The Early Childhood Associate curriculum prepares individuals to work with children from infancy through middle childhood in diverse learning environments. Students will combine learned theories with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers.

Course work includes child growth and development; physical/nutritional needs of children; care and guidance of children; and communication skills with parents and children. Students will foster the cognitive/language, physical/motor, social/emotional and creative development of young children.

Graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in early childhood settings. Employment opportunities include child development and child care programs, preschools, public and private schools, recreational centers, Head Start Programs, and school-age programs.

This program leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree. To be eligible for graduation, the student must have satisfactorily completed the course requirements as outlined below.

To qualify for admission into this program, the applicant must have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

See General Education Electives

Specific courses within the above categories may be identified by the Vice President of Instruction. Expected program and course competencies are maintained by the respective instructors of specific courses.

NOTE: The above curriculum outline is intended as a guide only. The sequence of course offerings is subject to change at the discretion of the administration.

The Early Childhood Associate curriculum prepares individuals to work with children from infancy through middle childhood in diverse learning environments. Students will combine learned theories with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers.

Course work includes child growth and development; physical/nutritional needs of children; care and guidance of children; and communication skills with parents and children. Students will foster the cognitive/language, physical/motor, social/emotional and creative development of young children.

Graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in early childhood settings. Employment opportunities include child development and child care programs, preschools, public and private schools, recreational centers, Head Start Programs, and school-age programs.

Either one of these programs leads to a Certificate. To be eligible for graduation, the student must have satisfactorily completed the course requirements as outlined below for the respective Certificate Option he/she chooses. The C55220T Option provides the courses required for child care lead instructors to earn the N.C. Early Childhood Credential (NCECC). The C55220A Option provides the courses required for the Director I Credential which is referred to as the N.C. Early Childhood Administration Credential (NCECAC). Individuals seeking a Director II Credential must complete the requirements for an Early Childhood Associate Degree (including two administrator courses).

The College maintains an open-door admission policy to all applicants who are high school graduates or who are at least 18 years of age. A high school student, 16 years old or older, may be admitted to the Early Childhood Certificate program upon approval by the high school principal and the college admission office.