Programs of Study
Child Development
About the Program
Gadsden State Community College’s Child Development Program is designed for those who have a desire to work with children from infancy through adolescence. The program will give students the knowledge they need to understand and teach young children at a day care center or equip them with the foundation needed to continue their education at a four-year university. Students can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree that requires 66 hours of courses while a short-term certificate is available and requires 27 hours. Program courses are offered on the Ayers and Wallace Drive campuses.
Career Paths
| Department of Human Resources (DHR) | Even Start | Auxiliary Teacher in an Office of School Readiness (OSR) PreK |
| Private Daycare Teacher | Public School Aide | Public School Paraprofessional |
| Childcare Director | Head Start Teacher | Head Start Assistant Teachers |
| Early Head Start Teachers | Early Head Start Assistant Teachers |
Program Options
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Child Development (66 credit hours)
Short-term Certificate Child Development (27 credit hours)
Students may transfer to a four-year University and pursue a Bachelors Degree in:
Human Development and Family Science/ Studies with a specialization in Child Development
Early Childhood Education
Human Development and Family Studies, concentration in Child Life
Which program is the best fit for you?
| Career choice | Consider this program |
|
• Substitute teacher or before/after school provider • Assistant teacher in First Class Pre-K |
Short-term Certificate |
|
• Head Start/Early Head Start teacher • Family Child Care provider, teacher, director • Child Care Center teacher or assistant • Child Care Center Director, Assistant Director, Manager • Assistant teacher in a public school |
Associate in Applied Science in Child Development |
Instructors and Faculty
Mrs. Gwen Ford
Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in Business - The University of Alabama
Masters in Elementary Education - The University of West Alabama
Masters in Early Education - The University of West Alabama
39 Credit Hours- English- The University of Alabama
Mrs. Hannah Badgett
Bachelor of Science Degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education (Birth-6th grade) The University of Alabama
Masters in Elementary Education, Curriculum & Instruction- The University of Alabama
Educational Specialist Degree in Elementary Education, Curriculum & Instruction- The University of Alabama
Both of our instructors bring a passion for child development and a commitment to student success into every class they teach. With extensive experience in child development, curriculum planning, and family engagement, they both connect research-based practices to real-world classroom experiences. Their lectures are interactive, engaging, and designed to encourage critical thinking, allowing students to actively participate in discussions and apply concepts to authentic situations. Both Mrs. Ford and Mrs.Badgett are dedicated to preparing future educators with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to make a positive impact on young children and their families.
Scholarships
Next steps
Please contact an advisor to get started today. We would love to assist you with getting started registering for classes or anything you may need!
Wallace Drive Campus (Gadsden)
Ayers Campus (Annistion)
Gwen Ford
256-549-8335
gford@gadsdenstate.edu
Hannah Badgett
256-549-8406
hbadgett@gadsdenstate.edu