Occupational Development, A.A.S.

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Development—Child Care Specialist is designed to provide special career training for those individuals who have completed a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) in Child Development through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship.

There is a growing need in the United States for childcare at daycare centers. Some employers are making a collaborative effort to provide dependent care for their employees by establishing centers or expanding existing ones. The demand for child care career will increase in the future as more young mothers pursue employment outside the home. Job opportunities for this degree include employment in community childcare facilities, and in individual homes.

Students in the Occupational Development Program are subject to the Community and Technical College’s requirements for admissions, basic skills testing, and appropriate course placement, including mandated developmental courses, which are not counted toward completion of the program. Blue Ridge CTC Catalog requirements regarding academic standards, student conduct, and graduation procedures also apply.