Early Childhood Education

Are you interested in a career in Early Childhood Education? Are you passionate about teaching and caring for young children?

Then, consider the Early Childhood Education program. Our faculty is committed to young children, the profession that serves them, and to students like you. The mission of the program pinpoints developing students to develop children.

The Early Childhood Education Program offers high quality, engaging learning experiences that connect students to children and to the profession. Students participate actively in the college classroom and in the field with young children of different ages in a variety of settings. Small classes and close relationships with faculty and other students create a welcoming environment. Certificates build into a diploma, and into a transferable degree.

Still interested and passionate? Begin your journey with us.

The AAS Early Childhood Education degree at Guilford Technical 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 April 2021 through March 2028.

Please review the GTCC Early Education Handbook (PDF) for information about what is expected in this program.

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Degree and Credentialing Options

https://catalog.gtcc.edu/index.php?catoid=14

https://catalog.gtcc.edu/index.php?catoid=14

https://catalog.gtcc.edu/index.php?catoid=14

Early Childhood Education Diploma

D 55 22 0 D1

The Early Childhood Education diploma gives the student the opportunity to experience the basic courses in theory in a classroom setting along with one practicum experience. Additionally, all courses with EDU prefixes are used evaluate the educational level of each child care provider by the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. Earning the ECE diploma will enable the student to be rated at five out of seven education points by the NC Star Rated License program and makes the student more employable.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful the Early Childhood Education diploma, graduate should be able to:

  • Promote child development and learning
  • Build family and community relationships
  • Use developmentally effective approaches to connect with children and families
  • Become a professional by practicing professionalism and ethical conduct

Fall Semester I

Total Credits: 16

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 12-15

Fall Semester II

Total Credits: 7-10

Total credit hours required for diploma: 38

Electives

1. Early Childhood Electives

Take required elective course in either Spring I or Fall II depending on when course is offered.

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Early Childhood Administration Certificate

C 55 22 0 C2

The Early Childhood Administration certificate enables the student to receive two state credentials. Upon successful completion of

EDU 119
 the student earns the NC Child Care Credential and qualifies to be the lead teacher in a child care center. By successfully completing the two administration classes, the student receives the NC Child Care Administrative Credential and the rank of a Level I administrator. This is necessary to be employed as a director in a child care center in NC.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful the Early Childhood Education Administration certificate, graduate should be able to:

  • Promote child development and learning.
  • Build family and community relationships.
  • Become a professional by practicing professionalism and ethical conduct.

This degree can be completed in a traditional or completely online format.  For more information about eDegree programs, please visit the eDegree website. http://edegree.gtcc.edu

Fall Semester I

Total Credits: 7

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 9

Total credit hours required for certificate: 16

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Early Childhood Education Certificate

C 55 22 0 C1

The Early Childhood Education certificate introduces the student to the field of ECE through five classes of basic content and theory. Upon successful completion of EDU 119 the student earns the NC Child Care Credential and qualifies to be the lead teacher in a child care center. Additionally, all courses with EDU prefixes are used evaluate the educational level of each child care provider by the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. Earning this ECE certificate will enable the student to be rated at five out of seven education points by the NC Star Rated License program and makes the student more employable.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful the Early Childhood Education certificate, graduate should be able to:

  • Promote child development and learning.
  • Use developmentally effective approaches to connect with children and families.
  • Become a professional by practicing professionalism and ethical conduct.

