Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development

Associate of Applied Science
Virginia Western Community College

The Early Childhood program prepares students for the following roles in early childhood education: program director, assistant director, teacher, assistant teacher, or teacher's aids in programs for young children. Students who complete the AAS degree are also eligible for transfer into select teacher education programs at 4-year schools designed for licensure pre-k-3rd grade.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree To be eligible for placement in CHD 165/CHD 265* students must: Submit to and have no findings for The State of Virginia Criminal History & Sex Offenders Records Check (SP-167) and the Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry. Students must also sign and complete the Sworn Statement or Affirmation for Child Day Programs, submit documentation of a negative TB screening, and each student is responsible for any fees or costs associated with background checks. Students are responsible for transportation to and from field sites used for laboratory experiences. Inability to complete the above or contrary results will disqualify the student from completing the course and the program. Depending on the field placement site, the student may be responsible for additional fees of up to $75 for background check, TB testing, and drug screening.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

To be eligible for placement in CHD 165/CHD 265* students must submit to and have no findings for The State of Virginia Criminal History & Sex Offenders Records Check (SP-167) and Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry. Students must also sign and complete the Sworn Statement or Affirmation for Child Day Programs. Students must submit documentation of a negative TB screening. Each student is responsible for any fees or costs associated with background checks. Students are responsible for transportation to and from field sites used for laboratory experiences. Inability to complete the above or contrary results will disqualify the student from completing the course and the program. AAS degrees prepare students for direct employment upon completion of the degree. However, many programs may also transfer to four-year institutions. Students interested in transferring should verify program requirements with specific four-year institutions.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Virginia Western Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree Did you know that 90% of brain development happens before age 5? Is your goal to make a difference in the lives of young children and their families? Ensure a good start in life? Do you want to work with or teach young children aged birth to 8? The Early Childhood Programs at Virginia Western Community College will qualify you for the following roles in early childhood education: program director, assistant director, teacher, assistant teacher, or teacher's aids in programs for young children. Students who complete the AAS degree are also eligible for transfer into select teacher education programs at 4-year schools designed for licensure pre-k-3rd grade. Begin your journey today to a career that will make a difference for today's children and families.
Program Successes & Highlights
Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

