Early Childhood Education (A.A.)

About the Degree
Career Information
General Education Requirements 
Program Requirements 

In the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program, you will develop knowledge, skills, and experience to help you work effectively with children and families. These are based on industry skill standards and the five areas of professional competency in Vermont: child development, family and community, teaching and learning, health and safety, professionalism and program organization.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Early Childhood Education program will be able to:

• practice and model effective communication, observation strategies, and partnerships with children and their families;
• apply developmentally appropriate and professionally accepted practices used in childcare or school settings to promote inclusion of children with special needs or different learning styles and maintain a safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environment;
• demonstrate professional conduct when dealing with legal and ethical issues in childcare and early childhood education settings;
• demonstrate a working knowledge of leadership, administrative and sound business practices in the childcare industry;
• demonstrate academic skills required of all CCV graduates, including competency in writing, information literacy, oral communication, and quantitative reasoning; and
• explore pathways for educational and career development in the student’s field of study.

The Early Childhood Education program is great for you if:

• you currently work or have experience working with children;
• you are interested in the development of children;
• you enjoy interpersonal communication and working with a wide variety of people;
• you care about making a difference for children and families in your community;
• you want to gain theoretical background and practical experience in the field of education and early education; and
• you are willing to maintain state childcare licensing requirements and pursue continuing education classes.

Key information and advice for students in the Early Childhood Education program:

• The ECE degree integrates with the requirements for Vermont’s Early Childhood Career Ladder –Level IIIB, the Afterschool Professional Credential, Early Childhood and Afterschool Program Director Credential, and the Vermont Childcare Apprenticeship program. Students working in regulated childcare may be eligible for a Recognition Bonus from the Child Development Division upon completion of each of these credentials.
• The Childcare  certificate is designed to fit inside the ECE degree, providing a stepping-stone to greater training and compensation.
• Community & Work Experience
    (CWE) gives students practical experience in the workplace and can be a connection to employment in the early childhood education field.
• Students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood or elementary education are encouraged to identify transfer options early to optimize course choices.

The Early Childhood Education program prepares you for careers such as:

• Registered Child Care Provider – Level III
• Teacher in licensed child Care program
• Paraprofessional or Teaching Assistant
• Head Start Home Visitor or Teacher
• Elementary School Teacher (bachelor’s required)

Job outlook in Early Childhood Education in the state of Vermont:

Source: Vermont Department of Labor, http://www.vtlmi.info/oic.cfm

Transfer Options:

For more information about special transfer agreements between CCV and other colleges, visit our transfer page.

Visit www.vtcolleges.org to learn about additional bachelor degree options in Vermont.