Early Childhood Education Programs

Summary: 

Overview of the programs offered by the Early Childhood Department

We offer the following curriculum programs through our Early Childhood Education Department:

• Early Childhood Associate Program (2 years, 5 semesters)
• Early Childhood Certificate (1 year, 2 semesters)
• Special Education Certificate (1 year, 2 semesters)

If you're uncertain about which program to enter, call our Early Childhood Education Department at (828) 398-7373.

Early Childhood Associate A.A.S.

The two-year, five-semester Early Childhood Associate Program prepares individuals to work with children from infancy through early childhood in diverse learning environments. Students will combine theories with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers. Graduates may work in child development and child care programs, preschools, public and private schools, recreational centers, Head Start programs, and school-age programs.

Early Childhood/School-Age Education A.A.S.

This program has been discontinued, as of Spring 2014.

Certificate Programs

We also offer two one-year, two-semester Certificate Programs in Early Childhood Education Certificate and Special Education.

More information about these programs can be found by going to abtech.edu/academic-programs and clicking on the specific program of interest.

North Carolina Early Childhood Credential

You may obtain the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC), which is required for employment in many child care centers, by taking the single course EDU 119, "Introduction to Early Childhood Education."

Specific Admissions Requirements

For specific admissions requirements, which include references and a criminal background check, see the different program descriptions online at abtech.edu/academic-programs.

Additional Questions

For more information, call Jennifer Bosworth, the chairperson of Early Childhood Education, at jenniferbosworth@abtech.edu or (828) 398-7373.