A degree in early childhood education prepares students to work with young children.
Early childhood encompasses the developmental years from newborn through age 8. People trained in early childhood education work as teachers, assistants, nannies and social workers, among other positions. Students wishing to enter the field of early childhood education learn about infant and toddler care, early literacy, child psychology, health, art, music and special needs. Virginia's colleges and universities offer programs that train students fpr a rewarding career in this field.
Northern Virginia Community College
Northern Virginia Community College offers degrees and certificates in early childhood education. Programs include an associate of applied science degree in early childhood development with an option of specialization for the paraprofessional. The program can be completed during two years of full-time study. Students may also choose to enroll in a program that certifies them to be early childhood development assistants, and students who wish to become teachers can enroll in the associate in science degree program. Sixteen-credit career studies certificates are offered in the infant and toddler care, school-age child care and paraprofessional teacher assistant fields.
Northern Virginia Community College
4001 Wakefield Chapel Road
Annandale, VA 22003-3796
703-323-3000
nvcc.edu
Lord Fairfax Community College
Lord Fairfax Community College's early childhood education program offerings include an associate of applied science degree and a career studies certificate. The certificate requires 16 credit hours of study, covering topics such as health, safety, nutrition, and teaching art, music and movement. The two-year associate of applied science degree requires four semesters of studies, including courses on language arts, math, psychology, humanities and first aid. Students who complete the degree are prepared to enter the work force or transition to a bachelor's degree program at another institution.
Lord Fairfax Community College
Fauquier Campus
6480 College St.
Warrenton, VA 20187-8820
540-351-1505
Luray-Page County Center
334 North Hawksbill St.
Luray, VA 22835-1130
540-843-0722
Middletown Campus
173 Skirmisher Lane
Middletown, VA 22645-1745
540-868-7000
lfcc.edu
George Madison University
George Madison University's Graduate School of Education offers two master's degrees in early childhood education that each require 30 credit hours of studies. Students can choose from a master of education in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in early childhood education of diverse learners, and a master of education in special education with a concentration in early childhood special education. Also offered are a 30-credit graduate certificate in PK-3 licensure and a 36-credit-hour graduate certificate in early childhood special education licensure. Students also may choose to minor in early childhood education for diverse learners, which requires 15 credits, or obtain an early childhood education graduate certificate that requires 18 credits. Course offerings include advanced human development, curriculum and assessment in early childhood education, creative arts and play in early childhood education, and assessment of diverse young learners.
Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning
Graduate School of Education
4400 University Drive, 4B3
Robinson Hall A, 451
Fairfax, VA 22030-4444
703-993-3640
gse.gmu.edu
Tags: childhood education, early childhood education, early childhood, Community College, early childhood, science degree