The Early Childhood Associate program is designed for individuals interested in working with infants and young children. With the increasing number of preschool children requiring early care and education and with increasing awareness of the role early experiences play in shaping a child’s future behavior, attitudes, and abilities, the need for trained child care specialists has risen dramatically.

The specialist strives to meet the developmental needs of the individual child. A source of warmth and security, the specialist organizes the child’s environment and facilitates learning. This program integrates classroom learning and fieldwork in child growth and development, the physical and nutritional needs of children, their care and guidance, and communication with children and their parents, thus providing students with the training needed to function effectively as a child care specialist.

The Early Childhood Associate program offers courses to those who are beginning careers in child care, who work with young children and would like to increase their professional skills, or who would like to start their own child care centers or homes. This program also offers the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential courses (EDU 111 and 112) which the North Carolina Division of Child Development requires for lead teachers in child care and the Early Childhood Administration Credential courses (EDU 261 and 262) required for directors and administrators in child care. Students who plan to transfer to four-year institutions can also benefit from the curriculum.

Job opportunities are available in many settings, including child care centers, nursery schools, kindergartens, child development centers, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, museums, camps, and recreational centers. Classes are taught during the afternoon and in the evening to accommodate employees of schools and child care centers.

Graduates of the program may receive an Associate in Applied Science degree; certificate options are available in Child Care Administration and Management as well as in Child Development. Students successfully completing the certificate option receive a certificate of completion.