Program Details
Career Studies Certificate in Early Childhood Development: Advanced Early Childhood Development
Career Studies CertificateVirginia Western Community College
This curriculum is designed to build on entry-level skills as demonstrated in the Early Childhood Career Studies Certificate and as documented by Virginia's Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals. These competencies include child health, safety and nutrition, understanding child growth and development, appropriate child observations and assessment, partnering with families and community, learning environment, effective interactions, program management, teacher qualifications and professi
Program Overview & Guidance

| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | Did you know that 90% of brain development happens before age 5? Is your goal to make a difference in the lives of young children and their families? Ensure a good start in life? Do you want to work with or teach young children aged birth to 8? The Early Childhood CSC at Virginia Western Community College will qualify you for the following roles in the field: assistant teacher or teacher's aid in programs for young children. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
All required courses also apply towards the AAS degree in Early Childhood Development. To be eligible for placement in CHD 165 students must: Submit to and have no findings for The State of Virginia Criminal History & Sex Offenders Records Check (SP-167) and the Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry. Students must also sign and complete the Sworn Statement or Affirmation for Child Day Programs. Submit documentation of a negative TB screening. Each student is responsible for any fees or costs associated with background checks. Students are responsible for transportation to and from field sites used for laboratory experiences. Inability to complete the above or contrary results will disqualify the student from completing the course and the program.
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | All required courses also apply towards the AAS degree in Early Childhood Development. To be eligible for placement in CHD 165 students must submit to and have no findings for The State of Virginia Criminal History & Sex Offenders Records Check (SP-167) and the Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry. Students must also sign and complete the Sworn Statement or Affirmation for Child Day Programs. Submit documentation of a negative TB screening. Each student is responsible for any fees or costs associated with background checks. Students are responsible for transportation to and from field sites used for laboratory experiences. Inability to complete the above or contrary results will disqualify the student from completing the course and the program. |
| Doing More With Your Degree | All required courses also apply towards the AAS degree in Early Childhood Development |
| Program Successes & Highlights | https://www.virginiawestern.edu/ie/research/student-goals/ |
Program Credit Requirements

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | To discuss how your previous degree can be incorporated into your new long term goals, please meet with an advisor. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | To discuss how your previous degree can be incorporated into your new long term goals, please meet with an advisor. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Yes |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | Virginia Western Community College's service region includes the cities of Roanoke and Salem, along with Roanoke County, Craig County, Franklin County, and southern Botetourt County. Virginia Western was the first college established in the Virginia Community College System, in 1966, and has grown from an initial enrollment of 1,352 to its current annual enrollment of more than 8,500 students in credit courses and more than 1,200 enrollments in accelerated career training and continuing education courses. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | A student's catalog year is determined by their first semester of attendance in the major. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | A student's catalog year is determined by their first semester of attendance in the major. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://www.virginiawestern.edu/transfer/transfer-agreements/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Central Virginia Community College | AAS in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Eastern Shore Community College | Early Childhood Education | Associate | Associate in Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Early Childhood Development, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Develop | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39-9011.00 | Childcare Workers | Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play. | Personal Care and Service Occupations |
| 39-9011.01 | Nannies | Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation. | Personal Care and Service Occupations |
Cost To Complete

