Contact Us:
Charles Quintela
Director of Teacher Education Programs
For students preparing for leadership or entrepreneurial roles in the early childhood workforce, particularly in childcare, Head Start, and early learning centers.
Pathway Overview
Students start with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Child Development, which focuses on hands-on early childhood practices, family engagement, and child guidance. They then advance to the Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and Teaching with a concentration in Child Development.
Career Opportunities
This pathway is designed for students not seeking teacher certification, but instead entering or advancing within the early care and education sector.
Graduates are prepared for:
- Childcare center director or site manager
- Head Start lead teacher or program coordinator
- Infant/toddler or preschool curriculum specialist
- Family childcare home owner/operator
- Quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) specialist or mentor teacher
Stackable Credentials
Students build from CDA (Child Development Associate) or Level 1/11 Certificates to the AAS, and then to the Bachelor's degree—allowing for incremental career advancement and wage increases.
Benefits of the Bachelor's ECET Child Development Pathway
- Emphasis on child development theory, program administration, and advocacy
- Aligns with TECPDS (Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System) and licensing standards
- Ideal for working professionals with flexible online and hybrid coursework
Disclaimer: Completion of either the Bachelor's ECET EC–3 or the Bachelor's ECET Child Development program does not result in automatic teacher certification. Graduates who wish to pursue teacher certification must apply to and complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) or Alternative Certification Program (ACP) following graduation.