ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (A.A.S.)
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
- SDV 100: College Success Skills
- CHD 120: Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- CHD 145: Teaching Art, Music, and Movement to Children
- CHD 118: Language Arts for Young Children
- PSY 230: Developmental Psychology
- ENG 111: College Composition I *
Semester Total
Lecture Hours: 14
Lab Hours: 4
Course Credits: 16
Second Semester
- EDU 200: Introduction to Teaching as a Profession
- CHD 165: Observation and Participation in Early Childhood/Primary Settings
- CHD 146: Math, Science, and Social Studies for Children
- ENG 112: College Composition II *
- HLT 135: Child Health and Nutrition
Semester Total
- Lecture Hours: 12
- Lab Hours: 10
- Course Credits: 15
Third Semester
- MTH 154: Quantitative Reasoning
- CHD 205: Guiding the Behavior of Children
- CHD 216: Early Learning, Family, Community and Social Change
- HIS 121: United States History I
- OR
- HIS 122: United States History II
- BIO 101: General Biology I
Semester Total
- Lecture Hours: 16
- Lab Hours: 0
- Course Credits: 16
Fourth Semester
- CHD 265: Advanced Observation and Participation in Early Childhood/Primary Settings
- CHD 166: Infant and Toddler Programs
- CHD 210: Children with Exceptionalities
- CHD 270: Administration of Childcare Prog. 3 credit
- ENG 246: American Literature
- OR
- ENG 250: Children's Literature
Semester Total
- Lecture Hours: 13
- Lab Hours: 6
- Course Credits: 15
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276-964-2555CAREER 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