Program Contact Randy Gallaher
Lewis and Clark offers an Associate in Applied Science degree and several certificates in Child Development that prepares the graduate to serve as a lead teacher or director of a child development program. Lewis and Clark is an entitled institution through Gateways; therefore, students can earn a Gateways Credential through the program’s course work.
As a Lewis and Clark graduate, the student will have the confidence of practical experience. Child Development students use theory and application to design developmentally appropriate programs and curricula. All student projects are completed under the direction of instructors who feel a sense of responsibility to the field of child development as well as to the individual success of each Lewis and Clark student.
Program Learning Objectives
Introduce, maintain, and continue to grow standards of professional conduct and actively seek opportunities to grow professionally
Use their understanding of child development to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for each child
Plan, create, and implement learning opportunities and environments for the diverse learning needs of all children
Understand and articulate the purpose, benefits, and goals of assessments, observations, documentation, and other researched-based strategies in a responsible way, in partnership with families and other professionals, to positively impact the development of each child
Create respectful and reciprocal partnerships with families and communities that support and empower children and engage families in their children’s development and learning
Demonstrate knowledgeable, reflective and critical evaluations of their work, make informed decisions that integrate ethical guidelines, and advocate for comprehensive educational practices and policies
Nature of Work: The Child Development curriculum prepares students for employment as directors, teachers, and assistants in a variety of early childhood programs and as classroom assistants in the public schools.
Skills and Abilities: Students learn to plan, implement, and evaluate a wide variety of experiences designed to promote the language, intellectual, physical, and social/emotional development of young children.
Areas of responsibility include providing for the general safety and welfare of children, helping children acquire the intellectual and social skills necessary to relate to their peers and adults, and encouraging the physical skills to be strong, healthy children. A graduate of the Child Development program is trained to observe children, plan developmentally appropriate activities that encourage growth in all the developmental areas, and evaluate the children’s progress.
If a student receives a grade below a “C” in any Child Development (CHDV) course on two occasions, or in any two CHDV courses, that student will be dismissed from Lewis and Clark Community College’s Child Development program. A student must have a passing grade of A, B, or C in CHDV 234 the first time the course is attempted as a prerequisite for CHDV 271 and internship sites must be approved by the coordinator.
Notes: Students must have a grade of “C” or better in all CHDV classes to graduate with the A.A.S degree. Students must also have a favorable background check and physical for CHDV 234 and 271. Appropriate prerequisite courses should be taken if the student does not meet college English and reading levels as determined by the College Placement Test in order to enroll in all CHDV courses. Students enrolled in the certificate or the AAS degree program should carefully follow the sequence of classes listed in the catalog as some classes are only offered once a year. If you are interested in transferring to earn a bachelor degree in Early Childhood, please contact the program coordinator to find information on four-year school and required coursework.