Child Development

Child Development is the study of the physical, socioemotional, and cognitive growth and development of the child from conception through adolescence. The purposes of this major are to provide a sound academic program in Child Development and prepare students to work with children and families in a variety of school and community settings.

First Class Pre-K at C.A. Fredd Campus

• Step-by-Step Registration Instructions
• Registration – Online applications for the lottery drawing will be accepted until March 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Applications received after this time will automatically be moved to the waiting list.
• For more information, contact Holly Glasgow at 205.391.2689 or hglasgow@sheltonstate.edu.

Educational Options

• Associate in Applied Science
• Certificate
• Short-term Certificate

What can I earn?

The national average for annual earnings is $19,700 and the hourly earnings is $9.48. The top 10% annual earnings is $30,100 and the hourly earnings is $14.46.

Your future

Employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected due to a continued focus on the importance of early childhood education.