Working with young children is more than a job. It’s a chance to make a lasting impact during one of the most important stages of human development. Whether you're guiding toddlers through early milestones or supporting school readiness in preschoolers, careers in early childhood development are both rewarding and in demand.
An associate degree or certificate in early childhood development can help you build a strong foundation for these roles. At Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), you can choose from two flexible, affordable programs: the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) or the Career Studies Certificate (C.S.C.). Both are designed to help you build the skills, earn the credentials and gain the hands-on experience needed to work in childcare, classroom and family service settings.
So, what can you do with an early childhood development degree? From teaching and direct care to transfer pathways and social services, NOVA helps you take the first step toward a rewarding career.
Careers You Can Pursue With an Early Childhood Development Degree
During early childhood, children build the habits that shape their academic, emotional and social development. Professionals in early childhood education play a critical role in supporting that growth. With the right training, you can pursue roles like:
- Preschool teacher: Lead classroom activities and support school readiness for children age five and younger.
- Family services assistant: Support parents and caregivers through social service agencies.
- Head Start or Early Head Start staff: Work in federally funded programs that promote school readiness and development.
- Paraprofessional in elementary schools: Assist licensed teachers in early grades with classroom instruction and supervision.
- Nanny or private childcare provider: Deliver personalized care in home-based settings using professional practices.
- Before- and after-school care staff: Care for students outside of school hours and plan engaging activities for elementary-age children.
According to Lightcast, a labor market analytics firm, there are currently 735 entry-level positions in early childhood education across NOVA’s service area. These roles are excellent launching pads for your career in education. If you want to become a teacher, this degree can also be an ideal start to your education.
How to become an early childhood education teacher
To become an early childhood education teacher, you’ll need to go beyond an associate degree. Follow these steps to find your path to the classroom:
- Start with a degree in early childhood education: NOVA’s two-year degree is a cost-effective way to launch your teaching journey. This degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year program.
- Complete practicum or field work hours: Your practicum lets you apply what you've learned in real classrooms, giving you hands-on experience managing children and communicating with families and staff.
- Transfer to a four-year college or university: Most early education teaching roles require a bachelor’s degree. Transferring from NOVA helps you save money while continuing your training.
- Pass state-required exams for teaching licensure: To teach in Virginia, you must pass Praxis exams that assess content knowledge and teaching skills. These exams are specific to your focus area and grade level.
- Apply for a Virginia teaching license: After meeting your degree and testing requirements, you’ll submit your licensure application through the Virginia Department of Education to become eligible to teach in the state.
These steps may sound demanding, but each brings you closer to a fulfilling and impactful career. If you’re looking to become a teacher or pursue another role in early childhood development, you’ll need to transfer to a four-year institution after earning your associate degree.
Transferring With an Early Childhood Development Degree
Starting your early childhood education journey with an associate degree offers huge advantages. Community college programs like NOVA’s cost less than four-year universities, allowing you to complete general education coursework with a lower burden.
NOVA’s associate degree transfers easily to bachelor’s degree programs through agreements with partner colleges. NOVA maintains three types of partnerships:
- Articulation Agreements: Articulation agreements ensure that every credit you take at NOVA will transfer to partner colleges, eliminating the risk of lost credits.
- Guaranteed Admission Agreements: Guaranteed admission agreements go even further, ensuring your acceptance if you meet certain coursework and GPA requirements.
- ADVANCE program with George Mason University: This co-enrollment partnership gives you access to both institutions’ resources, coordinated advising and a clear transfer path into bachelor's programs.
If you start with an associate degree in early childhood education, you’ll finish with the same credential after completing your bachelor's, having saved both time and money.
Skills You’ll Learn With an Early Childhood Development Degree
Whether you plan to enter the workforce quickly or continue your education, the skills you gain at NOVA will serve you well. Here, you’ll build a strong foundation in:
- Physical and mental development from birth to age eight.
- Health, safety and nutrition standards in childcare settings.
- Observation and assessment techniques.
- Inclusive practices that support diverse learners.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with families and staff.
NOVA’s courses combine theory with hands-on learning so that you graduate ready to step into professional roles. If your goal is to become a classroom teacher, these skills will also prepare you for the next stage of your educational journey.
Early Childhood Development Degree vs. Career Studies Certificate?
NOVA offers both an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and a Career Studies Certificate (C.S.C.) in early childhood development.
The associate degree is a two-year program that includes both general education and specialized early childhood courses. It’s ideal if you plan to pursue a teaching license or want to keep your transfer options open.
The Career Studies Certificate is a shorter program focused entirely on early childhood courses. It’s a great option if you want to enter the workforce quickly or already hold a degree in another field and need more specific training. All courses in the certificate program can also count toward the associate degree, so you can start with the certificate and decide if an associate degree is right for you later.
Why Choose NOVA for Your Early Childhood Development Degree?
We’ve answered “what can you do with an early childhood development degree?” But why should you choose NOVA to get you there? Our early childhood development program offers expert instruction, flexible learning options and affordability, helping you build the skills needed for a successful career. At NOVA, you’ll benefit from: