Early Childhood Development: Advanced

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 skills should an Early Childhood Development student have? 

• Love of children 
• Passion for teaching 
• Maturity, compassion and desire to work with children, families and communities 

Related Programs

• Early Childhood Development (Associate of Applied Science)
• Early Childhood Development (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

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.