The Early Childhood Education associate degree program provides students with a foundation in childhood theory and how it’s applied in educational and childcare settings. Students will gain an understanding of early childhood theory and how it can be applied with children from infancy through middle childhood.
Graduates of the degree program will have the ability to work at childcare centers, Head Start programs, child development programs, early intervention programs, and public education classrooms. Students will develop the ability to plan, implement and assess learning experiences, guide behavior, and communicate and collaborate with families and colleagues to form a safe and happy learning environment for children.
The courses in the Early Childhood Education associate degree fulfill the 120-hour educational requirement for the National Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential awarded through the Council for Professional Recognition. As the most widely recognized credential in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field, students are encouraged to apply for the CDA upon completion.
The Council for Professional Recognition has specific requirements for the Child Development Associate credentialing process in addition to the formal education components included in these programs. A career in the field of Early Childhood Education may involve meeting certain licensing, training, and other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. Bryant & Stratton College recommends all applicants check with the licensing agency in their state for specific requirements*. The Bryant & Stratton College Early Childhood Education programs involve an early childhood practice experience which may be completed within a live childcare environment. All applicants to either Early Childhood program should be aware that employers may consider numerous factors when determining eligibility or suitability for employment including, but not limited to, criminal background screening, U.S. citizenship, state residency, physical and psychological health, age, and military discharge information. A criminal conviction and/or record of certain other conduct may prevent or hinder a student’s completion of their required practice experience or a graduate’s employment in the field of Early Childhood Education. The enrolling applicant has been apprised of these matters and enrolls in this program with full understanding of the same.
*Virginia residents should refer to licensure regulations for school personnel at the following government site: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title8/agency20/chapter22/.
Teacher candidates will find additional information at the Virginia Department of Education at the following address:
Virginia Department of Education
James Monroe Building
101 N. 14th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/
Outcomes
Students in the Early Childhood Education associate degree program establish a foundation in the following areas:
- Design, execute and assess meaningful, challenging curricula that promote comprehensive child development and learning outcomes for every child.
- Observe, document and assess to support teaching and learning for young children and families.
- Incorporate developmentally-appropriate guidance strategies to positively impact child-behavior and social-emotional development.
- Upon graduation, students are encouraged to apply for the CDA credential.
Early Childhood Education Academic Program Disclosures