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Child Development Professions (formerly Education Careers)

Program Description
The Child Development Professions program aligns with the Child Development Associate (CDA) competencies, Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC), and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards.  

The program of study prepares students for further education and careers in early childhood education and child development. The program consists of four high school courses that cover child growth and development with an emphasis on preschool, preschool learning environment best practices, establishing a purposeful preschool childcare program and internship. This program is designed to articulate a Maryland postsecondary early childhood education and care program and sets the foundation for advanced studies in child development. Program of study completers will be required to complete the CDA exam, a verification visit, and the CDA professional portfolio. 

Possible Certifications and College Credits

Available College Credits Available Certifications

College of Southern Maryland (6 Credits)

Child Development Associate (CDA)


Course Sequence
Child Growth and Development (Birth through Adolescence)
Learning Environment for Preschoolers
Child Development Associate Portfolio and Internship 1
Child Development Associate Internship 2

Sample High School Schedule
Prerequisite: Students must be CPR/First Aid Safety certified prior to beginning their junior year.

   9th Grade  10th Grade  11th Grade  12th Grade
 1 Elective Child Growth and Development (Birth through Adolescence) Learning Environment for Preschoolers Child Development Associate Internship 2
 2 Health/Fitness For Life Requirement Elective Child Development Associate Portfolio and Internship 1 Child Development Associate Internship 2
 3 Fine Arts Requirement Financial Literacy Child Development Associate Portfolio and Internship I Child Development Associate Internship 2
 4 Science Requirement Science Requirement Science Requirement Child Development Associate Internship 2
 5 History Requirement History Requirement History Requirement Elective
 6 English Requirement English Requirement English Requirement English Requirement
 7 Math Requirement Math Requirement Math Requirement Math Requirement
8 Technology Education Requirement Elective Elective Elective

  *Note: The schedule above is a sample only. Students should always review course selections with school counselors and refer to the current Charles County Public Schools High School Program of Studies.*

High Schools that Offer the Program
North Point High School- Students apply in 8th grade