Make a positive impact on the lives of children and take your early childhood career to the next level!
Program Overview
This program is designed to prepare individuals for employment in early childhood educational settings and to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals currently employed in the field. The Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development degree provides the foundation for transfer to partner four-year institutions to earn a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (PreK – 3rd Grade) with a teaching license.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are equipped with knowledge and skills to provide high-quality early childhood educational experiences for children in preschools, childcare centers, Head Start, and before and after school programs.
Students earning an AAS in Early Childhood Development may serve in the following preschool and childcare center positions: Lead Teachers, Directors, Owners/Operators, Curriculum Specialists. The degree also qualifies individuals for employment as instructional assistants in the public-school setting.
Program Highlights
- Courses are offered fully online to provide flexibility for students juggling work and family responsibilities.
- Courses are taught by experienced faculty who are dedicated to preparing students to excel in the early childhood classroom.
- Scholarships are available to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and books – many students pay nothing!
Grants and Scholarships
- G3 – Get a Skill, Get a Job, Get Ahead
- Project Pathfinders
- Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program
- Davenport Institute Expansion Grant: Eligible students receive $1500!
Program Testimonials
“I operate an in-home, on-farm, experiential learning child care and preschool in Rockingham County for ages 2-5 years old. This degree will enable students and local providers to further enhance their knowledge and understanding of early education. This will, in turn, allow them to provide exceptional care to children in the Shenandoah Valley.”
Brandi Dacko
Owner & Provider, Flip-Flop Farm Child Care & Preschool
“When quality care is available to children in our community, we are setting them up for success by establishing an important foundation in their first five years of development. Offering this degree will help us employ candidates who are knowledgeable about child development and who can provide meaningful interactions.”
“Having the right tools when working with young children is the key to success. This degree is the pathway to gaining these skills which makes these graduates an asset to centers like ours.”
Laurie Deavers
Executive Director, Generations Crossing
Ready to Apply?
Contact
Dr. Stacey Park
Assistant Professor/Early Childhood Program Coordinator
parks@brcc.edu
(540) 453-2330