The Early Childhood Education curriculum prepares individuals to work with children from infancy through middle childhood in diverse learning environments. Students will combine learned theories with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers. Course work includes child growth and development and physical/nutritional needs of children; care and guidance of children; and communication skills with parents and children. Students will foster the cognitive/language, physical/motor, social/emotional, and creative development of young children. Graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in early childhood settings. Employment opportunities include child development and child care programs, preschools, public and private schools, recreational centers, Head Start programs, and school-age programs.

For more information about the careers within this program of study, please click on the links below:

Occupational Outlook Handbook - Child Care Workers

Transfering to a Four-Year College or University

Elzabeth City State University, East Carolina University, and most of the UNC system universities have 2+2 transfer programs in Early Childhood Education to prepare graduates to teach birth thru kindergarten. For more information about 2+2 programs go to one of the following web sites.

ECU Early Childhood Education Transfer Program

Students interested in becoming a certified elementary teacher (K-6) should consider Pre-Major in Elementary Education.

If you are undecided about your program of study or need further assistance go to the Career Counseling Web Page.

Licensing Forms

• Early Childhood Education Administration Application
• Early Childhood Education Credentials Application