Early Childhood Education

Our Early Childhood Education programs cover child growth and development, physical/nutritional needs of children, care and guidance of children, and communication skills with parents and children. The programs combine learning theories with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers. You will complete the basics in early childhood foundations, which leads to the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential provided by the Division of Child Development.

Values & Benefits

1. Impact

   Early Childhood Education can be a very impactful and fulfilling career choice. Studies have shown that helping children read earlier in life helps them stay in school and avoid trouble with the law. Establishing connections with children can also build a strong foundation for social, emotional, physical, and mental development that lasts a lifetime.

2. Career Opportunities

   Understanding the concepts of Early Childhood Education makes you a valuable asset to many different types of institutions that work with children from birth to age 8. Having experience in this field opens up the potential to work in a variety of settings with the age group you choose.

3. Outlook

   When it comes to income and career prospects, Early Childhood Education has a promising outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of Early Childhood Education is projected to grow about 2% through 2029, and child care is always in high demand.

4. Versatility

   Early Childhood Education careers can be as creative and hands-on as you want them to be. You’ll be in a field that allows you to work alongside children in a stimulating and inspiring environment, and you will have a hand in making an imaginative classroom experience.

Skills You’ll Learn

The Early Childhood Education program is focused on job-related skills in the following areas:

• Understanding child growth and development, physical/nutritional needs, care and guidance, and communication skills with parents and children
• Mastery of cognitive/language, physical/motor, social/emotional, and creative development of young children
• Combining learned theories with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers

Career Opportunities

There are many employment opportunities for Early Childhood Education graduates, including:

• Child development and childcare programs
• Paraprofessionals in early special education
• Teacher associate in public and private schools

Learn more about Early Childhood Education program student outcome data.