Child Care—About the Program

In Moraine Valley Community College's Child Care Program, you can prepare for a career in early childhood development. It provides management skills needed to work as a director or teacher in private kindergartens, preschools, daycare centers, and special programs.

As a part of the program, you will learn about the growth and development of children from infancy to age 8. Emphasis is placed on creating a stimulating environment that enhances the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of young children.

Moraine Valley's program covers techniques for planning programs and evaluating students and staff. Social and economic factors contributing to deprivation in early childhood are also examined. You will learn to design and manage educational programs in areas such as music, science, mathematics, art, and language.

This program combines classroom instruction, laboratory exercises, and field experience at the college's Children's Learning Center.

Upon successful completion of your studies, you will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree in child care. Moraine Valley's Child Care Program meets the requirements developed by the Department of Children and Family Services. Moraine Valley's Children's' Learning Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Moraine Valley Community College offers the Director's Credential Level I.

Nature of the Work
The program trains you for employment in child care and day care centers as teachers, aides, and directors. Directors must be at least 21 years old; teachers must be 19 years old.