Early Childhood Education

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

NC-DCD Credentials

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:

Show FAQ

Q: How can I become certified to work in a Child Care Facility

A. After completing EDU 119 with a grade of C or better, students will apply to the NC Division of Child Development to receive the lead instructor credential. Forms are online at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/D/dcd-0169.pdf. Original transcripts must be sent to DCD, either directly from Craven Community College, or in a sealed envelope accompanying the student’s completed credentials application.

Q. How do I know when to meet with my advisor and register?

A. The following are some of the sources of advising/registration information:

Craven Community College Web Page (www.cravencc.edu)
Craven Community College Student Handbook
WebAdvisor
College Catalog
College Calendar
Emails from Registrar’s Office and Student Engagement
Announcements in Class
Local Media

Q. Where can I learn more about financial assistance?

A. The Financial Aid Office, located in Student Services’ First Stop has information about national and state financial assistance, scholarships, grants, and work-study positions. Federal financial aid begins with students’ completing the Free Application for Financial Assistance at www.fafsa.gov.

Program-specific scholarships and/or resources may also be available (depending on funding, availability, and other criteria) to individuals already employed in the fields of Early Childhood and/or education. Information about these potential scholarships/funding sources is available at the Craven County Smart Start Office.

Q. Can I teach in the N.C. Public Schools with this degree?

A. Individuals teaching in the N.C. Public Schools are required to meet N.C. Department of Public Instruction licensing requirements which include, at the minimum, a bachelor’s degree and state certification for the area/grade in which they plan to teach. Graduates from the Craven Community College Early Childhood Education program earn an associate in applied science degree and therefore would need to continue their educations at the baccalaureate level (or beyond) if they plan to work as teachers in the N.C. Public Schools. There are also Teacher Associates who assist classroom teachers in the public schools, and the AAS degree is the requirement for those positions.

Although a limited number of articulation agreements have been developed between the N.C. Community College System and the University of North Carolina System for Early Childhood graduates who wish to transfer, these articulation agreements are designed to provide support to students who decide to transfer to a baccalaureate program after completion of an associate in applied science degree. It is therefore generally more efficient for students who plan (at the time of enrollment) to complete a bachelor’s degree in a field of education to enroll in the Associate of Arts program at Craven Community College.

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