AAS-CDAS - Care and Development of Young Children, Associate of Applied Science

The Care and Development of Young Children (CDYC) program prepares students for careers in early childhood education by developing the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to support the growth, learning, and development of children from birth through age five. Students gain a strong foundation in child development, developmentally appropriate practices, curriculum planning, health and safety, family engagement, observation and assessment, child guidance in and administration of early childhood programs. The CDYC program prepares graduates for employment in child care centers, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, pre-kindergarten programs, family child care homes, and other early learning environments. Graduates may pursue positions such as early childhood teacher, preschool teacher, infant and toddler teacher, teacher assistant, or child care center administrator, depending on credential level and experience. Coursework emphasizes hands-on learning through field experiences in high-quality early childhood settings, providing opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world environments. The program aligns with Louisiana's early childhood workforce standards and supports the preparation of competent, reflective professionals who are committed to providing high-quality care and education for young children and their families. The Care and Development of Young Children program offers stackable credentials that allow students to build their education and career pathway while entering the workforce at multiple points. Students may earn a Career and Technical Certificate and Technical Diploma before completing the Associate of Applied Science degree, with each credential applying toward the next level of study. The Career and Technical Certificate serves as a 3 course credential for a Child Development Associate (CDA) upon completion of a Verification Visit and CDA test with the Council of Professional Recognition. Graduates of the Technical Diploma and Associate of Applied Science are eligible to apply to the Louisiana Department of Education for the Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate (ECAC), which qualifies individuals to serve as lead teachers in publicly funded early learning centers. Graduates may also choose to continue their education by transferring to a bachelor's degree program in early childhood education or a related field.