Education and Child Development

The Education and Child Development Pathway is a good option for students who are enthusiastic for learning, value inquiry, and have strong interpersonal skills enabling them to develop respectful relationships with children and families.  Academic programs in this area can lead directly to careers in early childhood care and education, work as classroom assistants or paraprofessionals as well as those that require further education such as certified teacher, family services roles, or child life specialist.

Pathway Program

The Pathway Programs are designed to help students who are deciding on their academic and career goals to identify an area of interest. 

Pathway Degree with Education and Child Development Concentration, A.A.  

Career Programs

Career programs are designed to prepare students for employment or advancement in a specific career field.  

• Child Development (MTA Eligible), A.A.A.S.  
• Child Development, A.A.A.S.  
• Fast Track CDA Formal Training Hours Certificate   

Transfer Programs

Transfer Programs are designed to prepare students to transfer to a college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree. 

• Child Development, A.A.A.S. (Western Michigan University - Early Childhood General and Special Education: Birth through Kindergarten)  
• Child Development, A.A.A.S. (Western MI Univ - Child Dev. | Family Sci./Serv. | Youth/Com. Dev.)   
• Pre-Birth to Kindergarten, A.A. (Grand Valley State University)  
• Pre-Early Childhood Education, A.A. (Ferris State University)    
• Pre-Early Childhood General and Special Education & Lower Elementary Education: Birth through Grade 3, A.A. (Western Michigan University)  
• Pre-Elementary Education, A.A. (Ferris State University)   
• Pre-Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Elementary Teaching + Educational Studies, A.A. (Grand Valley State Univ)  

Need Help Deciding on a Career?

To assist you in navigating your options, here are a few resources:

The Center for Career and Professional Readiness – Visit this area for assistance with resume building and professional development resources designed to bridge the gap between education and employment.

Explore Careers – This interative tool allows you to browse various industries, view real-time market data and see which academic programs align with your specific career interestes.

FOCUS 2 is an online tool that will help you to identify careers based on your personal strengths and interests, as well as additional online career exploration resources.