Program Details
Career Studies Certificate in Early Childhood Development
Career Studies CertificateMountain Gateway Community College
This 16-credit curriculum provides a foundation in early childhood development and is designed for students who plan to work with children from birth through age eight years using developmentally appropriate practices.
Outcomes
The Career Studies Certificate in Early Childhood Development prepares students for entry level employment working with young children in safe and healthy environments that are supportive of children's individual physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Graduates develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to implement practices informed by Virginia's Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals and the National Association for the Education of Young Children Professional Preparation Standards.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | The Career Studies Certificate in Early Childhood Development prepares students for entry level employment working with young children in safe and healthy environments that are supportive of children's individual physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights |
Related Programs & Certifications

Program Credit Requirements

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | We award SDV 100 credit for prior learning for transfer students who have completed an Associate degree or higher. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students earning an associate degree while in high school are not eligible for guaranteed admission programs and must complete 3 college specific general education courses. All courses are evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree. |
Credit for Prior Learning | Yes |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | MGCC provides a great start with small class sizes, personal service, and innovative programs with competetive prices. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Year of admission |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | None required |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.
Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Central Virginia Community College | AAS in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Eastern Shore Community College | Early Childhood Education, AAS | Associate | Associate in Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Develop | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Early Childhood Development, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Develop | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Online |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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39-9011.00 | Childcare Workers | Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play. | Personal Care and Service Occupations |
39-9011.01 | Nannies | Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation. | Personal Care and Service Occupations |
Cost To Complete

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