Lansing Community College

Admission for Fall and Summer Semesters

Date revised: 7/29/2025

Program Information

The Child Development and Early Education Associate in Applied Arts Degree at Lansing Community College is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The accreditation term runs from 03/2025 to 03/2032.

Lansing Community College offers an Associate in Applied Arts Degree and a Certificate of Completion in Child Development and Early Education (CHDV). Each addresses the various components of best practices in early childhood education for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. Instructional methods include lecture/discussion, and hands-on field experiences. Courses are offered face-to-face, on-line and as a hybrid. More information on this program and career, visit the Child Development and Early Education Program page.

Application Process

You must be an LCC student to be eligible for this program. With limited seats available in each course, enrollment is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Follow these steps to get started:

  1. Apply to LCC

  2. Get Placement Levels

    • Before you can register for classes, all students need to establish their skill-levels in Reading, Writing, and Math. Visit LCC’s Placement Testing page for more information.

  3. CDA/MI-YDA Credit for Prior Learning

    • LCC students who hold a current CDA or MI-YDA may apply for licensure or certification credit evaluation. Eligible students may receive up-to five (5) credits in CHDV for a current CDA or MI-YDA. Students should consult with an advisor in the CHDV program prior to submitting an application.

  4. Register for Classes

    • LCC has 3 semesters – Fall, Spring, and Summer. Students can view class offerings and enroll in courses using the Banner system. Go to LCC’s Registration page for instructions on how to sign-up for classes. *When searching for a course in Banner, CHDV classes are in the “Child Development & Early Education” subject area.

Academic Advisors are available in the Gannon building StarZone. To schedule an appointment visit Academic Advising.

Check out LCC’s Academic Calendars for important semester dates and deadlines.

Scholarships

Program Layout

The Child Development and Early Education (CHDV) program has a sequence of classes that must be taken in order. One course is the prerequisite for the next. To finish the associate degree or a certificate in the shortest possible time, students are encouraged to enroll in CHDV 111 in their first semester.

Students completing this curriculum will satisfy the Michigan Transfer Agreement between two-year and four-year institutions in Michigan. General education and subject area requirements vary from one college or university to another. Students should contact the school to which they will transfer for specific institution requirements and meet with a CHDV Student Advisor. If you have questions, contact the HHS Division office by calling 517-483-1410.

Associate in Applied Arts Degree

This degree program prepares individuals to work in early childhood education and care programs as a lead teacher, teacher assistant, or program director and/or transfer to a four-year institution to major in Education with Michigan teacher certification in Birth-Pre-K and PreK–3. The Child Development and Early Education Associate in Applied Arts Degree at Lansing Community College is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), 1401 H Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005. The curriculum is aligned with the NAEYC Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators, the Michigan Core Knowledge and Core Competencies for the Early Care and Education Workforce, and the Michigan Department of Education Birth-Kindergarten Standards for Teacher Certification. Students learn to plan and implement high quality, developmentally appropriate programs for children birth to age 12 in a variety of early childhood education settings. Graduates of the associate degree program meet the educational requirements for childcare center program directors as specified by the State of Michigan Child Care Licensing Bureau. This degree articulates with certain Child Development/Early Education bachelor degrees. Several semesters of daytime field work in early education and childcare settings are required.

Certificate of Completion

This certificate program prepares individuals for gainful, entry level positions as assistant teachers, lead teachers, or program directors in early childhood education and care programs. This certificate can be used for students who intend to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a baccalaureate degree in this subject area. The curriculum is aligned with the NAEYC Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators, the Michigan Core Knowledge and Core Competencies for the Early Care and Education Workforce, and the Michigan Department of Education Birth-Kindergarten Standards for Teacher Certification. Courses for the certificate can be applied toward the associate degree. This curriculum requires two semesters to complete. One course of daytime field work in an early education and child care settings is required.

Program Cost

The cost for the CHDV courses varies. For a detailed look at course costs, including tuition rates for all residencies, check out LCC’s Tuition Cost Estimator.

Training for the Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)

The CDA is independently awarded by the National Council for Professional Recognition to those demonstrating competence in their work with children in early childhood education programs.

CHDV courses can be used to complete the 120 clock hours of formal training needed for a CDA. In addition to training, the CDA requires:

  • 480 hours of experience working with young children within the previous three years
  • a portfolio
  • a CDA exam
  • an observation by a CDA Professional Development Specialist

These additional requirements are a separate process that the candidate must complete on their own.

The advantages of completing the 120 clock hours of training through LCC:

  • Students may be eligible for a scholarship through the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Michigan Scholarship Program.
  • The recommended courses for the 120 clock hours of training may be applied towards the CHDV Associate in Applied Arts or the CHDV Certificate of Completion.
  • The recommended courses may be transferable to other colleges or universities for students working toward a Bachelor’s Degree.

Field Experience

The CHDV program has four courses that include field experience. During the semester students are assigned to a field placement site in an early childhood classroom to practice and apply the skills they are learning in their CHDV courses. Students employed at a licensed child care center or group/family child care home may be approved by the CHDV program to use their worksite for three of the four field experiences. Students must complete one field experience at a community partner site assigned by the CHDV program.

CHDV 111, 215, & 220 require students participate in four hours per week during the semester. There are specific children’s age requirements and group sizes that apply to each individual course.

CHDV 284 Early Childhood Practicum requires students to participate eight hours per week during the semester with the same group of children in the child care setting.

Immunizations

Students enrolled in CHDV courses with a field experience may be required to present proof, in the form of certification by a licensed healthcare provider, that they have received immunizations as required. This is in accordance with third-party field experience site requirements. Students are responsible for any costs associated with obtaining immunizations and any other items relating to field experience eligibility. Verification of TB status is required for students enrolled in CHDV 284 to verify they are free from communicable tuberculosis (TB).

Criminal Background Check

Students who enroll in the four lab courses (CHDV 111, 215, 220, and 284) are required to complete an hat State of Michigan Background Check and a Central Registry Clearance.

Lansing Community College (LCC) does not currently require a Criminal Background Check. However, it is important for students to be aware that if they apply for licensure in any other state, there may be criminal background limitations which would preclude certification/licensure.

Chosen/Preferred Name

LCC has adopted a policy providing all members of the campus community the opportunity to use their chosen or preferred name in records and communications across the campus. A chosen/preferred name refers to a first name which is different than the legal first name. Students may request this option via their LCC profile. The student's Chosen/Preferred Name may be used in many contexts, including class rosters, ID Cards (by request), Desire to Learn (D2L) course sites, and more. However, LCC is legally required to use a student's Legal Name for some things. This includes at all clinical and externship sites, on immunization and medical records, official transcripts, diplomas, financial aid records, and more.

Contact Program

Questions about the program, please contact Child Development and Early Education.