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.
Requirements
Required Credits
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development
63
Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development Degree
63
EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
63
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Up to 47 credits may be transferred in to this program. A GPA of 2.0 or greater is required for graduation.
SDV 101 - Orientation to Public Service
2
SDV 101 - Public Service
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ENG 111/112 RQ
6
ENG 111/112 RQ
6
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
CHD 120 or EQUIVALENT
3
CHD120 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
CHD 145 or EQUIVALENT
3
CHD145 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CHD 118
3
CHD118 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
HLT 135 or EDU 235
6
HLT135 or EDU 235 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
HLT 135 or EDU 235
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CHD 146
3
CHD146 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
CHD 205
3
CHD205 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CHD 165 or EQUIVALENT
3
CHD165 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CHD 210 or EDU 250
6
CHD 210 or EDU 250 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CHD 210 or EDU 250
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CHD 270
3
CHD270 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PSY 230
3
PSY230 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MTH 154 QUANT REASON
3
MTH 154 QUANT REASON
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
CHD 216
3
CHD216 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CHD 265
3
CHD 265
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CHD 166
3
CHD166 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENGLISH LITERATURE ELECTIVE
3
English Literature ELE 3
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
EDU 200
3
EDU200 RQ
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
HIS 121 or EDU 206
6
HIS 121 or EDU 206
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
HIS 121 or EDU 206
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
BIO 101
4
BIO 101 RQ
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
GPA Requirement 636
63
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion To discuss how your previous degree can be incorporated into your new long term goals, please meet with an advisor.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School To discuss how your previous degree can be incorporated into your new long term goals, please meet with an advisor.
Credit for Prior Learning Yes
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Virginia Western Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
519
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Virginia Western Community College's service region includes the cities of Roanoke and Salem, along with Roanoke County, Craig County, Franklin County, and southern Botetourt County. Virginia Western was the first college established in the Virginia Community College System, in 1966, and has grown from an initial enrollment of 1,352 to its current annual enrollment of more than 8,500 students in credit courses and more than 1,200 enrollments in accelerated career training and continuing education courses.
Transfer Student Catalog Year A student's catalog year is determined by their first semester of attendance in the major.
First Year Student Catalog Year A student's catalog year is determined by their first semester of attendance in the major.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions https://www.virginiawestern.edu/transfer/transfer-agreements/
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Eastern Shore Community CollegeEarly Childhood Education, AASAssociateAssociate in Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood DevelopAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood DevelopmentAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood DevelopmentAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeEarly Childhood Development, A.A.S.AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Paul D. Camp Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Early Childhood DevelopmentAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Early Childhood DevelopmentAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Mountain Gateway Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in EducationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Teacher EducationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegeEducation, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Rappahannock Community CollegeAA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Pre-Teacher Preparation Elementary (PreK-6) SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Social Science/EducationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in EducationAssociateAssociate of Arts & Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in EducationAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in K-8 EducationAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Early Childhood DevelopmentAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in Teacher Education - Secondary Mathematics SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Arts Degree in Secondary Teacher Education (English/History)AssociateAssociate of Arts2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in EducationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Paul D. Camp Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences in Education AssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person
Wytheville Community CollegeAssociate of Science in EducationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Science/EducationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Science in Science/Math EducationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Early Childhood DevelopmentAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityEarly Childhood Education and Teaching, Bachelor of Science in EducationBachelorBachelor of Science in Education4-YearIn-Person
Regent UniversityB.Ed. in Early & Primary EducationBachelorBachelor of Education4-YearIn-Person
Regent UniversityB.S. in Early Childhood EducationBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearOnline
Averett UniversityBA in Teaching Licensure in Elem Educ Grades PK-6 (VA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Averett UniversityBS in Teaching Licensure in Elem Educ Grades PK-6 (VA)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Highlands Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in EducationAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Bridgewater CollegeLiberal Studies Major - BA (Licensure Track)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegeLiberal Studies Major - BA (Non-Licensure Track)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Science, Major in Middle Grades EducationBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Education Middle School EducationBachelorBachelor of Education4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Education Middle School Education Special Ed 6-8BachelorBachelor of Education4-YearIn-Person
Ferrum CollegeB.S. in Middle Education: English Emphasis (Grades 6-8)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Ferrum CollegeB.S. in Middle Education: History and Social Sciences Emphasis (Grades 6-8)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Ferrum CollegeB.S. in Middle Education: Mathematics Emphasis (Grades 6-8)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Ferrum CollegeB.S. in Middle Education: Science Emphasis (Grades 6-8)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Science, Major in Secondary EducationBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
George Mason UniversitySecondary Education, BSEdBachelorBachelor of Science in Education4-YearHybrid
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Education Secondary EducationBachelorBachelor of Education4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Education Secondary Education Special Ed 6-12BachelorBachelor of Education4-YearIn-Person
Ferrum CollegeB.S. in Secondary Education: Agricultural Education EmphasisBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Ferrum CollegeB.S. in Secondary Education: English EmphasisBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Ferrum CollegeB.S. in Secondary Education: History and Social Sciences EmphasisBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Randolph-Macon CollegeMusic (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeEnglish (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeBusiness - Finance (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeBusiness - Management (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeFrench (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeAccounting (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeStudio Art (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeHistory (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeBusiness - Marketing (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeGerman (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeSpanish (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeCommunication Studies (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeArt History (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeGreek (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeLatin (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegePolitical Science (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegePsychology (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeTheatre (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeApplied Mathematics (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeBiology (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeChemistry - General (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeChemistry - Biochemistry (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeChemistry - Education (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeChemistry - Forensic Science (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeChemistry - Research (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeComputer Science (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegeMathematics (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegePhysics (BS)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1081.00Education Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-2031.00Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical EducationTeach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-2022.00Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical EducationTeach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-2021.00Elementary School Teachers, Except Special EducationTeach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-2012.00Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special EducationTeach academic and social skills to kindergarten students.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-2011.00Preschool Teachers, Except Special EducationInstruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-9042.00Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special EducationAssist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-9043.00Teaching Assistants, Special EducationAssist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic, social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 63 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development at Virginia Western Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $161 Per Credit $10,143 $0 $10,143 Includes Dual Enrollment
Fees
Fees $15 Per Credit $945 0 $945
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.