Early Childhood Specialist, A.A.S.

The A.A.S. Early Childhood Specialist degree is a comprehensive 60-credit hour program designed to equip students for a career as pre-school child care center teachers, teachers aids in WV counties, recognizing the curriculum, and other child care centers serving children birth to age 6. Students combine theories with practical applications where possible. The program focuses on the cognitive, emotional and physical development of young children and appropriate curriculum and activities foster their development. The program incorporates administrative and management skills for those individuals that will obtain supervision and management positions. Students learn essential skills in communication and child care center operations. Students learn to maintain childcare center records ensuring copliance with both West Virginia and federal laws. Students are prepared for employment upon graduation from the program.

Program Outcomes

Prepare students for employment in pre-school childcare centers, teacher’s aids, and other childcare centers serving children birth to age 6.
Apply theories of early childcare with practical applications.
Implement age-appropriate curriculum and classroom activities.
Prepare to assume supervision roles in an early childcare facility.
Maintain childcare facility records in accordance with West Virginia and Federal Law requirements.
Apply professional written and spoken communication skills with staff and parents.

Curriculum for an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Specialist

General Education Core	15
Early Childhood Specialist Core	33
Restricted Electives	12
Total Credit Hours Required	60

General Education Core

Early Childhood Core

Each student will work with their advisor and choose 33 credits of Early Childhood Courses for their individualized program. Choices can include:

Restricted Electives

Each student must work with their advisor to choose 12 credits of restricted electives. Choices can include:

Program Disclaimer

This curriculum includes a list of courses required for this program of study for this calendar year. Your Academic Plan can be found on DegreeWorks once you become a degree-seeking student.

Note: All salary projections are based on the current position and educational needs. BRCTC cannot guarantee that the projections given will be the salaries or jobs learners or graduates will ultimately receive.