Early Childhood Development

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 from birth to 8 years old? 

Virginia Western’s Early Childhood Development Program will qualify you for the following roles: program director, assistant director, teacher, assistant teacher or teachers’ aides in programs for young children. Students who complete the AAS degree are also eligible for transfer into select teacher education programs at four-year schools designed for pre-K to third grade licensure. Begin your journey to a career that will make a difference for today’s children and families. 

What do Early Childhood Development Graduates do? 

• Work to ensure health, safety and nutrition for children in early childhood development facilities 
• Help with successful child growth and development 
• Provide appropriate child observation and assessment 
• Work alongside other educators, program directors, teachers, aides and staff 
• Partner with families and communities to foster excellent learning environments and effective interactions for children 

Graduates have found employment at: childcare centers, Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms, family day care homes, preschool programs, centers for children with special needs, residential childcare facilities and industry-associated centers. 

Related Programs

• Early Childhood Development (Career Studies Certificate)
• Early Childhood Development: Advanced (Career Studies Certificate)
• Early Childhood Development: Infant & Toddler (Career Studies Certificate)

Additional Resources

• The National Association for the Education of Young Children
• Project Pathfinders Scholarships
• Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship
• Study ECE

Transferring

If you’re considering an AAS program and interested in transferring to a four-year college or university, contact a program advisor upon entry to the program to discuss your plans.  

Virginia Western has entered into the following agreement specific to the Early Childhood Development program. This list is subject to change, and the most current agreements can be found on our Transfer Agreements page. 

• James Madison University: AAS Early Childhood Development to BA of Individualized Study Degree with a concentration in Early Childhood Education (PDF)
• Old Dominion University:
  • AAS in Early Childhood Development to BS in Elementary Education (PDF)
  • AAS in Early Childhood Development to BS in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (PDF)

Credit for Prior Learning

Our Credit for Prior Learning Program may award college credit for college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom. Examples of Credit for Prior Learning include:

• Certifications and licensures
• Military and law enforcement training
• Work-based learning
• National or institutional examinations
• Workforce training

Click here to learn more about Credit for Prior Learning.