Child Development

Start your career in Child Development at Bevill State.

The Child Development program is designed to prepare students for employment as directors, teachers, auxiliary teachers, and aides in preschools, child development centers, daycares, public schools, and Head Start Programs. Courses in the Child Development program are designed to meet the State of Alabama Child Care Licensing and Performance Standards for Day Care Centers and Nighttime Centers requirements. Students are taught the essentials of designing a curriculum, creating lesson plans, and introducing activities appropriate for children. Students learn observation and assessment techniques, positive discipline, communication, as well as, CPR, first aid, safety, and nutrition.

This program is 100% online.

Did you know? Many join the Child Development program with the desire to become a Head Start teacher, Pre-K or daycare director or owner, or become certified to aid in the public school system.

Future Forecast: Median pay in 2021 is $47,310 for Preschool and Childcare Center Directors annually with 8% job growth expected through 2031. Median pay in 2021 is $30,210 for Preschool Teachers annually with 15% job growth expected through 2031 (Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook)

Child Development Program Requirements
All students in the Child Development Program are required to complete an Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry Clearance (CA/N) and a Criminal History Background Check prior to enrollment. The cost of the DHR Criminal History background check will be the responsibility of the student. If there are any substantiated findings against the applicant or if the applicant is deemed unsuitable by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) it will result in the student being denied enrollment in the Child Development program.

1. DHR Criminal History Background Check (PDF)

• The background check is a two-part process. Please see the attached instructions.
• To access the DHR Criminal Background check visit https://dhr.alabama.gov/quick-links/community-provider-links/office-of-criminal-history/.
• If you have completed your DHR Criminal History check within the last five years, please scan and email a PDF copy of your “Letter of Suitability” to Janina.nobles@bscc.edu.

2. DHR Child Abuse and Neglect Clearance form (CA/N) needs to be completed and returned as soon as possible. (PDF)

• When completing the form make sure to type or write legibly using black or blue ink.
• If a question doesn’t apply to you write N/A on that line.
• Make sure that you physically sign the form (no electronic signatures)
• Mail the original completed form to: Dr. Janina Nobles, Child Development Instructor & Program Advisor, P.O. Box 800, Sumiton, AL 35148.
• You can also drop your original signed form off at Student Services on all Bevill State campuses and ask that they send it to me through Intercampus Mail.

Program Options:
Bevill State Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and a Short-Term certificate in Child Development.
Associate in Applied Science Degree
Short-Term Certificate

Helpful Links:

• National Association for the Education of Young Children
• National Head Start Association
• Southern Early Childhood Education
• Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education
• Leadership in Child Care Scholarship
• T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship

For more information contact:
Janina L. Nobles, Ph.D.
Child Development Instructor & Program Advisor
janina.nobles@bscc.edu
800.648.3271 ext. 5710

Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosure

This program can lead to licensure or certification in the following states (PDF)