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 second quarter of 2023, total employment in the Hampton Roads Workforce Region was as follows:

  • Preschool Teacher was 2,391. There is projected annual demand/need for 246 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Preschool Teachers, January 2024).
  • Childcare Workers was 3,842. There is projected annual demand/need for 597 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Childcare Workers, January 2024).
  • Teacher Assistants was 6,162. There is projected annual demand/need for 683 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Childcare Workers, January 2024).

How much can I earn with this degree?

Below are the 2023 wages for careers, within the Hampton Roads Workforce Region, that are related to this field.

 

Entry Level

Mean

Experienced

Preschool Teachers

$27,800

$38,900

$44,500

Childcare Worker

$25,200

$28,800

$30,600

Teacher Assistant

$27,300

$35,100

$39,000

(Source:  Jobs EQ Occupation Report Wages, January 2024)

Want to know more?  Check out the program map and program requirements in the College Catalog.