“Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.”
– Rita Pierson.
Education
The Associate in Arts degree program in Child Development is a comprehensive and rigorous program developed to prepare adults for work in the early care and education field. The program provides a deep understanding of a child’s emotional, cognitive, physical, and social development from infancy through preschool. Our students graduate with a solid foundation, ready to design and implement developmentally appropriate curricula, communicate clearly, apply observation-based teaching methods, and offer behavioral guidance to students in their classrooms.
We also offer two certificates: a Certificate of Mastery in Child Development and a Certificate of Administration and Management of Child Care Programs. Our coursework also allows students to apply for the CDA through the Prep Micro-credential. All coursework for the certificates is part of the Associate in Arts degree, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals.
Classes are offered in various formats, including online, live (Zoom), and on campus.
All Child Development courses are online.
- Associates of Arts in Child Development
- Certificate in Administration and Management in Child Development
- Certificate of Mastery in Child Development
- CDA Preparation Micro-Credential
Careers in Early Childhood Education
Head Start, Early Head Start, or Child Care Teacher Median Salary – $30,000 Annually
A Head Start, Early Head Start, or Child Care teacher works with young children, including infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and is responsible for their well-being and early learning and education while parents are at work. This position requires patience, compassion, responsibility, strong organizational skills, and a background in early childhood education.
Head Start & Early Head Start Director Median Salary – $35,000 to $ 47,000 Annually
Directors supervise and lead their staff, design program plans, oversee daily activities, and prepare budgets.
Child and Family Advocate with Social Service Agency – $ 30,000 Annually
Child and family advocates identify families and children in need of social services and implement program activities to meet those needs. Many positions require a Bachelor’s degree
Public School Teachers’ Aide/Assistant – Median Salary – $30,000 Annually
Teacher assistants work alongside a licensed teacher to provide students with additional attention and instruction.
Child Care Resource and Referral Assistant – $30,000 Annually
Various duties include coordinating family referrals for childcare, providing technical assistance, and training childcare staff.
Scholarships
The ECCD department is pleased to partner with the Scholars for Excellence in Child Care Program, funded by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and administered through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Through the Scholars program, qualifying students receive 90% of their tuition/fees paid, as well as 100% of their textbooks paid. For additional information, please contact Jayme Elam, Scholar Coordinator, by email or telephone at jayme.elam@noc.edu or 580.628.6920.
Transferability of Earned Degree
The Child Development program prepares students for future personal growth and advancement in education and career development. The Associate of Arts Degree (AA) in Child Development is part of an agreement with the University of Central Oklahoma and Southeastern Oklahoma State University, which allows the earned AA degree to be applied directly to a Bachelor’s degree program. Students may use the earned AA toward a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences with a focus on Child Development from the University of Central Oklahoma or a Bachelor of Science in Early Intervention and Child Development from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Contacts:
Ashely Kruse
Child Development Instructor
Northern Oklahoma College
615 N. Monroe, Office 438
Stillwater, OK 74078
580.628.6957
ashley.kruse@noc.edu