Program Description
If you like working with young children and would like to shape the future by helping them develop necessary skills to take them through elementary school and beyond, Craven Community College’s Early Childhood Education program may provide the foundation you need to get started.
After completing the basics in early childhood foundations (leading to the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential provided by the Division of Child Development) students study child growth and development; physical/nutritional needs of children; care and guidance of children; and communication skills with parents and children.
The program combines learning theories with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers. Students will foster the cognitive/language, physical/motor, and social/emotional and creative development of young children.
Associate degree graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in early childhood settings. The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Currently, the program is offered in a Saturday-morning cohort to support individuals working in local child care agencies.
Employment Opportunities
Successful graduates of this program my find employment opportunities in the following areas:
- Child development and child care programs
- Preschools
- Public and private schools (as teacher associates)
- Recreational centers
- Head Start programs
- School-age programs
Transfer Opportunities
While the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree can lead to immediate job placement upon graduation, Craven Community College has articulation agreements with UNC System and private universities and colleges.
Degree Requirements
Associates Non-Transfer Degree in Early Childhood Education (A55220A)
Associates Transfer Non-Licensure Degree in Early Childhood Education (A55220B)
Associates Transfer B-K Licensure Degree in Early Childhood Education (A55220C)
Diploma Requirements
Diploma in Early Childhood Education (D55220)
Diploma in Early Childhood Education B-K (D55220A)
Certificate Requirements
Certificates in Early Childhood Education (C55220/A/HA/D/E/HE/C55290)
Credential Requirements
Program Accreditation
Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The accreditation term runs from spring 2019 through spring 2021.
Outcome Data
Number of Program Completers
Academic Year | Completions | Full-Time Completions |
Part-Time Completions |
---|---|---|---|
2018-2019 | 7 | 2 | 5 |
2017-2018 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
2016-2017 | 12 | 4 | 8 |
Program Completion Rate
Academic Year | Graduation Rate within 300% timeframe |
---|---|
2016 | 33.3% |
2015 | 20.0% |
2014 | 25.0% |
Program Retention (Fall-to-Fall Retention)
Academic Year | Part-Time Enrollment | Part-Time Retention Rate | Full-Time Enrollment | Full-Time Retention Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
2018-2019 | 79.8% | 14.9% | 20.2% | 52.9% |
2017-2018 | 75.3% | 14.1% | 24.7% | 38.1% |
2016-2017 | 66.2% | 9.3% | 33.8% | 36.4% |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Program Advisors
Dean of Career Programs
Ricky Meadows
Email
(252) 638-4550
Early Childhood Instructor/Subject Matter Expert
Dr. Terri Colon
Email
(252) 638-7239