fbpx

If you'd like a career in...
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Program Description

With a degree, diploma or certificate in early childhood education, you will be ready to teach and care for children from birth to age eight. Job responsibilities can include planning and teaching.

The Early Childhood Education curriculum combines instruction with practicums under the supervision of qualified teachers. Students will learn theories that foster cognitive/language, physical/motor, social/emotional and creative development of young children.

Coursework includes child growth and development; physical/nutritional needs of children; care and guidance of children; and communication skills with parents and children.

Education Stars

Need help paying for your Early Childhood Education Classes?  The Education Stars Program can help.

NC State Grant for EDU119

Smart Start Resource Center
A lending library of educational resources for children ages 0-5. These materials are available to early childhood educators, professionals, guardians, and (grand)parents living or working in Union County.

Transfer

The AAS Degree in Early Childhood Education/Practitioner Pathway to Bachelor of Liberal Studies in Education Studies/Language and Literacy Concentration (K-6). Per the agreement, students with an associate degree will be able to transfer 59 semester credit hours from South Piedmont to Wingate and take 61 more at the University to earn their BLS. To receive credit for their general education requirements, they will have to have earned at least a C in each class and have a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Once they achieve their bachelor’s degree, students can pursue their master of arts in teaching to become licensed elementary school educators. For more information on Gateway to Wingate, click here.

Accreditation

The Early Childhood Education Associate Degree at South Piedmont 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, www.naeyc.org. The accreditation term runs from March 2020 through March 2027.

View 2022 NAEYC Annual Report Program Outcome Data

Technical Standards

These technical standards have been established to inform students of the skills and standards necessary for the completion of the Early Childhood Education program. Technical Standards

Employment Opportunities

Graduating as early childhood education practitioners, students will be equipped to seek employment at:

  • Child development and childcare programs
  • Head Start programs
  • Preschools
  • Public and private schools
  • Recreational centers
  • School-age programs

Educational Opportunities

Contact Information

To learn more about this program, contact: 
Navigate@spcc.edu, 704-290-5100

Other contacts:

Stacey Fleming
Education Stars

Tonya N. Silas
Program Lead/Faculty, Early Childhood Education

Stephanie Gilbert
Department Chair of Business, Education and Social Sciences

Dean of Arts and Sciences
 

Note: This program may transfer to a four-year institution. For more information, please contact the individual(s) listed above.

What's My Path?