CERT Early Childhood Development

Program: Early Childhood Development (632)
Award: Certificate

Program Purpose:

This program prepares students to care for, supervise, and educate young children. Individuals already working in the field may upgrade and expand their skills through this program.

What will I learn?

Students successfully completing this program will be able to…

• Recognize the stages of early childhood development.
• Apply techniques and methods to encourage the development of language, literacy, math, science and social studies.
• Utilize the arts and other creative activities for young children.
• Plan developmentally appropriate 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 certificate in one academic year (two semesters).

What job or career can I get with this certificate?

Upon completion of the program, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills required for entry into early childhood educational facilities such as: Head Start and Early Head Start programs, family day care homes, and preschool programs.

What is the job outlook for graduates from this program?

As of the first quarter of 2025, total employment in the Hampton Roads Workforce Region was as follows:

• Preschool Teacher was 2,545. There is projected annual demand/need for 281 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Preschool Teachers, July 2025).
• Childcare Workers was 4,198. There is projected annual demand/need for 683 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Childcare Workers, July 2025).
• Teacher Assistants was 6,783. There is projected annual demand/need for 762 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Childcare Workers, July 2025).

How much can I earn with this certificate?

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

(Source:  Jobs EQ Occupation Report Wages, July 2025)

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