Whether your plan is to take classes and transfer to a four-year university or enter one of our career programs designed to get you into the workforce right away, Rock Valley College has what you are looking for. Select from one of our more than 60 transfer areas or more than 30 career programs.
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At Rock Valley College, you're not just a number. Our highly respected faculty have master's degrees, doctorates and real-world experience. You won't be competing for attention in a huge lecture hall. Our average class size is 21, so you'll get a chance to interact, challenge and be challenged by your instructors.
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Whether you are new to the college or know your way around, we have a variety of services designed to help you succeed. We're here for you every step of the way.
The Estelle M. Black Library at Rock Valley College features nearly 75,000 volumes and more than 650 periodicals, and access to the interlibrary loan system. It also features spaces for individual and group study, and if you get thirsty, there's a coffee shop in the lobby!
Have fun. Try stuff. RVC gives you opportunities to get involved. There are lots of student activities to choose from. We offer more than 20 clubs and organizations. Try your hands at student government. Join the staff of our campus newspaper. What's it going to be?
RVC competes in NJCAA Division III in men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball, golf, baseball, softball, and men's and women's tennis. Not to brag, but we're pretty good at it. Our teams have won seven national championships and we have had more than 100 All-Americans.
Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 65 credits
Program contact: Liberal Arts Division, (815) 921-3378
Graduates of the program are well-versed in child development, nutrition, exercise, developing age-appropriate curriculum and other facets of child care. They will be ready to direct or teach at a day care center.
Opportunities exist in home-based care, day care centers, nursery schools, pre-schools, private homes, and at before or after-school programs. While the program is not preparation for state certification, courses may transfer to four-year schools, where certification can be earned to teach ages birth through third grade.
*Enrollment in courses requires weekly field assignments as well as a complete medical examination, TB skin test, fingerprinting, and three written references.
Child Care and Development
Course Requirements: (41 credits)
CHD 100 The Child Care Worker (3)
CHD 101 The Developing Child (5)
* CHD 103 Nutrition and Health of the Young Child (2)
* CHD 104 Large Muscle Development (2)
* CHD 105 Developing Techniques for Working with the Young Child (3)
* CHD 106 Music for the Young Child (3)
* CHD 107 Science for the Young Child (2)
* CHD 108 Art for the Young Child (3)
* CHD 201 Language Development (3)
* CHD 202 Family-Community Relationships and Resources (3)
* CHD 203 Curriculum Planning for the Young Child (3)
* CHD 204 Internship-Child Care (4)
* CHD 205 Organization and Supervision of Early Childhood Facilities (3)
* CHD 206 Mathematics for the Young Child (2)
General Education Course Requirements: (24 credits)
BIO Elective (3)
* ENG 101 Composition I (3)
PSY 170 General Psychology (3)
FWS 243 First Aid and General Safety (3)
PSY 270 Life-Span Developmental Psychology, or
SOC 190 Introduction to Sociology (3)
SOC 299 Marriage and Family (3)
* SPH 131 Fundamentals of Communication (3)
Elective: Select 3 credits from two of the following:
Computer and Information Systems, Humanities, Social Science, Mathematics, or Science electives.