Skip to main content

Child Development

Are you passionate about helping young children grow and learn? Our Child Development Education program offers everything you need to start a rewarding career in early childhood education.

Our program covers all aspects of child development training, including classroom management, child psychology, and effective teaching strategies. Our hands-on approach ensures you gain practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge.

In just two years, you can earn a child development degree that opens doors to various career opportunities. Our programs are for those who want to become early childhood educators. We provide a strong foundation for their future studies.

Our program also prepares you for additional education and certifications, making you a competitive candidate in the job market. With certification, you can pursue roles in preschools, daycare centers, and other educational settings.

We offer a specialized early childhood education program to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field. Our experienced instructors provide personalized guidance to help you excel.

Our child development courses are designed to fit your schedule, whether you're a full-time student or balancing work and study. We offer a range of early childhood development classes to ensure you receive a comprehensive education.

Explore a childhood education degree and understand the complexities of early childhood development. Our curriculum covers everything from developmental milestones to creating effective learning environments.

With our program, you're not just earning a degree; you're preparing for a fulfilling child development career. Our graduates are in high demand, thanks to our rigorous training and strong industry connections.

Join us and take the first step towards a rewarding career in child development. Explore our program today and see how we can help you achieve your educational and career goals.

test

100% Online Program

Learn from anywhere on your schedule so you can balance school, work, and life.
Alt

Real-World Accounting Skills

Build skills in financial reporting, bookkeeping, and tax preparation that employers look for.
feature alt 2

Career-Ready Training

Graduate prepared for entry-level accounting jobs in business, non-profits, and government.
Children and an adult doing arts and crafts with colorful paper and pencils.
Overview
Class Time Online
Semester Fall | Spring | Summer
Campus Online
Awards

Child Development Certificate

Child Development Diploma

Child Development Associate of Applied Science

Tuition & Learning

Planning your investment is easy. Our program provides comprehensive training that prepares you for immediate entry into your chosen field. Below you'll find detailed information about program costs and required materials.

Tuition Estimates by Award

Costs below apply to each specific award option:

Certificates

Child Development
$3,816
Occupational Certificate

Diplomas

Child Development
$6,571
Diploma

Associates Degrees

Child Development
$12,719
Associate of Applied Science

Additional Costs

  • Books & Materials: $
  • Lab Fees: $
The tuition rate for 2025-2026 academic year is
$211.98 per credit

Scholarships & Savings

Ready to turn your dreams into reality? At Hennepin Tech, we believe that nothing should stand in the way of your education. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs of paying for college, so you can focus on what really matters – your future.

FAFSA

Your key to financial aid. The first step to unlocking financial assistance for college is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By completing this form, you’ll qualify for a variety of federal grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities that can help offset the cost of tuition, books, and other expenses.

Not sure if you’re eligible? Don’t worry, our financial aid advisors are here to help, even if you have unique circumstances or are an undocumented individual.

Check out your first step to funding college

North Star Promise

If you’re a Minnesota resident who meets certain income criteria, you may also qualify for the North Star Promise, which provides additional financial support to cover the cost of tuition and fees. It’s another way we’re making college more accessible and affordable for students like you.

See if you qualify for free tuition

Foundation Scholarships

The Hennepin Tech Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to help students offset the cost of tuition, textbooks, and other expenses. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, and other criteria. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to reduce your college expenses!

Explore scholarships just for our students

PSEO & Concurrent Enrollment

High school students can jumpstart their college education by participating in our Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) or Concurrent Enrollment programs. Earn college credits while still in high school and save on future tuition costs!

Discover how you can earn college credit in high school

VA Benefits

Veterans and their dependents may be eligible for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits can help cover tuition, housing, and other costs associated with attending college. Contact our veterans services office for assistance in accessing and maximizing your VA benefits.

Maximize your military education benefits

Third-Party Payments

Did you know that some employers, organizations, or government agencies offer tuition assistance programs? If you’re eligible, you can use these funds to help cover your college expenses. Be sure to check with your employer or inquire about any available benefits.

Let a sponsor help fund your education

Transfer Credits

Transfer the credits you’ve already earned from previous colleges or programs to reduce the classes you need, helping you finish your degree faster and at a lower cost.

Make your hard work count twice

To maximize your savings, apply for FAFSA early, explore scholarships, and review your potential for credit through prior learning and transfer evaluations.

Going to school is an exciting step toward your future. There are many ways to save money, more than you might expect.

Program Scholarships:

 

Accreditation & Recognition

Hennepin Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a member of the HLC Academic Quality Improvement Program.

