Early Childhood Associate

The Early Childhood Education curriculum prepares individuals to work with children from birth through eight in diverse learning environments. Students will combine learned theories with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified teachers.

Course work includes child growth and development; physical/nutritional needs of children; care and guidance of children; and communication skills with families and children. Students will foster the cognitive/language, physical/motor, social/emotional, and creative development of young children.

Graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in early childhood settings. Employment opportunities include child development and childcare programs, preschools, public and private schools, recreational centers, Head Start Programs, and school-age programs.

Early Childhood Education Two-Year Degree Options

Career Track (A55220-CT):  The Early Childhood Associate (Career Track) is a 66-69 credit hour degree. This option is for individuals who wish to earn an Early Childhood Education degree and enter the childcare workforce.

Birth-Kindergarten Transfer Track (A55220-BK):  The Early Childhood Birth-Kindergarten Associate (Transfer Track) is a 71 credit hour degree.  This option is for individuals who wish to transfer to a UNC System University to earn a four-year degree in Birth-Kindergarten Education.  See the Birth-Kindergarten document located at the bottom of this page for more information.

Early Childhood course work is generally offered online and on campus in the evenings. General Education courses are generally offered at various times and in a variety of methods. 

 The PCC Early Childhood Education Program is currently not a fully online program.

Welcome to Early Childhood Education at Pamlico Community College

Skills Learned

• Demonstrate knowledge of child development, education, and developmental theory.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate experiences that stimulate the domains of development and learning for all children.
• Establish and maintain safe and healthy learning environments.
• Provide optional learning environments which will support the diverse needs of all children.
• Develop positive relationships with children and utilize positive child guidance techniques to support children’s learning and social and emotional development.
• Establish respectful and collaborative relationships with all families.
• Identify and utilize resources and tools that support children, families, and early childhood professionals.
• Demonstrate professionalism and ethical conduct.
• Perform program/degree-specific responsibilities.

Personal Attributes

Successful individuals in this field have a strong desire to work with children and show patience, understanding and respect in their dealings with others, especially in the area of child-centered application and practice.

Strengths should also include organizational skills, an ability to work as a member of a team, effective communication skills, a strong sense of responsibility and an ability to manage time effectively.

Career Options

• Child development and home and center-based child care programs
• Preschools, public and private schools
• Recreational centers
• Head Start programs
• School-age programs.

Post-Graduate Study Options

Attend one of the 16 UNC System Universities that offer a Birth-Kindergarten Degree Program (all but N.C. State) and work toward a degree in Birth-Kindergarten Education.

Attend Barton College in Wilson, NC.

Attend the University of Mount Olive with two years’ credit toward a degree in Early Childhood Education.

Attend the NC Wesleyan University with two years’ credit toward a degree in Organizational Administration.

Required Courses

• Early Childhood Education Course Checklists
• Early Childhood Education Course Rotations
• Early Childhood Education Program Curriculum Map
• NC-DCDEE Credential Requirements

To learn more, contact:
Neil Callahan
ncallahan@pamlicocc.edu
252-249-1851  ext. 3042