Child Development
Carrie Nepstad
Program Coordinator
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Preschool Education is accredited by the Commission on Early Childhood Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The Child Development Program at Harold Washington College provides an excellent starting point for a career in education. The A.A.S. degree and Advanced Certificate seekers receive knowledgeable instruction, methodology, and insight in all aspects of developmentally appropriate curriculum for young children.
In addition, Harold Washington College offers specialized training for educators who want to focus on the very youngest children. The Advanced Certificate in Infant and Toddler Care offers students coursework that focuses on children ages zero to three.
For students or current practitioners, the Child Development Program at Harold Washington College also offers the Level 1 Director’s Credential, currently required of anyone who plans to become a licensed child care director. To see more information about this visit:
All of the degrees and certificates in the Child Development Program are aligned with the Illinois Credential System through Gateways to Opportunity. These credentials are recognized by the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Department of Children and Family Services. Licensed child care centers and homes seek professionals who have earned credentials through the Gateways System. For more information about the credentials, visit:
AAS – Pre-school Education
AA – Pre-School Education
Advanced Certificate – Pre- School Education
Advanced Certificate – Infant Toddler Care
Gateways to Opportunity Credentials 
City Colleges of Chicago’s certificate and degree programs in Early Childhood Education, Human Development and Family Studies, Infant Toddler Education, and Director Preparation are entitled for credentials through the Illinois Gateway to Opportunity Professional Development System.
For more information see Illinois Gateways to Opportunity‘s website.
For information about Gateways Credentials at City Colleges of Chicago Contact Carrie Nepstad cnepstad@ccc.edu
NAEYC Accreditation
The Associate of Applied Science-Child Development Pre-School Education Degree is accredited by the Commission on Early Childhood Education Programs of the National Associate for the Education of Young Children, 1313 L Street NW Suite 500, Washington DC, 2005. (800) 424-24-60 ext. 8007. The accreditation term runs from September 2014 to September 2019.
