Child Care and Development

Mission and Goals

The Child Development Early Childhood (CDEC) program is designed to provide instruction and field experience necessary for the successful care and guidance of young children from birth to five years of age. Emphasis is on the importance of early childhood education and high-quality care of children.

Program Overview

The curriculum leading to the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and Certificate of Proficiency Level 1 in Child Care and Development prepares students for the successful care and guidance of young children. Students completing the CDEC program are prepared to work with children in childcare centers, preschools, family care settings, early intervention programs, and Head Start programs. Childcare professions rapidly expanding, and this program may be a good fit for students who enjoy working around children, have strong communication skills, and like new challenges.

NOTE: The Texas Southmost College Child Development Academic Program requires all child development students enrolling in a child development laboratory course to obtain a criminal background check, affidavit, and TB test at their own expense. Students must fill out and submit a Background Student Information Form and a Background Check Consent Form to the Raul J. Guerra Child Development Center or call (956) 295-3701 or (956) 295-3702 for more information.