| 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.
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| Prerequisite Courses |
- FYES 1000
- 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.
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| 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.
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| Field Experiences |
The practicum and internship field experiences allow students to work with children and families throughout the semester. The practicum experience consists of 75 hours of classroom experience. The internship experience consists of two 6-credit hour courses and the courses may be taken concurrently, or over two semesters. Internship is only offered in spring and fall semesters. Students who currently work in an early childhood program or an elementary school may be able to complete their required field experience hours at their job site upon the program director’s approval.
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| 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.
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| Program Deadlines |
You may enter in the fall, spring, or summer term. |
| For more information, contact: |
Christy Mitchell, program director, CMitchell@GwinnettTech.edu, 678.226.6940. |
| 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 PPS-Team@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.
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