Program Details
Children ages 0-8 experience exponential growth during these critical years. What some may see as a simple activity – like rolling a ball – an early childhood professional sees as a major advancement in cognitive development.
Early Childhood Education coursework is designed to open your mind. We encourage you to embrace new approaches to working with children so that you can better help them learn and reach developmental milestones.
Students pursuing their associate degree or a related certificate at Patrick Henry, New River, Danville and Virginia Western community colleges take classes that not only help them be better early childhood professionals, but can also establish them as leaders in the early childhood field.
One of the benefits of enrolling in an Early Childhood Education program is the flexibility you have in how you complete your coursework. If you’re looking to brush up your skills or just get your feet wet in the career, a certificate option is a great first step. Or maybe you’re looking to take the leap into the field, and you’d like to earn your associate degree prior to transferring to a four-year institution to work toward your licensure.
The community college framework allows you to take courses online or in-person, at the pace that works best for you and your unique situation—whether you’re a young student just starting out or someone who is juggling a family and a job as you navigate your career path.
Associate of Applied Science, Early Childhood Development
This two-year program is designed to provide students a foundational knowledge that will enhance their experience in the workplace, while also serving as a launching pad into a bachelor’s degree program. Graduates, should they choose to do so, can seamlessly transfer to a participating four-year institution to work toward a bachelor’s degree and Virginia teaching licensure for pre-K to grade 3.
Students enrolled in Early Childhood Development will take a variety of classes like guiding the behavior of children and teaching art, music and movement to children. Students enrolled in the associate degree program are also required to take general education courses.
For students who have previously earned one of the certificates below, and are entering their second year towards working on an associates degree, they may be eligible to become a Davenport Fellow – a support program funded by Ben and Betty Davenport of Davenport Energy, that gives additional financial and resource support to selected students.
Early Childhood Development Career Studies Certificate
This certificate program can be completed in two semesters. Credits earned while earning a certificate can be applied toward the Associate of Applied Science degree.
Students who pursue a certificate in Early Childhood Development enjoy classes that cover early childhood fundamentals and include an introduction to early childhood education and child health and nutrition, among others.
Early Childhood Development: Infant and Toddler, Career Studies Certificate
This certificate program can be completed in two semesters. Credits earned while earning a certificate can be applied towards the Associate of Applied Science degree.
Students who pursue a certificate in Early Childhood Development, with an emphasis on infant and toddler, take classes that cover early childhood fundamentals, including an introduction to early childhood education and working with infants and toddlers in an inclusive setting, among others.
Other certificates may be available at your local college. Use the contact form to learn about program options in your area.