Associate of Arts in Child Care & Guidance
Program Overview
The Associate Degree in Child Care and Guidance equips students with the knowledge and skills to work with children in various settings. The program includes required courses in child development, family theories, and learning theory, as well as additional requirements in areas such as human biology, English, and psychology. Graduates are prepared for careers in child care, early intervention, and other related fields.
Program Outline
Outline:
- Required Courses (39 Hours):
- CF102 Relationships in the 21st Century
- CF120 The Child
- CF124 Children’s Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- CF200 Constructive Guidance and Discipline
- CF209 Introduction to Family Theories
- CF215 Observation: Perception and Process
- CF233 Creative Thought/Expression in Children
- CF250 Family Child Care: Feasibility and Management
- CF280 Learning Theory and Application: Preschool
- CF285 Learning Theory and Application: Infant-Toddler
- CF310 School Age Child Care
- CF360 Family Life Education
- EX390 Psychology and Education of the Exceptional Child
- Additional Requirements (32 Hours):
- BS103 Human Biology
- EN100 English Composition
- EN140 Rhetoric and Critical Thinking
- FE200 Family Financial Management
- LI243 Children’s Literature
- MA128 Numbers & Operations for Educators
- PH218 Physical Science: A Process Approach
- PS103 U.S. Political Systems
- SW121 Helping Skills for Human Services
- UI100 First Year Seminar
- US105 American History I or US107 American History II
Careers:
The Associate Degree in Child Care and Guidance prepares graduates for roles such as:
- Child Advocacy Specialist
- Child Care Assistant or Lead Teacher
- Child Care Program Director
- Child Development Consultant
- Children’s Department Service Worker
- Community Service Specialist
- Developmental Assistant
- Early Interventionist
- Family Child Care Provider
- Head Start Educator, Administrator, Field Supervisor, or Specialist
- Maternal Health Program, Child Care Coordinator/Trainer
- Out-of-School/School-Age Child Care Educator
- Parent Education Specialist
- Pregnancy Prevention Program Coordinator/Trainer
- Resource and Referral Professional
- Women’s Safe House/Shelter, Children’s Program Specialist
Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO)
Overview:
Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) is a public university located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It prides itself on being a large enough institution to offer a wide range of programs while maintaining a small enough size to foster close relationships between students and professors. SEMO emphasizes its commitment to helping students succeed and launch successful careers.
Services Offered:
SEMO provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Academic advising, tutoring, support for students with disabilities, and a variety of resources to help students succeed in their studies.Career Support:
Career counseling, job search assistance, internship opportunities, and professional development programs to help students transition into the workforce.Health & Wellness:
Health services, counseling services, and wellness programs to support students' physical and mental well-being.Financial Services:
Financial aid, scholarships, payment options, and financial planning resources to help students manage their finances.Student Life:
Housing, dining, student organizations, recreational activities, and events to enhance the student experience.Student Life and Campus Experience:
SEMO offers a vibrant campus community with a variety of activities, teams, organizations, living spaces, and dining options to cater to diverse interests and preferences. The university emphasizes creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where students can feel at home and build lasting friendships.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Personalized Attention:
Small class sizes and dedicated professors who know their students and are invested in their success.Career-Focused Education:
Programs designed to prepare students for in-demand careers and provide them with the skills and experience they need to succeed.Hands-On Learning:
Opportunities for experiential learning, internships, and research to gain practical experience and apply their knowledge.Strong Community:
A welcoming and supportive campus community with a variety of activities and organizations to foster a sense of belonging.Affordable Education:
Competitive tuition rates and a variety of financial aid options to make a SEMO education accessible.Academic Programs:
SEMO offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Business:
Top-ranked business programs with a focus on practical skills and real-world applications.Theatre and Dance:
A nationally recognized program with a strong emphasis on performance and production.Education:
Programs designed to prepare future educators with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the classroom.Health Sciences:
Programs in nursing, allied health, and other health-related fields.Arts and Sciences:
A broad range of programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.Other:
SEMO has a significant economic impact on the region, contributing to the local economy and supporting businesses. The university also offers a variety of online programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.