This degree can be completed in a traditional or completely online format.  For more information about eDegree programs, please visit the eDegree website. http://edegree.gtcc.edu

Fall Semester I

Total Credits: 7

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 6

Fall Semester II

Total Credits: 3

Total Credit Hours required for certificate: 16

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Early Childhood Infant-Toddler Care Certificate

C 55 22 0 C4

The Early Childhood Infant-Toddler Care certificate introduces the student to the field of ECE with a concentration on working with children from birth through the age of two years. Upon successful completion of

EDU 119
 the student earns the NC Child Care Credential and qualifies to be the lead teacher in a child care center. Additionally, all courses with EDU prefixes are used evaluate the educational level of each child care provider by the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. Earning this ECE certificate will enable the student to be rated at five out of seven education points by the NC Star Rated License program and makes the student more employable. Finally, when 75% of a center's teachers in the B-2 classrooms have this certificate, the center can earn an extra quality point in the calculation for the star rating for the center.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful the Early Childhood Education Infant-Toddler Care certificate, graduate should be able to:

  • Promote child development and learning
  • Build family and community relationships
  • Become a professional by practicing professionalism and ethical conduct

This degree can be completed in a traditional or completely online format.  For more information about eDegree programs, please visit the eDegree website. http://edegree.gtcc.edu

Fall Semester I

Total Credits: 7

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 9

Total credit hours required for certificate: 16

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Early Childhood School Age Certificate

C 55 22 0 C3

The Early Childhood School Age certificate enables the student to receive a state credential. Upon successful completion of

EDU 235
 and
EDU 145
, the student receives the NC Child Care School Age Credential. Additionally, all courses with EDU prefixes are used to evaluate the educational level of each child care provider by the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. Earning this ECE certificate will enable the student to be rated at five out of seven education points by the NC Star Rated License program and makes the student more employable.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful the Early Childhood Education School Age certificate, graduate should be able to:

  • Promote child development and learning
  • Use developmentally effective approaches to connect with children and families
  • Use content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum
  • Become a professional by practicing professionalism and ethical conduct

Fall Semester I

Total Credits: 6

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 6

Fall Semester II

Total Credits: 6

Total credit hours required for certificate: 18

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Frequently Asked Questions

You will need to follow the general enrollment process for GTCC.  During the advising process you will have the opportunity to indicate your desire to study within this curriculum. Your advisor will help you sign up for the specific courses you need.

Shannon Burghart, Program Director and Associate Professor

About me

I grew up in West Virginia, but as an adult I have lived in North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Maryland, Ohio, Illinois, and New York. I earned a Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University, a Master of Science from the University of Georgia, and an Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago. I began teaching as an adjunct at GTCC nine years ago and have been a full-time faculty member since 2015. I have also worked as a director of two University Lab Early Care and Learning Centers and have done policy work in Washington, D.C. and New York City. My husband and I have two children and two crazy dogs. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, swimming, and refinishing furniture (a new hobby during Covid).

What I love about teaching at GTCC

I am passionate about the field of Early Care and Learning. I believe all children need a happy, healthy, developmentally appropriate early learning experience full of play. Therefore, I find great joy in helping our students know how to provide that for children and become the best teachers and caregivers they can. I love to watch students’ understanding grow and see those "aha" moments when the theory and application come together.

What students can expect from me
  • High expectations/standards coupled with a high level of support
  • Prompt feedback on tests, papers, plans, and projects
  • Prompt responses to emails and phone calls
  • Compassionate caring in a professional context
  • Fun and joy- active learning to engage students as we want them to engage children

Amy Huffman, Professor

About me

A native of New York City (you can still hear the accent), I earned a Bachelor of Science from St. John’s University (NYC) and an Master of Arts from Wheaton College (Illinois). I have been a full-time instructor at GTCC for lots of years — longer than some of the present buildings. I have also worked in child care and taught elementary school. My supportive husband and I have four adult children (Yes, we survived that!), three amazing grandchildren, and five lovable grand-dogs. I enjoy spending time with all of them (even the canines), traveling, reading, swimming, walking, and jewelry making.

What I love about teaching at GTCC

The purpose of our NAEYC accredited program is "to develop students to develop children." I am passionate about being part of that developmental process and part of the caring community of learners that is the faculty and students of the Early Childhood Education program. I take pride in how we are committed to excellence and achieving national standards, and thereby, raising the quality of education and care for young children.

