DEPARTMENT MENU
Child Development and Preschool Management – Associate Degree
The future of society always rests in the hands of the newest generation.
Within our continuously changing society, there is a great demand for quality guidance and care for young children. Graduates of our CDAS program experience advanced training to develop the skills necessary to guide and enhance the developmental progression of children from birth – 8 years of age.
The two-year curriculum combines general education courses and specialized courses.
*All courses completed within the CDAS program transfer into the bachelor’s Birth to Five/Early Intervention (BFED) program.
All candidates in the CDAS program must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and a “C” or above in all coursework.
CDAS candidates are required to take courses in:
- Child development
- Developmentally Appropriate Practices in lesson planning and classroom management
- Child care facility management
Clinical Experiences: CDAS candidates complete various clinical experiences throughout required coursework. These experiences are often conducted within Little Colonels Academy (LCA), located on the university’s campus.
*For the most current program curriculum visit the course catalog and access the curriculum check sheets for the current year.
Would this degree qualify me for an Ancillary Certificate?
Yes. Successful completion of the CDAS program qualifies graduates for an Ancillary certificate.
When I complete the associate degree, may I obtain a bachelor’s degree?
Many candidates continue with a bachelor’s degree in Birth to Five/Early Interventionist Education (BFED) upon completion of the CDAS program. All courses completed within the CDAS program provide credit for the BFED program.
Are there any scholarships available for CDAS majors?
CDAS majors may apply for the Louisiana Pathways Scholarship. Visit the scholarships page or the Louisiana Pathways website for more details.
What job opportunities do I have with this degree?
Upon successful completion of the CDAS program job opportunities include:
Child Care Center Director/Owner
Child Care Center Lead Teacher
Paraprofessional within public schools
Q. Do I take the PRAXIS exam in the CDAS degree program?
A. Yes, all parts of PRAXIS I (or ACT 22 or above) is required for the CDAS degree program.
Q. When I complete the associate degree, may I obtain a bachelor’s degree?
A. Many candidates continue with a bachelors degree in birth to five/early interventionist education at the completion of their associate degree. The BFED degree program is a 2 + 2 program. The associate degree provides the candidate with two years of credit toward the BFED degree.
Q. What type of teaching experiences do I obtain in the CDAS degree program?
A. Candidates in the CDAS degree program teach lessons to preschool children in the Generations Teaching Generations Preschool. Candidates also complete observations with preschool children. At the completion of the degree program, candidates complete a practicum experience in a pre-kindergarten classroom in the public school system.
Q. Who is the CDAS adviser?
A. Dr. Elizabeth Block in 239 Polk Hall.
Q. Are there any scholarships available for CDAS majors?
A. CDAS and BFED majors may apply for the Louisiana Pathways Scholarship. Louisiana Pathways pays the tuition of eligible early childhood majors. Visit the scholarships page for details.
CAREERS
Graduates of the child development and preschool management associate degree program can be employed as a:
- Teacher in a child care center
- Teacher in a Head Start classroom
- Paraprofessional teacher in the public school system
- Owner of a child care center
- Director of a child care center
Graduates employed as teachers in preschool settings are eligible for application to meet the requirements of the Child Development Associate credential.
PROGRAM ADVISOR
Dr. Mistie Perry
CONTACT INFORMATION
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
220 College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Building
P.O. Box 2053
Thibodaux, LA 70310
LOCATION
