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Associate of Science

Child Development (A.A.S.)

The Child Development program is a two‑year degree that prepares you for careers in early childhood education. You’ll learn how to work in child care centers, preschools, and kindergarten to support young learners.
Request more information about the Child Development program and discover how BYU-Idaho can help you reach your goals.

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The Child Development program will prepare students to support children’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development while creating safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environments.

Students develop skills in:

  • Understanding child development from infancy through early childhood 
  • Designing curriculum using Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) 
  • Creating hands-on, play-based learning experiences 
  • Building positive relationships with children and families 
  • Maintaining ethical and well-organized early childhood programs 

Highlighted Courses

If you are interested in Professional Preschool Education, start with one of the following major-specific courses:
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CHILD 210
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CHILD 230
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CHILD 300
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CHILD 310
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FAML 320
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CHILD 350
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CHILD 375
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CHILD 440
See Example Class Plan

Graduate Career-Ready

Graduates with a degree in Professional Preschool Education have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.

BYU-Idaho Graduate Salaries

Graduates from this associate program report competitive early career salaries ranging from $35,000 to $45,000 within early childhood centers and community service agencies. This degree provides a fast track to stable employment where your practical skills in child advocacy and development are highly valued by employers.

Common Career Paths

You will be prepared for essential roles such as a preschool teacher, early intervention aide, or youth program coordinator in Head Start and childcare settings. This program emphasizes hands on experience and observation skills to ensure you are workforce ready for direct work with children and families immediately upon graduation.

Preparation for Grad School

This associate degree serves as a primary steppingstone for students who wish to transition confidently into a Bachelor of Science in Child Development or Social Work. You will build the academic foundation in developmental theory and applied learning required to pursue advanced professional training and leadership roles in the future.

AI in Academics

At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world.

AI in Child Development
You will learn to leverage artificial intelligence as a supportive tool to strengthen your understanding of developmental concepts and enhance your professional communication with families. Our curriculum ensures that AI preparation complements the essential human skills of observational empathy and relationship based practice that are the heart of effective child development.
Advance Knowledge, Enhancing Learning, and Developing Workforce Readiness
AI in Academics means learning to advance knowledge, enhancing learning, and developing workforce readiness through tools that support (not replace) your effort and integrity.

Related Majors

Next Steps With BYU-Idaho

Explore how to begin your academic journey at BYU-Idaho by starting your application today.
Learn how to update your academic path with simple instructions for requesting a major change.

Learn More About the Child Development Program

Request more information about the Child Development program and discover how BYU-Idaho can help you reach your goals.

Request More Information