Early Childhood

Campuses

Clarkesville
Blairsville
Currahee

Credentials Offered

Associate Degree
Diploma
Certificate

Program Length

2-6 Semesters

TUITION-FREE ELIGIBLE

This department has programs that are eligible for 100% tuition coverage. 

Early Childhood Care and Education

If you love working with children and desire to make a difference by teaching fundamental skills and lessons, then the Early Childhood Care and Education program could provide the roadmap to a very rewarding and fulfilling career.

NGTC offers the Early Childhood Care and Education program at certificate, diploma, and degree levels. Courses present developmentally effective strategies that promote positive physical and emotional development for young children. 

We offer the ECCE program online or hybrid to better meet the needs of the students that work or have children of their own. We rotate the classes so that you can take them either online or face to face. We also offer the ECCE basic certificate all online every semester for the students that need this to begin working in a childcare or head start location.

The program emphasizes relationships between child development and positive guidance and examines strategies for children with special needs. Graduates may seek employment in early care and education settings such as child care centers, Head Start, or Georgia Pre-K.

Read our Frequently Asked Questions here. 

Courses in the program include: 

  • Child Growth and Development
  • Health, Safety and Nutrition
  • Creative Activities for Children
  • Guidance and Classroom Mangement

Credentials You Can Earn

Associate Degree

The Early Childhood Care and Education degree program prepares students for a variety of careers in the field of early childhood education. The program emphasizes a combination of early childhood care and education theory and practical application as well as general core competencies necessary for successful employment. Graduates have qualifications to be employed in early childhood care and education settings including child care centers, Head Start, Georgia Pre-K programs, and elementary school paraprofessional positions. Graduates of this program will receive one of three areas of specialization: program administration, paraprofessional, or family child care. To work in a childcare field, an employee must pass a criminal background check. Graduates of the program receive an Early Childhood and Education Associate of Applied Science degree.

Diploma

The Early Childhood Care and Education diploma program prepares students for a variety of careers in the field of early childhood education. The program emphasizes a combination of early childhood care and education theory and practical application as well as general core competencies necessary for successful employment. Graduates have qualifications to be employed in early care and education settings including child care centers and Head Start. To work in a childcare field, an employee must pass a criminal background check. Program graduates receive an Early Childhood and Education Diploma.

Certificate

NGTC‘s Early Childhood and Education program offers ­­­­­2 certificates for those who want to specialize in a particular area or to refresh the skills they may already have:

  • Early Childhood Program Administration
  • Early Childhood Care and Education Basics

Career Opportunities

Individuals who graduate from NGTC’s Early Childhood Care and Education program can hit the ground running if they choose to become:

Nannies

Paraprofessionals in the School System

Child Care Center Workers

Graduates of the Early Childhood Care and Education program may work in a variety of organizations including:

Child Care Centers

Head Start

Georgia Pre-K programs

Elementary schools

Additional career options can be researched on the following site(s):

Meet the Faculty

Photo of Kelly Smith Kelly Smith Early Childhood Care and Education Program Director/Instructor 706-754-7783
Photo of Angie Minish Angie Minish Early Childhood Care and Education Instructor 706-779-8145

The Early Childhood Care and Education program is a perfect fit for those who love the rewarding experience of teaching and making a significant difference in someone’s life.

Updated: January 2, 2024 - CARES, CRRSAA, ARP & SSARPView the CARES Act, CRRSA & ARP Information and Covid-19 Guidance