Early Childhood Education
Nurture Young Minds, Shape the Future
Our Early Childhood Education program prepares you to make a meaningful impact on children from birth to age 8. You'll gain essential skills in child development, curriculum design and teaching methods while learning to create supportive environments where children thrive. Through hands-on classroom experiences and practical training, you'll develop expertise in observation, assessment and guidance strategies. We will prepare you to work in various educational settings with the knowledge to foster children's social, emotional and cognitive growth. This in-demand career path offers immediate employment opportunities in a field essential to our communities.
PROGRAM GOALS
Understand Child Development
Gain in-depth knowledge of how children develop from birth to age 8, learning to recognize developmental milestones and individual differences. You'll learn to create age-appropriate activities that support children's cognitive, physical, social and emotional growth through observation and assessment techniques.
Master Curriculum Design and Implementation
Learn to plan, create and implement engaging educational activities that promote children's learning across all developmental and curricular domains. You'll develop skills to design inclusive learning environments that promote play through hands-on learning experiences.
Build Effective Guidance and Assessment Strategies
Develop practical skills for positive guidance, classroom management and age-appropriate behavioral support. You'll learn observation and assessment techniques to document children's progress, identify learning needs and communicate effectively with families about their child's development.
Early Childhood Education
A.A. / A.A.S. / Diploma / Certificate
Locations: Lincoln / Online
The Early Childhood Education track prepares you to teach children and strengthen families in various early care and educational settings.
ESTIMATED TUITION
$10,445 (A.A.) / $11,227 (A.A.S.) / $5,998 (Diploma) / $2,960 (Certificate)
CREDIT HOURS
60 (A.A.) / 68 (A.A.S.) / 32 (Diploma) / 17 (Certificate)
PROGRAM LENGTH
4 Terms (A.A.) / 4.5 Terms (A.A.S.) / 2 Terms (Diploma) / 1.5-2 Terms (Certificate)
SCHEDULE
Full-Time / Part-Time
STARTING TERM
Fall / Spring
In Home Care Provider
Certificate
Locations: Lincoln / Online
The Early Childhood Education – In Home Care Provider track teaches you observation, assessment and guidance strategies with specific focus on the development of children in an in-home setting.
ESTIMATED TUITION
$4,102
CREDIT HOURS
16
PROGRAM LENGTH
1.5 Terms
SCHEDULE
Full-Time / Part-Time
STARTING TERM
Fall / Spring
Infant/Toddler
Certificate
Locations: Lincoln / Online
The Early Childhood Education – Infant/Toddler track teaches you observation, assessment and guidance strategies with specific focus on the development of children from prenatal through 36 months.
ESTIMATED TUITION
$3,185
CREDIT HOURS
18
PROGRAM LENGTH
1.5 Terms
SCHEDULE
Full-Time / Part-Time
STARTING TERM
Fall / Spring
Preschool
Certificate
Locations: Lincoln / Online
The Early Childhood Education - Preschool track teaches you observation, assessment and guidance strategies with specific focus on the development of children from ages 3 to 5 years.
ESTIMATED TUITION
$3,160
CREDIT HOURS
17
PROGRAM LENGTH
1.5 Terms
SCHEDULE
Full-Time / Part-Time
STARTING TERM
Fall / Spring
WHY SCC?
What qualifications do I need for an early childhood education career?
Our program prepares you with over 300 hours of hands-on field experience working directly with children. You'll develop strong communication skills, gain expertise in child development and learn effective teaching methods. Our curriculum builds the qualifications employers seek, with specialized training in inclusive practices and family engagement.
What job opportunities are available with an early childhood education degree?
Our graduates are employed in various settings, often securing positions during their practicum. We prepare you for careers in childcare centers, preschools, para-educator in a public/private school, Head Start programs and in-home care.
What makes SCC’s Early Childhood Education program stand out?
Our faculty bring teaching experience from public schools, childcare centers and administrative roles to the classroom. We offer a unique student teaching capstone experience, exposure to inclusive education practices, and opportunities to develop leadership skills and professional connections.
Can I complete the program online?
Our program offers you flexibility with multiple delivery formats that fits your schedule. You can complete your coursework fully online, entirely in-person or through a hybrid approach combining both.
CAREER OUTCOMES
Preschool Teacher
Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities for children ages 3-5, fostering social, emotional, and cognitive growth in preparation for kindergarten. You'll also assess and communicate regularly with families about their child's development.
Childcare Center Director
Oversee daily operations of an early childhood facility, including staff supervision, program development and family communication. You'll manage budgets, ensure compliance with state regulations, develop curriculum standards and create a nurturing environment for both children and staff.
Infant/Toddler Educator
Provide specialized care and education for children from birth to age 3, supporting critical brain development during this formative period. You'll design stimulating activities, create safe exploration environments and help establish foundational skills while maintaining responsive caregiving relationships.
Next Steps
Program Chair
Additional Resources
Accreditation
The Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science Degree at Southeast 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. Program reaccreditation is pending.
2022 NAEYC Annual Report
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution
Southeast Community College is a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Institution (NC-SARA) institution. As such, SCC is unable to offer online or distance courses to students in the following areas at this time: American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.