Program Application

Admission Requirements and Curriculum (catalog) 

AWARD OFFERED Associate in Applied Science Degree, Associate in Science, Certificate

Preschool teachers play a vital role in the development of children. What children learn and experience during their early years can shape their views of themselves and the world and can affect their later success or failure in school, work, and their personal lives. Preschool teachers use games, music, artwork, films, books, computers, and other tools to teach basic skills and introduce children to concepts in mathematics, language, science, and social studies. Teacher assistants provide instructional and clerical support for classroom teachers and tutor and assist children in learning class material using the teacher’s lesson plans. They record grades, set up equipment, and help prepare materials for instruction. Teacher assistants also are called teacher aides or instructional aides. Some assistants refer to themselves as paraeducators or paraprofessionals.

The Child Development Associate in Applied Science Degree program is designed to prepare students for employment in preschool programs. Graduates may be employed as teacher assistants in public kindergartens, as teachers or directors in private and preschool programs, and as teacher assistants in Head Start. Classes in this program are designed to meet the Alabama state minimum standard qualifications for a director, program director, and teacher in a licensed child care center.

The Associate in Science Degree program is designed for individuals who plan to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

The Child Development Certificate program offers the student background knowledge of all stages of child growth and development; training and practical experience in conducting all types of learning activities with children; knowledge and application of techniques in positive guidance and discipline, health, safety, and first aid practices, and a basic knowledge of the state minimum standards for daycare centers and homes.

Employment of teacher assistants is expected to grow by 10 percent between 2006 and 2016, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Median annual earnings of teacher assistants in May 2006 were $20,740. The middle 50 percent earned between $16,430 and $26,160 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $31,610. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Dee-Retha Preuitt, Program Director
256/352-8383
dpreuitt@wallacestate.edu