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Winter Break

The college will be closed for break  at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 23. The college will reopen Thursday, January 2, 2025.

Early Childhood Development

Make a positive impact on the life of a child

Good teachers and child care providers don’t just happen! Whether you want to become a director of a child care program, operate your own licensed family care home or be a preschool teacher, TCC’s nationally accredited program prepares you to offer the highest possible standard of care and education to serve children and their families. Each child development program is interactive with a focus on research-proven educational methods. You’ll learn how to engage children and enhance their educational experiences with fun and creative approaches.

TCC’s associate degree also prepares students planning to transfer to partner four-year institutions to earn a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (PreK-3) with a teaching license.

Semesters:
4
Credits:
62 View Curriculum
Locations:
Chesapeake Campus, Norfolk Campus, Portsmouth Campus, Virginia Beach Campus
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Development

TCC’S hands-on, research-based curriculum trains you in the care, supervision and education of children from birth through age 8. You can immediately join the workforce in settings such as preschools, child care centers, private schools, and public schools or transfer your credits to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education (PreK-3) along with a teaching license.
Semesters:
2
Credits:
31 View Curriculum
Locations:
Chesapeake Campus, Norfolk Campus, Portsmouth Campus, Virginia Beach Campus
Certificate - Early Childhood Instruction

Prepare for employment as an assistant at a child care center with interactive course work focused on children’s exploration, expression and learning. Observation hours are built into every class and many students find jobs during these interactive experiences.
Semesters:
1
Credits:
12 View Curriculum
Locations:
Chesapeake Campus, Norfolk Campus, Portsmouth Campus, Virginia Beach Campus
Career Studies Certificate - Child Development

Gain the entry-level knowledge necessary to work successfully with children! Complete the four core courses, and you’ll be on your way to earning the industry-recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Semesters:
2
Credits:
16 View Curriculum
Locations:
Chesapeake Campus, Norfolk Campus, Portsmouth Campus, Virginia Beach Campus
Career Studies Certificate - Preschool (CDA Equivalent)

Prepare to earn the Child Development Association (CDA) credential, a nationally recognized entry-level credential designed for those who want to work with young children in all settings.
Semesters:
1
Credits:
18 View Curriculum
Locations:
Chesapeake Campus, Norfolk Campus, Portsmouth Campus, Virginia Beach Campus
Career Studies Certificate - Educational Support Specialist

If you want to work in the classroom but don't yet have a degree, consider this track. You’ll be prepared for work as a teaching assistant in both public and private schools.

The A.A.S. Early Childhood Development degree at Tidewater 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 July 2018 through July 2025.

The Early Childhood Development programs prepare students in the care, supervision, and education of young children from birth to age eight. The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree provides fundamentals of child development and educational training for those entering the field. Graduates are equipped with knowledge and skills for work in settings such as preschools, child care centers and homes, Head Start programs, private schools, public schools and before-and-after school programs. The Career Studies Certificate programs focus on specific aspects of early childhood and prepare students for work with young children in a variety of school, childcare, and agency settings.

The Career Studies Certificate in Child Development meets the requirements for students to begin their Child Development Associate (CDA) credentialing processes.

The Preschool (CDA Equivalent) Career Studies Certificate satisfies the requirements of the Head Start Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.

TCC Early Childhood Development Outcome Data.

This program prepares students to sit for professional exams and/or apply for professional licensure that is required for employment in the related occupation in Virginia. If you live or move outside of Virginia, you must consult with the program lead to confirm whether the program will meet your state’s requirements prior to enrolling in courses. Visit this website to learn more.

Is this program for you?

Yes, if you:
  • love working with children
  • are patient
  • enjoy a hands-on environment