Indian River State College

What you'll study

Coursework covers child development and early educational principles, running a child care centre, and health and safety for young children. The programme is delivered with options that emphasise different career focuses through technical certificates:

• Preschool Specialization (Technical Certificate) — topics include growth and development, creating a safe and healthy learning environment, and legal and professional responsibilities for preschool care.
• Child Care Center Management Specialization (Technical Certificate) — designed to teach effective management of a quality child care programme and to prepare students to own or run a child care centre; enrollment requires prior completion of the preschool specialization.
• Child Development and Early Intervention (Technical Certificate) — combines courses in early childhood education, childcare centre management and childhood health to introduce early intervention and development-focused practice.

Entry requirements

Student eligibility to apply to sit for the Florida DCF introductory child care training is based on educational credentials or passing competency examinations as defined in s. 402.305(2), F.S. Additional requirements for that training include possession of a valid form of identification and a Social Security number. Prospective students should consult the Florida Department of Children and Families website and IRSC admissions for program-specific entry steps.

Career prospects

Graduates can work with young children in preschools and childcare centres, pursue roles in child development or early intervention, or move into child care centre management. Completion of the associate’s degree also allows continuation into bachelor’s programmes for those aiming for expanded licensure or school-based credentials.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

IRSC provides financial-aid guidance and lists scholarships and tuition information to help make the programme affordable. Prospective students should review IRSC financial-aid resources and scholarship opportunities and contact admissions or an academic counselor for guidance.