored by highly qualified teachers at the lab school.  Students at the Alpharetta North Fulton Campus will complete their practicum experience at a Bright Horizons early learning center.
 
Practicum and Internship Requirements All Early Childhood Care and Education students are required to submit a completed state and federal criminal records background check prior to enrolling in ECCE 1121  , ECCE 2245  and ECCE 2246 .  To be employed in child care centers, public schools, or Head Start centers, an individual must have a satisfactory criminal records check.  Persons who have been convicted of a felony offense are not employable in the child care field.
 
Program Deadlines You may enter in the fall, spring, or summer term.
For more information, contact: Jennifer Roberts, Program Director, JRoberts@GwinnettTech.edu, 678.226.6741. 
For admission and enrollment, contact: Enrollment Support Center in Building 100 at the Lawrenceville campus, or Building A at the Alpharetta-North Fulton campus, or email EducationTeam@GwinnettTech.edu.

Gwinnett Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Lisa Richardson, Title IX, and Section 504 Coordinator, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Building 100, Room 407, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, 678-226-6691, LRichardson@GwinnettTech.edu.