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Early Childhood Development

Start a rewarding career working with children through the Early Childhood Development program at Southwest.

More job opportunities, increase your salary, do what you love – whatever your reasons, we’re here to help!

A QUALITY EDUCATION

Early childhood professionals promote young children’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development.

Successful completion of the Early Childhood Development program will qualify students for employment in a variety of situations where quality care and education of young children is the primary objective.

The program will expose students to the characteristics, basic skills, and knowledge necessary for early childhood development providers to deliver quality programming for young children.

BUILD YOUR CREDENTIALS

Our Early Childhood Development program at Southwest is set up like a ladder. Once you start the Associate Degree program, your first 16 credit hours in Early Childhood Development meet the requirements for earning a Career Studies Certificate.

This Career Studies Certificate is equivalent to earning the CDA – Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™.

Early Childhood Development (AAS)

CIP 19.0709
Degree: Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Program Code: 636-03
Program Length: 2 Years - 4 Semesters
Minimum Credits: 62
Distance Learning Option Available

Program Advisor
Dr.Kimberly Austin
276.964.7362
Russell Hall Room 132

Purpose: The Associate of Applied Science Degree is designed to prepare students as paraprofessionals in the field of early childhood development. Successful completion of the program will qualify students for employment in a variety of situations where care and maintenance of young children is the primary objective. The program will expose students to the characteristics, basic skills, and knowledge necessary for early childhood development providers.
*Not designed as a direct transfer program.

Occupational Objectives: Preparation for positions as early childhood development workers in the following settings: Child Care Centers, Day Care Centers, Elementary Schools (Kindergarten, Special Education, Tutoring), Family Day Care Homes, Head Start Programs, Nursery (Pre-kindergarten Schools), Recreational Programs for Preschool Children, Residential Facilities

Admission Requirements: In addition to requirements for general admission to the College, a personal interview with the program head is recommended.

Program Requirements: The program combines a blend of general education courses with specialized courses intended to provide preparation in the areas most directly applicable to the child-care function. Additionally, the Coordinated Internship courses provide an opportunity for individualized practicum in the type of work situation in which the student is particularly interested.

* Not designed as a direct transfer program.

First Semester

Semester Total

Lecture Hours: 14

Lab Hours: 4

Course Credits: 16

Second Semester

Semester Total

  • Lecture Hours: 12
  • Lab Hours: 10
  • Course Credits: 15

Third Semester

Semester Total

  • Lecture Hours: 16
  • Lab Hours: 0
  • Course Credits: 16

Fourth Semester

Semester Total

  • Lecture Hours: 13
  • Lab Hours: 6
  • Course Credits: 15

Total Minimum Credits: 62

*Students who do not wish to pursue a Baccalaureate degree may substitute

- for -.

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CAREER OPTIONS

PAYING FOR COLLEGE

Southwest Virginia Community College has options to help you pay for a degree or certificate. A high percentage of students receive assistance through financial aid.

Learn about paying for college and current tuition-free programs here.



START AT SOUTHWEST, THEN TRANSFER

We currently have transfer relationships with the following four-year universities and their Early Childhood Education programs to help you transition into a bachelor’s degree if you choose to do so.  Please get in touch with us for full details and more information.

James Madison University

George Mason University

Bluefield College

Contact Southwest Today!
276-964-2555

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