All faculty belong to National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and are affiliate members of:

  • MN Association for the Education of Young Children (MNAEYC)
  • Faculty are also members of Minnesota ACCESS (faculty of Child Development programs in Associate Degree programs) and participate in Project E-LECT, a child development consortium for online courses in Minnesota.
  • Our program also partners with T.E.A.C.H., which provides scholarships for students earning Associate degrees.

Articulations

An articulation agreement between Hennepin Tech and the following institutions will facilitate credit transfer of Hennepin Tech's Child Development A.S. degrees toward a bachelor's degree:

  • Southwest Minnesota State University: B.S. in Early Childhood Education.
    This bachelor's degree is the first step to become licensed and teach through the third grade. To learn more about this partnership, please contact Mary Risacher to schedule a time to visit at either the Brooklyn Park or Eden Prairie campus.

USDE Professional Licensure Disclosure

The Hennepin Technical College Child Development curriculum is designed to help prepare students for employment in Minnesota. At this time, Hennepin Technical College is unable to make a determination if the Child Development programs meet the licensing requirements for any state or US protectorate. You will want to contact the licensing board in which state you intend to pursue licensure for their requirements, below we provide a link to a list of each state's licensing board.

For more information on state licensing boards and their contact information for Child Development, please visit US Department of Education website.

Last reviewed 03/01/2025

How to Apply

Ready to start your journey at Hennepin Tech? Learn the skills you’ll need to succeed and follow our simple application process to take the first step toward your career goals.

Skills Required

Students must have a high school diploma or GED. In addition, those who work with children should be patient, have a willingness to learn and grow, and must be able to take initiative. You must be reliable, responsible and be able to problem solve. You should have good writing skills and be able to communicate well with others as a member of a team.

Minnesota law requires that any person who provides services that involve direct contact with children, patients, and residents at a health or child care facility licensed by the State of Minnesota have a background study conducted by the state. Students who have criminal backgrounds are ineligible to participate in practicums and are ineligible for graduation.

All graduates are required to have documentation of their growth in the program. Talk to one of the teachers to learn if you may use the portfolio you already had started, or the e-folio.

Application Process

Applying to Hennepin Tech is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to get started on your educational journey:

  1. Submit Your Application
    Visit our Get Started page to complete your application online. As part of the application process, you will need to pay the application fee. This helps us process your materials quickly.

  2. Submit Transfer Requests (If Applicable)
    If you have previously completed college courses or earned a degree, you can save time and money by transferring your credits. Be sure to submit official transcripts or transfer requests from any previous colleges or high schools you attended. This allows us to evaluate your credits and apply them toward your new program.

  3. Receive Your Admission Decision
    Once your application is reviewed and accepted, you will receive an official admission decision.

  4. Placement Testing for New Students
    If you are new to college, you will need to take a placement test after you have been accepted. The placement test helps identify your current skills in reading, writing, and math. It is used to determine if developmental courses are necessary before you start certain college-level classes. Please note that the placement test does not affect your admission status.

  5. Plan Your Courses
    Based on your placement test results and transfer credit evaluation, you will work with an advisor to select the right courses to ensure your success.

Special Admissions Processes

  • If you are an international student, please visit our international admissions page for specific instructions.

  • If you are a PSEO (Postsecondary Enrollment Options) student, please visit our PSEO admissions webpage for details on the application process.

If you have questions or need help during the application process, our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way.

Faculty & Staff

Kim Yang Child Development TPT Faculty Phone: ${phone} E-mail: Kim.Yang@HennepinTech.edu
Deborah Schierbeck Faculty Phone: ${phone} E-mail: Deborah.Schierbeck@HennepinTech.edu

${title}

${content}

College Honors Adoptees

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Image of the words "Together We Belong" in the "O" of "Together" there is a heart.
Each November, National Adoption Month reminds us of the human need to belong.

$4.1M DEED Grant Received

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

image of an engineer analyzing a computer microchip
Hennepin Tech receives $4.1M from DEED to expand semiconductor training and grow Minnesota’s high-tech workforce.

Invitation to Vote on New Website Design Theme

Monday, October 20, 2025

mockups of redesigned homepage
Help choose the new Hennepin Tech website design and score some swag! Vote now for your favorite theme before October 31.

Celebrating Manufacturing Month

Friday, October 3, 2025

Photographic montage showing hands working on a control Board, a person welding, hands manipulating electronics devices, and items made with a 3d printer.
October is Manufacturing Month in Minnesota and across the nation.

You may also be interested in