Care & Development of Young Children Program

Division of Health Science & Nursing

Program Mission

The mission of the Care and Development of Young Children Program is to prepare our students to implement developmentally appropriate practice, maintain strong family and community relationships, rely on appropriate assessment procedures when making decisions, continue to learn and practice effective early childhood education methods, and grow as early childhood professionals.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the Care and Development of Young Children Program will be able to:

  • Create a developmentally appropriate learning and curriculum-based activities for young children.
  • Integrate ethical and professional standards towards establishing a supportive and responsive childcare environment. 
  • Develop a positive relationship with each child reflective of their characteristics, needs, and multiple interacting influences on child development. 
  • Facilitate effective learning and development through observation, documentation, and assessment strategies. 
  • Apply evidence-based practices to support the development of students with disabilities.

Student achievement related to Program Learning Outcomes is assessed systematically and results are made available on the Program Review webpage

Campuses/Sites Offered

  • Hammond Area Campus (Hammond)
  • Sullivan Campus (Bogalusa)

Technical Diploma in Care and Development of Young Children

The following criteria must be satisfied towards completion of the Technical Diploma:

Required Courses23
Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) in Childcare Teacher24
Total Hours47

Required Courses:

CDYC 1130Child Guidance and Behaviors3
CDYC 1230Family Relationships & Issues3
CDYC 1330Literature/Language Methods3
CDYC 1332Preschool Methods3
CDYC 1410Children With Special Needs3
CDYC 1420Organization & Administration3
CDYC 2211Practicum In CDYC5
Total Hours23

Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) in Child Care Teacher:

CDYC 1110Working With Young Children3
CDYC 1120Health, Safety & Nutrition3
CDYC 1151Observation/Participation Lab3
CDYC 1210Growth/Devlop of Young Childre3
CDYC 1220Infant/Todd Care & Curriculum3
CDYC 1241Infant/Toddler Lab3
CDYC 1320Preschool Curriculum3
CDYC 1341Preschool Lab3
Total Hours24

Additional Exit Points:

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Technical Studies

The highest exit point in the Care and Development of Young Children program is the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Technical Studies. To qualify, students must complete the General Education Core and the Technical Diploma (TD) in Care and Development of Young Children. Requirements for exit points and completion are outlined below.

General Education Core15
Technical Diploma in Care and Development of Young Children47
Total Hours62

Career and Technical Certificate (CTC) in Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Care:

CDYC 1110Working With Young Children3
CDYC 1210Growth/Devlop of Young Childre3
CDYC 1320Preschool Curriculum3
Total Hours9

Special Comments:

  • Anticipated program length for the completion of the highest level exit point is 2 years. 

  • Program requirements must be completed with a programmatic grade point average of 2.0 or higher and grade of "C" or higher in all applicable coursework.

Career Information


Career Opportunities

To learn more about careers related to the Care & Development of Young Children program, including salary range and job demand, click the link below.

► Click here for related Career Opportunity Information

Career Services Resources

Need help guiding your career planning efforts? Review the resources below from the NTCC Career Services Office: