Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's B.S. in Child Development program with a Dual Concentration (Preschool and Infant/Toddler) is an online degree program that examines infant and early childhood advocacy and education. This non-licensure program is based on standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and includes current research and trends in early-childhood care. The curriculum focuses on a broad spectrum of child development and covers language development, diversity issues, literacy, special needs, and assessment. Coursework includes Making Connections classes, which focus on current issues, trends, and research in the field. The infant/toddler coursework focuses on the roles of family, community, and developmentally appropriate practices in fostering growth. The preschool coursework includes interdisciplinary teaching methods, advocacy, and the role of play in the learning experience. The program can generally be completed in less than four and a half years, although this period may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.

What Are the Prerequisites?

Walden University's B.S. in Child Development program with a Dual Concentration (Preschool and Infant/Toddler) is designed for aspiring early childhood caregivers or educators. You may have some experience in day care or preschool. Applicants to Walden University's programs must be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent; or be an active member of the military or a veteran; or have already earned at least 90 quarter hours of credit. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Course Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change; contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. The Walden University B.S. in Child Development program with a Dual Concentration (Preschool and Infant/Toddler) requires completion of 192 total quarter credit hours. Some of the required courses are listed below.

Core Courses

• Communication Skills For Career Development
• Introduction to Education
• Pioneers and Philosophies of Education
• Making Connections: The Early Childhood Field
• Educational Psychology
• Child Development
• Making Connections: The Developing Child
• Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition
• Child, Family, and Community Relationships
• Making Connections: The Well-Being of Children
• Language Development
• Children's Literature
• Making Connections: The Foundations of Literacy
• Observation and Assessment of the Young Child
• Children With Special Needs
• Making Connections: The Individuality of Children
• Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
• Making Connections: Living in a Diverse World

Infant/Toddler Concentration Courses

• Professionalism and Advocacy in the Early Childhood Field
• Quality Programs for Infants and Toddlers
• Making Connections: Foundations of Infant/Toddler Care and Education
• Infant/Toddler Mental Health
• Family Cultures of Infants and Toddlers
• Making Connections: Healthy Infant/Toddler Growth and Development
• Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Infant Settings
• Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Toddler Settings
• Making Connections: Effective Programs for Infants and Toddlers

Preschool Concentration Courses

• Play and Learning for the Preschool Child
• Making Connections: Foundations of Preschool Teaching
• Guiding Young Children's Behavior
• Inclusive Practices in Classroom Communities
• Making Connections: Effective Learning Environments
• Early Literacy
• Teaching Across Content Areas in Preschool
• Making Connections: Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning
• Capstone

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Walden University's B.S. in Child Development with a Dual Concentration (Preschool, Infant/Toddler) have the opportunity to prepare for careers in early childhood education, including administration, advocacy, or teaching. Positions that graduates may seek include:

• Community educator or advocate
• Head Start teacher
• Teacher's aide
• Day care provider
• Childcare administrator
• Lead teacher or administrator in preschool

Advanced Degrees

In addition to seeking entry-level teaching, advocacy, or administrative positions, graduates of Walden University's B.S. in Child Development program with a Dual Concentration (Preschool, Infant/Toddler) may choose to further their studies. Earning a master's degree in child development, psychology, or education can help prepare you for licensure or other career opportunities in the field. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Degrees you could pursue include:

• Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology
• Master of Arts in Family and Child Development
• Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education
• Master of Social Work

Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.

Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.

Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden's programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.