Program Overview

Early Childhood Development: Preschool

This certificate prepares students to provide developmentally appropriate learning environments for preschool children.

Career Pathway

• Education & Public Service

Related Programs

• Early Childhood Development: Infant/Toddler
• Education

Program Dean

• Kit Decker
• Humanities, Fine Arts and Social Sciences Division

Faculty Contact

• Michael Rahilly

Academic Advisors

• Nathaniel Fraticelli (Student last name starts with A-K)
• Kara Presson (Student last name starts with L-Z)

Program

• Career Studies Certificate

Credit Hours

• 18

Program Information

This career studies certificate is designed to prepare students to work with young children in a safe and healthy environment to support their individual physical, cognitive social and emotional development. This certificate provides the entry-level competencies documented by Virginia’s Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals. These competencies include health, safety and nutrition, understanding child growth and development, appropriate child observation and assessment, partnering with families and community, learning environment, effective interactions, program management, teacher qualifications, and professional development curriculum. This certificate exceeds the Child Development Associates credential (CDA), which would make PVCC students who hold this certificate fully qualified for any program that requires the CDA as a minimum.

Students accepted into the program will plan their coursework with the aid of the Program Coordinator or with the dean of the Division of Humanities, Fine Arts, and Social Sciences.

Occupational Objectives

• Employment opportunities include positions in childcare centers, Head Start classrooms, family day care homes, preschool programs, centers for children with special needs, residential childcare facilities, and industry associated centers.

Degree Requirements

• Early Childhood Development: Preschool Certificate Requirements CSC