The Child Development Department's purpose is to prepare knowledgeable and competent professionals who work directly with young children and their families in a variety of roles in early care and education settings.

A continuum of educational offerings, from informal to formal, beginning with continuing education workshops and culminating in the AAS degree in Child Development is provided. A Certificate in Child Development and two CDA Training Programs, providing a Marketable Skills Award, are also offered.

The Child Development Department administers two other programs that support the preparation of competent early care and education professionals:

The National Association for the Education of Young Children accredited Children's Laboratory School serves as a demonstration site for Child Development students and community child care workers.

Teacher TRAC provides scholarships for child care employees who live in or work in Travis County.

Conceptual Framework