Early Childhood Education
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Start making a difference early
If you have a knack for working with young children and want a career that genuinely matters, CCC's Early Childhood Education program is a great place to start.
Program Options
- Early Childhood Education – Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
A two-year degree built around career readiness. This is a workforce degree, meaning it is designed to prepare you for a job in early childhood education, not to transfer to a four-year university.
- Early Childhood Education – Certificate
A shorter, focused credential that covers the core skills you need to work in early childhood settings. Typically completed in one year.
What Can I do within Early Childhood Education
Early childhood educators work in preschools, childcare centers, Head Start programs, public school pre-K classrooms, and private learning environments.
Career paths available immediately after your graduation from CCC include:
- Paraprofessional
- Head Start or Early Head Start Staff
- Family Services Coordinator
Career paths available with further education/transferring to another institution:
- Preschool Teacher or Lead Teacher in a public or private setting (requirements may vary)
- Head Start or Early Head Start Staff
- Family Services Coordinator
- Childcare Center Director (requires additional credentials and experience in Arizona)
- Special Education Preschool Teacher (requires a bachelor’s degree and state certification)
- Elementary School Teacher (requires a bachelor’s degree and state certification)
A Note on Teaching in Arizona
If your goal is to teach in an Arizona public school, you will need a state teaching certificate issued through the Arizona Department of Education. That requires a bachelor’s degree and passing a state certification exam. CCC’s ECE program is a strong and affordable place to build that foundation before you transfer.
What Will I Learn?
- Foundations of early childhood education and curriculum development
- Health, safety, and nutrition for young children
- Child growth and development
- Language arts and literacy for young children
- Child guidance and positive behavior support
- School, family, and community relations
- Supporting children with special needs, including how to work with Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- Creative arts for young children
- Exploration and discovery in early learning environments
Program at a glance
- Length of Program
- One year full-time; two year part-time
- AAS Degre: Two Years full time; 3-4 years part-time
- Course Delivery:
- In-person and Online Classes
- Course Schedule:
- Day and Evening Classes Available
- Transferrability:
- All Courses transfer to NAU, ASU, and U of A as AGEC credit.
- Financial Aid Eligible
- Military/Veteran Benefits Available
- Location:
- Lone Tree Cmapus
- Page Campus
- Online
Your Program Options
Not sure which one is right for you? Start with the certificate. Every credit you earn counts toward the AAS if you decide to keep going.
Thinking About Transferring? CCC has established agreements with Arizona's public universities, so the credits you earn here are recognized when you transfer.
Professional Development and Resources
CCC’s ECE program connects you with resources and credentials that go beyond the classroom.
Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
The CDA is one of the most recognized credentials in early childhood education and is valued by employers nationwide. Talk to your advisor about how your CCC coursework can help you work toward this credential.
Arizona Early Childhood Career and Professional Development Network
A statewide resource connecting early childhood practitioners with scholarships, professional development opportunities, classroom resources, and career advancement support. Whether you are just starting out or looking to move up in the field, the Network is a valuable tool throughout your career.
Visit the Arizona ECE Network
Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry
The Registry is your personal record of education, training, and work history in the field. Joining gives you access to First Things First College Scholarships, local training opportunities, and tools to track your professional growth and share your qualifications with employers.
Join the Arizona Registry
Career Outlook
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between the certificate and the AAS degree?
CCC offers two credentials in Early Childhood Education. The certificate is 24 credits and focuses on the core skills you need to work in the field. The AAS degree is 60 credits and goes further, giving you a stronger foundation and the option to continue toward a bachelor’s degree. Every credit you earn in the certificate counts toward the AAS if you decide to keep going.
- What can I do with this degree right after graduation?
Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles including paraprofessional or teacher’s aide, early childhood education assistant, Head Start or Early Head Start assistant staff, and childcare center teacher in a private setting.
- Do I need a state teaching certificate to work in early childhood education in Arizona?
It depends on where you want to work. Private childcare centers and Head Start programs generally do not require a state teaching certificate. If you want to teach in an Arizona public school, you will need a state teaching certificate, which requires a bachelor’s degree and passing a state certification exam.
- Will I learn how to work with children who have special needs?
Yes. Supporting children with special needs is a required part of both the certificate and the AAS degree. You will learn how to work with Individual Education Plans (IEPs), assess needs, and create appropriate learning experiences for children with a range of abilities.
- Are there scholarships available for ECE students?
Yes. The Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry connects students with First Things First College Scholarships for those pursuing credentials, certificates, and degrees in early childhood education. The Arizona Early Childhood Career and Professional Development Network also offers information on additional funding opportunities.
Meet Your Faculty:
Next steps:
- Apply for free
- Find ways to pay for college
- Meet with your Advisor
- Enroll in classes
