Program Details
Certificate in Early Childhood Development
CertificatePaul D. Camp Community College
This certificate is designed to prepare students for jobs in the care and education of young children. Students already employed in childcare jobs may upgrade and expand their skills and training through this program.
Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Recognize the stages of early childhood development.
- Illustrate developmentally appropriate techniques and methods for encouraging the development of language, literacy, math, science and social studies.
- Utilize the arts and other creative developmentally appropriate activities for young children.
- Use developmentally appropriate practices to plan activities to stimulate the logical thinking skills in children
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | This program prepares students to care for, supervise, and educate young children. Individuals already working in the field may upgrade and expand their skills through this program. |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes Students are advised that the Code of Virginia restrict who may legally provide child care in Virginia. Most agencies require a criminal background check through the Virginia State Police Department and a child abuse or neglect check through the Virginia Department of Social Services before employment involving contact with young children. In addition, some child care facilities and schools may require proof of specific vaccinations and health related tests for students to complete their supervised workplace experiences. Candidates for the Early Childhood Development Certificate must successfully complete all required courses, must earn a minimum grade of ?C? in all CHD courses, and must complete a minimum of 20 hours of observation and/or direct involvement with young children in an child care or early childhood educational facility. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | All credits earned in this program may be applied to the AAS degree in Early Childhood Education. Students are encouraged to continue their studies at Camp to complete the 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 | Completion of the general education credential or a transfer-oriented associate degree program will guarantee completion of Camp’s general education component of Camp’s curriculum but may not fulfill specific departmental requirements or prerequisites needed for the program. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students earning an associate degree while in high school may not be eligible for guaranteed admission programs at four-year institutions. Students planning to transfer should review the guaranteed admissions requirements at the college to which they want to be admitted. |
Credit for Prior Learning | Camp follows the VCCS Waiver of Requirements policy when determining whether any course or program requirements can be waived when previous educational studies, training programs, or work experience may entitle students to an adjustment in required courses in a particular curriculum. Students who believe that previous educational studies, training programs, or work experience may entitle them to an adjustment in the required courses in a particular curriculum should contact the Dean or their Program Advisor to determine procedures before registering for classes. |
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? | Camp enrolls over 900 curricular students, with an average class size of 10 students, a student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the Catalog in effect when a student enters the college, or any in a subsequent Catalog chosen. A student must follow program or major requirements in effect at the time a program or major is declared or at the time a program or major is changed. If a student’s progress toward a degree is interrupted for four or more consecutive semesters (excluding Summer), the curricular requirements of the Catalog in effect when re-entering the college must be followed. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Most degree and certificate programs are open to all students. Some programs in nursing and allied health have competitive entry and require a separate application. |
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
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 |
---|---|---|---|
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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