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Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education
What it’s About
If you have a passion for nurturing young, growing minds, enriching young people’s lives, and influencing the next generation, a career in early childhood education may be your calling. This rewarding career path is vital to growing our future and cultivating our society. Find fulfillment and purpose through our Early Childhood Education programs today.
Blue Ridge graduates also have the opportunity to transfer their credits toward four-year degrees at colleges and universities across the state.
More About the Program
The Early Childhood Education Program has two pathways: The Early Childhood Education transfer pathway is for those who want to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Birth to Kindergarten (BK) degree program, Family Studies or Special Education programs. Not only do we provide a hands-on learning experience, but we also make it easy for you to obtain your two-year associate degree.
The Early Childhood Education Career Entry pathway is for those who wish to obtain a two-year degree and either enter into or continue in a career in child development and childcare programs, preschools, public and private schools as teacher assistants, recreational centers, Head Start Programs, and other educational programs.
- Convenient: Earn a degree all online or a combination of online and in-person instruction.
- Affordable: Already employed in the childcare workforce? Explore financial opportunities under the North Carolina TEACH scholarship program.
- Qualified: Both programs offer great articulation agreements with four-year schools. The Early Childhood Education Degree program has a new 2+2 transfer agreement with all North Carolina Universities (UNC System).
Early Childhood Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Blue Ridge at Blue Ridge Community College is an NC Registered Apprenticeship program that blends hands-on learning with on-the-job training, allowing participants to earn while they learn. Apprentices work under the guidance of experienced professionals while taking college courses that directly apply to their work and field. They receive wages that increase with their skill level, tuition-free education, and a rewarding career pathway. Through this debt-free program, apprentices earn industry-respected credentials and receive preparation for high-demand careers while supporting themselves and their families.
The Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship program allows eligible high school graduates and adult learners to earn while you learn in the classroom and on the job. The program is a collaborative effort of Blue Ridge Community College, Henderson County Public Schools, Transylvania County Schools, Homeschool Association, and local employers in Early Childhood Education working together to support the workforce of today and tomorrow.
The Early Childhood Apprenticeship program is a registered North Carolina Apprenticeship with the N.C. Department of Labor.
Visit the Apprenticeship page to learn more and apply.
Our Graduates
Early Childhood graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in early childhood settings. Early Childhood Education programs have great articulation agreements with four-year schools where graduates can continue their studies in either a Birth to Kindergarten (BK) degree program, Family Studies or Special Education programs. Employment opportunities include child development and childcare programs, preschools, public and private schools, recreational centers, Head Start Programs, and other educational programs, to name a few. As a full-time student, these programs can typically be completed in two years and offers students the ability to take these programs completely online.
Overview of Pathways
- Associate Degree Early Childhood Education - Transfer Pathway
- Associate Degree Early Childhood Education - Career Entry Pathway
- Certificate Early Childhood Administration
- Certificate Early Childhood Introductory
- Certificate Early Childhood Preschool
- Certificate Infant/Toddler Care
- Certificate (Taught in Spanish) Preschool and Infant/Toddler Care
- Certificados (Impartidos en Español): Certificados en Español: Prescolar y Cuidado de Bebés y Niños pequeños
Technical standards
Students enrolling in these programs must meet specific emotional, behavioral, physical, and cognitive standards. This information is found in Technical Standards. Students qualifying for special accommodations to these standards must contact Student Accessibility Services at (828) 694-1813 for more information.
Guided Pathways
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is filled with resources to help you figure out how to pay for your Blue Ridge Community College education. Please see how to get started at “Applying for Financial Aid.” Additionally, the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities.
Contact Us
Erin Rogers
Early Childhood Instructor and Coach
828-694-1785
e.rogers@blueridge.edu
Office Location: Patton Building 260