Our  program prepares students with theory based, hands-on early childhood teacher education enabling them to provide developmentally appropriate care and teaching practices in settings designed for young children.

Our awards and certificates are aligned with current Child Development Permit requirements for teachers of young children. Successful completion of our courses enables students to meet state certification requirements for early childhood teachers and prepares them for transfer to four year child development and early childhood education programs to further their educational and career goals. Additionally, we offer courses designed to prepare students for entry into the K-12 setting.

Our faculty are highly trained and many are current practitioners in the early childhood and elementary education fields. Students have many opportunities to apply their learning in our nationally accredited child development lab school as well as in the classrooms of our local Mentor Teachers.

All CDES courses are offered on campus as well as online and there are morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend courses.  Check the current course schedule to find the schedule that meets your needs. More information about our Online program can be found under the CDES Online link to the left.

Students are encouraged to apply for both the college certificate or degree as well as the State Child Development Permit.