The document summarizes Carl Sandburg College's Child Development program which provides students with the experience and training to work with young children. The two-year Associate in Applied Science degree program meets Illinois requirements to work as a child care center director, teacher, or group worker. Students gain hands-on experience in the College's lab school under qualified staff, developing the ability to nurture and educate young children. Child care workers help children ages 6 weeks to 12 years develop physically, emotionally, intellectually and socially in centers, schools, and households. The field has good job prospects due to the rise in working parents needing child care.

1. ChildDevelopmentwww.sandburg.edu

2. CHILDDEVELOPMENTCarl Sandburg College offers a program in Child Development that provides students with the experience and training necessary to work with young children in nursery schools, child care centers, Head Start, and in after school child care programs.

3. Associate in Applied ScienceThis two-year Associate in Applied Science degree program provides the educational background required by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to serve as a director, teacher, or group worker in a child care center. It is also an option for those wishing to become instructional aides in the public schools. The pursuit of this program or parts of it can be beneficial to those interested in starting their own home child care. Almost every Child Development course has students interacting with young children. Students participate in the College’s lab school under the direction of highly qualified professional staff. This hands-on experience allows students to practice skills and techniques reflective of what is learned in the coursework. Throughout the program students develop their ability to nurture as well as educate young children.

4. Nature of the WorkChild care workers nurture and educate children 6 weeks to 12 years of age in child care centers, nursery schools, preschools, and private households. Most child care workers perform a combination of basic care and teaching duties. Through many basic care activities, child care workers provide opportunities for children to learn. They assess children’s levels of development and interests to develop activities that stimulate the children’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and social growth. Child care workers capitalize on children’s play to further language development, improve social and motor skills, and enhance cognitive skills.

5. Working ConditionsThe working hours of child care workers vary widely. Child care centers usually are open year round with extended hours so that parents can drop off and pick up children before and after work. Most child care centers employ full-time and part-time staff with staggered hours to cover the entire day. Some programs, such as nursery schools and Head Start, operate on a "school year" calendar.EmploymentThere are many openings due to the increase in the number of working parents. This creates an environment of good demand for child care workers. Qualified persons who are interested in this work have little trouble finding and keeping a job. To learn more about the admission requirements and application process for this program, please call (309) 341-5229.

6. CSC Advantages• Small class size allows individual attention• The supervised lab facilities for each campus provide opportunities for both observation and interaction with young children• Day and evening classes offered to accommodate students who attend school and work part-time• Quality education at an affordable priceSpecial NeedsCarl Sandburg College complies with all applicable federal and state non-discrimination laws, orders, and regulations. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the Affirmative Action Officer.Facilities are accessible for people with physical disabilities. Persons requiring special accommodations should make their needs known at the time of registration by contacting the Academic Support Services Office at (309) 341-5262.

7. Cost & Financial AidFor current tuition and fees, please refer to our Web site at www.sandburg.edu. A variety of scholarships, loans, grants, and other forms of financial aid are available to qualified applicants. For information contact the Financial Aid Office at (309) 341-5283.Mission StatementOPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEEDThe mission of Carl Sandburg College is to provide accessible, quality education in a caring environment by keeping the learner’s needs at the center of decision making and by working in partnership with communities of the College district.2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.Galesburg, IL 61401www.sandburg.edu(309) 341-5229Toll Free (877) 236-1862, ext. 5229