Additional financial assistance might be available for G3 programs. Please contact your advisor or counselor for more information.
Program Info
Minimum credits: 16
Length: 1 semester, if suggested full-time course sequence is followed
Career opportunities: Childcare Worker
Division: Arts, Sciences, & Business
Contact: 434.797.8402 or 434.797.8462
Award: Career Studies Certificate
Plan Code: 221-636-04 CIP Code: 19.0709
This certificate is the first step in a stackable path for Early Childhood Educators. The Career Studies Certificate in Early Childhood Development prepares students for entry level work with children from birth to age 8 using developmentally appropriate practices. Coursework includes basic child development and theoretical perspectives, health and safety education, and guiding children’s behavior. This certificate is primarily designed to prepare graduates for employment in child care centers or family day homes as entry level providers or to allow students to continue on the path towards the Adv. CSC and/or AAS degree in Early Childhood Education.
Scholarships are available for this program, including the Virginia Child Care Providers scholarship, and the Project Pathfinders Scholarship.
Program Description:
The Career Studies Certificate in Early Childhood Development prepares students to work with children from birth to age 8 using developmentally appropriate practices documented by Virginia Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals. All the coursework transfers into the Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education.
Admission Requirements: In addition to regular college admission requirements, program entry requires a personal interview with the Early Childhood Education Department, as well as meeting the following criteria:
- Excellent moral character is generally considered prerequisite for employment.
- Upon program entrance, the student will be responsible for obtaining and paying for a criminal background check and show a negative TB test.
- Students must possess sufficient physical strength, flexibility and dexterity to perform education and care routines for children.
The Early Childhood Department has made a commitment to the NAEYC Standards of ethical behavior in early childhood care and education.
https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position-statements/Ethics%20Position%20Statement2011_09202013update.pdf
Program Outcomes: Graduates will be able to:
- Adhere to Virginia’s Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers in the planning & evaluation of classroom & learning environments to ensure the health, safety & nutrition of children.
- Design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum plans, to include learning activities and environments for children.
