Program: Early Childhood Education (636)
Award: Associate of Applied Science
Program Purpose:
This program prepares students to care for, supervise, and educate young children from birth to eight years. This degree is a pathway to a Baccalaureate degree with the option of teacher licensure with a PreK-3 endorsement. Individuals already working in the field may up-grade their skills and qualify for advancement.
What will I learn?
Students successfully completing this program will be able to…
- Recognize the stages of early childhood development.
- Build self-esteem in children and help them develop self-control.
- Apply techniques and methods for educating in math, science, and social studies.
- Utilize the arts and other creative activities for young children.
- Plan and implement programs in group care with emphasis on health and safety policies, record-keeping, and reporting to parents.
- Integrate movement and music into curriculum.
- Plan activities to stimulate logical thinking.
How long will I need to be in college?
A college-ready student attending Camp full-time can complete this associate degree in two years.
What job or career can I get with this degree?
Upon completion of the program, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills required for various careers such as:
- Childcare/Preschool/After-School Director
- Childcare/Preschool/After-School Manager
- Childcare/Preschool/After-School Teacher
- Early Head Start/Head Start Teacher
- Teacher’s Assistant
- Substitute Teacher
What is the job outlook for graduates from this program?
As of the fourth quarter of 2021, total employment in the Hampton Roads Workforce Region was as follows:
- Preschool Teacher was 1,469. There is projected annual demand/need for 173 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Preschool Teachers, April 2022).
- Childcare Workers was 3,107. There is projected annual demand/need for 445 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Childcare Workers, April 2022).
- Teacher Assistants was 4,365. There is projected annual demand/need for 437 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Childcare Workers, April 2022).
How much can I earn with this degree?
Below are the 2021 wages for careers, within the Hampton Roads Workforce Region, that are related to this field.
|
Entry Level |
Mean |
Experienced |
Preschool Teachers |
$20,700 |
$40,400 |
$50,200 |
Childcare Worker |
$17,300 |
$22,300 |
$24,800 |
Teacher Assistant |
$18,900 |
$29,100 |
$34,200 |
(Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Wages, April 2022)
Want to know more? Check out the program map and program requirements in the College Catalog.