What students can expect from me
  • High expectations/standards coupled with a high level of support
  • Prompt feedback on tests, papers, plans, and projects
  • Compassionate caring in a professional context
  • No surprises
  • A sense of humor

Kimberly Terry

About me

I have lived in North Carolina all my life and in Greensboro since 1998. I earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education from UNCG in early childhood education and special education, and a Master of Science from East Carolina in Instructional Technology. I began teaching in higher education in 2005 at a local university and became a full-time faculty member at GTCC in 2021. Previously I taught kindergarten, preschool for exceptional children, provided direct special education services for preschoolers with IEPs, and coordinated federal grants. My husband and I have two children. I love to travel with my family, and especially enjoy visiting National Parks.

What I love about teaching at GTCC

I believe that every child deserves to have a high-quality early childhood education that is facilitated by a dedicated teacher, who knows and understands the unique qualities of young children. At GTCC I have the opportunity to support and guide students as they learn to become high quality early childhood educators. From classroom discussions to practicum observations, I have the opportunity to build individual relationships with students. These relationships allow me to provide individualized student support and attention. I love to watch students grow in their knowledge, skills, and confidence as they move through the program.

What students can expect from me
  • High expectations/standards coupled with a high level of support
  • Prompt feedback on tests, papers, plans, and project
  • Compassionate caring in a professional context
  • A sense of humor

Jean Kang

About me

I was born in the U.S. but I grew up in South Korea since I was 4-years-old. After majoring in special education in my undergraduate years and serving as a special educator working with first and second graders with disabilities in South Korea, I moved to Lawrence, Kansas, to attend graduate school at the University of Kansas. I have lived in Kansas for 10 years while I earned master’s and doctorate degrees in unified early childhood education. My journey in higher ed teaching began in 2009 at the University of Kansas as a visiting assistant professor where I found my passion in working with teachers. I joined GTCC in spring 2023 as a full-time faculty. Our family — my husband, myself and our daughter — love to travel, especially visiting our family in Korea and in the U.S.

What I love about teaching at GTCC

At GTCC, I have opportunities to work very closely with each student so that s/he can become a passionate, knowledgeable, and competent early educator who can teach ALL young children and work with their families. I appreciate smaller class size at GTCC which allows me to keep a closer relationship with each student.

What students can expect from me
  • Caring and understanding teacher
  • High expectations/standards coupled with a high level of support
  • Prompt feedback on tests, papers, plans, and projects
  • Fun, creative hands-on activities that are respectful of different learning styles and preferences

Yes. Visit the college Financial Aid web page for answers to all your questions.

During various courses in the first year of the program, you’ll complete projects/observations that are conducted in a child care center. Field placement courses provide you with direct experience with children in learning about their development, planning and carrying out appropriate learning experiences, and interacting with families. You also will observe and participate in other settings that serve young children, such as public schools.

Graduates with an AAS degree can be lead teachers in or directors of child care and child development centers and assistant teachers in early elementary and special needs classrooms. They also can work in recreational centers, Head Start programs, and school age programs. Students who transfer to complete a Bachelor’s degree will encounter more career opportunities.

  • To be employed in a child care setting, a criminal background check is required by North Carolina law.
  • A lead teacher in a child care center must earn the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential. This is generally accomplished by completing Edu. 119, Introduction to Early Childhood Education, a course offered at GTCC in the Fall and Spring semesters.
  • A director of a child care center must earn the North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential. To achieve the Level One Credential, a person completes Edu. 261, Early Childhood Administration I and Edu. 262, Early Childhood Administration II, and an additional seven credits of early childhood coursework. All of these courses can be taken at GTCC.

Yes, many Early Childhood Education courses can be transferred.  Universities within the University of North Carolina system will accept up to 60 credit hours toward various bachelor’s degrees, including those that lead to teacher licensure.

Early Childhood Education Programs