Work as an Early Childhood Professional with NOVA’s Programs
Whether you’re already working in early learning settings or want to work in the field, NOVA’s early childhood development programs will help you take your career to the next level.
Special Accreditation Status: The A.A.S. Early Childhood Development degree at Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The current accreditation term runs from March 2018 through March 2025.
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development
Start or move your career forward with NOVA’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Development degree. Through this associate degree program, you’ll be prepared to become an early childhood professional or seamlessly transfer to a four-year institution in Virginia.
- Length
- Two Years
- Credits
- 62
- Locations
- Alexandria, Loudoun, Manassas
Early Childhood Development Career Studies Certificate
With NOVA’s Career Studies Certificate (CSC) in Early Childhood Development, you’ll be prepared to work with young children in safe and healthy environments that support their physical, cognitive and social-emotional development. You’ll be equipped for jobs such as assistant teacher, teacher, group leader or child care provider.
- Length
- One Year
- Credits
- 16
- Locations
- Alexandria, Loudoun, Manassas, Online
Early Childhood Development: Infant and Toddler Care Career Studies Certificate
Prepare to start or advance your career as an early childhood professional with NOVA’s Career Studies Certificate (CSC) in Infant and Toddler Care. You’ll study how children grow and learn and how to effectively teach them through a curriculum developed by experts in the field. The curriculum also follows the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which promotes high-quality early childhood education. After completing your certificate, you’ll be prepared to continue your studies at a four-year institution.
- Length
- One Year
- Credits
- 16
- Locations
- Alexandria, Loudoun, Manassas, Online
Early Childhood Development Certificate
In NOVA’s early childhood development certificate program, you’ll be prepared to work in environments where the care and education of young children is the main focus, such as child development programs, family child care homes, and before- and after-school programs.
- Length
- One Year
- Credits
- 31
- Locations
- Alexandria, Loudoun, Manassas, Online
Why Study Early Childhood Development at NOVA?
Experienced Early Childhood Development Faculty
You’ll learn from NOVA faculty with years of early childhood education experience. These dedicated educators are caring mentors who want to help you succeed at NOVA and in the field.
Comprehensive Early Childhood Development Courses
You’ll take courses accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the recognized standard of excellence in the field.
Affordable Early Childhood Development Programs
You’ll receive an affordable early childhood development education. You may even qualify for NOVA scholarships to offset the cost of tuition and fees.
Program Details
The Early Childhood curriculum covers a complete spectrum of issues in child development and education. The curriculum is common across the state by peer group agreement, and it covers the areas recommended for NAEYC Associate Degree programs in Early Childhood Education. The curriculum is designed to prepare Early Childhood Professionals. This includes people presently employed in early learning settings, and those seeking employment in the field. It also provides seamless articulation for those who wish to continue their education at a four-year institution.
Accreditations
Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees and certificates in early childhood development. The program is accredited through March 2025 by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. NOVA bases the content of all early childhood education courses on NAEYC’s Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation.
Credits and
Transfer Info
Credit for Prior Learning
Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional ways, including but not limited to: certifications, AP or IB exams, military training, or life experience.
Transferring
Learn more about possible transfer opportunities associated with this program of study. Students interested in transferring should contact an advisor or counselor to further discuss their plans.