Early Childhood Education

About

Are you a creative person who loves children? Check out Early Childhood Education, a two-year, six credit program, where you will learn many of the skills the education and childcare professions are seeking in qualified candidates! You will learn in a lab preschool with 3 and 4 year-olds , and you may have the opportunity to intern in local elementary schools, preschools, and daycare centers!

This is an exciting two-year course for students interested in careers which involve working with children. The program focuses on the study of child development, the preparation of early childhood learning activities, and career investigation. Students will learn how to write and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans, and prepare a professional portfolio. Students will gain hands-on experience through working in our on-site preschool classroom for children ages 3-5 years old. The preschool progam runs October – June and students will develop skills in guidance techniques, teaching language arts and math, artistic expression, and planning activities in the interest centers as they work with the preschool children. Second year students in the program may be eligible to intern at a childcare center or elementary school to further develop their skills and knowledge. Participation in FCCLA is included in the program along with opportunities to compete in State and National events. Students also prepare for earning their CDA (Child Development Associate). Students will prepare for the following credentials or certifications: National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Assessment- Early Childhood Education; and the Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Examination. The Child Development Associate (CDA) is optional. After finishing the program, students will receive a certificate of completion and have earned 1080 hours of preschool instruction and experience. Students are also eligible to be considered for the Future Teachers scholarship which awards the winner a teaching contract with VBCPS upon completion of a 4-year degree.

Learn More About the Preschool Program

In addition to going straight to the work force, our graduates have many options after successfully completing their courses! Further your education at a community college, technical school or university:

TCC: AAS Early Childhood Education
NSU: attend TCC for 3 years and finish the fourth year at NSU and get a BS in Education!
Most, if not all, universities offer programs in education!