Child Development

Malcolm X College Mission Statement

The mission of Malcolm X College is to provide accessible liberal arts and health-focused education that fosters personal and professional achievement.

Child Development Program Mission Statement 

The mission of the Child Development Program is to prepare students of diverse backgrounds and abilities with the knowledge and practical experience necessary to foster developmentally appropriate experiences for young children.  In order to accomplish this mission, the Child Development Program has adopted the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) associate degree standards.  These standards are the foundation our curriculum and the core of our accountability, ensuring the program meets its objectives and students achieve their learning outcomes.

The Child Development Program has adopted the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) associate degree standards. These standards are the foundation our curriculum and the core of our accountability, ensuring the program meets its objectives and students achieve their learning outcomes. The Child Development Program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC); it is the premier accrediting and advocacy organization for early childhood education programs and teachers.                       

Program Overview

The A.A.S. Child Development: Pre-School-Education program is a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree that focuses on the study of children from birth through age eight by focusing on their physical, intellectual, and emotional development.

About the Profession                         

Graduates of the Child Development Program work with young children and families in preschools, child care centers, home-based child care centers, Head Start Programs, as well as after-school, recreational, and religious programs designed for young children. Early childhood educators’ roles depend on the setting in which they work. Preschool teachers and child care providers provide care and education for groups of children under the supervision of a director who handles administrative and program development responsibilities. Teacher assistants and aides help with individual or small group instruction of children, in addition to handling routine tasks that allow lead teachers more time for instruction. Preschool teachers introduce young children to formal learning through planning and executing a developmentally appropriate curriculum.   

Careers in Child Development

• Preschool Teacher
• Assistant Teacher
• Teacher’s Aide
• Child Care Professional
• Paraprofessional
• Afterschool/ Group worker

To prepare students of diverse backgrounds and abilities with the knowledge and practical experience necessary to foster developmentally appropriate experiences for young children, the Child Development Program has adopted the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) associate degree standards. These standards are the foundation our curriculum and the core of our accountability, ensuring the program meets its objectives and students achieve their learning outcomes.                                            

Gateways to Opportunity Credentials                          

City Colleges of Chicago’s certificate and degree programs in Early Childhood Education, Human Development and Family Studies, Infant Toddler, and Director are entitled for credentials through the Illinois Gateway to Opportunity Professional Development System. For more information see Illinois Gateways to Opportunity’s website.     

Scholarship Opportunity for Current Childcare Workers   

Do you currently work with children ages birth – 5 years in a family-based or center-based childcare program?

​​​​​​​​​​