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Teacher Aide/Child Development Programs
Overview
The Child Development Program is designed to prepare paraprofessionals for a career in child care. The curriculum includes the cognitive areas of theory, history of child development, psychology and sociology as they relate to the developing infant. Additionally, training will include practical areas of internships, functioning with a variety of appropriate media, constructing lesson plans and materials and planning activities appropriate to the age levels designated. The program is designed to satisfy state requirements for positions as child care aide, teacher assistant and child care director.
This program has been articulated with some area high schools. Recent high school graduates may have earned credit in this program through high school coursework.
NOTE: All students who intend to be an elementary or secondary school teacher must plan their programs at South Suburban College very carefully in order to ensure that:
- they transfer without loss of credit to the senior institution of their choice.
- they fulfill the new General Education requirements for teacher certification by the State of Illinois.
What will I learn in class?
This program will prepare you for employment in a childcare facility, elementary school, secondary school, in-home day care setting or government agency day care setting. Courses range from the history of education to prenatal growth and development and the administration of childcare settings.
You will gain experience with children who need your help in reading, math, social studies and cultural arts. You will experience the challenge of helping children who need that "extra advantage" to succeed. Direct field experience, through two internships, will allow you to work with professionals in the field and learn those practical approaches and techniques that will help make you a successful paraprofessional.
Can I start with just a few courses and work toward a degree or certificate?
Yes, South Suburban College's Teacher Aide/Child Development/Professional Nanny program is structured to help you meet your career goals. You can enroll in courses offered during both day and evening hours to meet even the busiest schedule. The program can be completed on either a full-time or a part-time basis.
What is the employment outlook?
The U.S. Department of Labor projects employment in this paraprofessional field to be excellent. However, fluctuations in the state of the economy must always be considered in making a career choice. Entry level positions range from $6.00 to $10.50 per hour, with experienced individuals being paid at higher rates and with benefits.
South Suburban College's Educational Guarantee
As an expression of pride, confidence and accountability in our education and work force preparation, South Suburban College guarantees the technical skill competency of all Associate of Applied Science degree graduates. If a graduate is judged by an employer to be lacking in entry-level skills, the student is entitled to up to 25 percent tuition-free credit hours of additional skill retraining.
What do current students and graduates think of the program?
"I have always had a love for children. There was an opportunity for me to work with children through my church. I wanted to advance my education. I thought I knew everything there was to know about children. The Child Development/Teacher Aide program at SSC taught me so much about the developmental stages children go through. I am now assistant director and teacher at Cornerstone Learning Center in Tinley Park." -Tina Konieczki, Associate of Applied & Science degree student in Child Development /Teacher Aide
Teacher Aide/Child Development Program Links
General Education Links
For More Information
Download the Teacher Aide Brochure
Contact Donna Walker, Teacher Aid/Child Development Program Coordinator at (708) 596-2000 ext. 2659.