The Child Development Degree Program
The Child Development Degree Program at Southeastern University offers the Associate of Arts (A.A.) and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees in child development, providing a comprehensive background in the theoretical and practical approaches to early childhood education within the context of children's diverse cognitive, linguistic, physical, social, emotional, and cultural needs. Southeastern University is committed to promoting excellence in education and the continual upgrading of professional competencies of early childhood educators at all levels. Southeastern University is a partner in The District of Columbia Early Care and Education Professional Development System.
The program also offers a certificate in Child Care Leadership and Management.
Southeastern University is a private, accredited, non-profit university offering Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Business Management, Computer Science, Technology, Public Administration and Liberal Studies. The YMCA founded the University in 1879 and it was chartered by an act of the US Congress in 1937.
Objective of the Program
The Child Development degree program is designed to prepare qualified students to become teachers, assistant teachers, directors, or family care providers in the important developing field of professional child care. This program equips students with skills and competencies to work effectively with young children in a variety of educational settings. The curriculum will prepare care givers to improve their interaction with young children, demonstrate developmentally appropriate practices, improve quality of care these children receive, enriching their environment and thereby enhancing their development. Instruction is designed to be practical and supplemented with field observations, internships, laboratories, workshops and seminars. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is prepared for leadership, employment and/or further education.
Academic Requirements
61 credit hours are required for the Associate of Arts Degree in Child Development.
121 credit hours are required for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child Development.
The Associate of Arts and the Bachelor of Arts degree programs are designed for the student who wishes to pursue a career in the growing fields of:
- Child Care
- Early Childhood Education
- Special Education
- Child and Family Social Services
- Family Care Providers
This program meets the needs of adults working in:
- Daycare Centers
- Head Start Programs
- Child Development Centers
- Pre-School Programs
- School-Aged Care Programs
- Home Based Care
The Associate and Bachelor of Arts programs complement the competency requirements for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials.
Prior Learning Assessment by Portfolio
Students whose personal and professional experiences provide evidence of mastery of college-level subjects may find portfolio assessment an appropriate method to gain credit for their prior knowledge and skills. Completion of training certificates (such as the Child Development Associate CDA) is considered evidence of learning experience worthy of credit. The completed portfolio is reviewed and evaluated by the transcript evaluator who determines if and how much credit is to be awarded.
If interested in this program, you may contact the program coordinator at (202) 478-8200 ext. 333 or wcampbell@seu.edu.
