Early Childhood Education Program

Employment opportunities in New Hampshire, in early childhood education and childcare, remain excellent; and will continue to grow. Sixty-seven percent of children under the age of six in New Hampshire receive some form of childcare provided by persons other than their parents. Many of these young children spend eight to eleven hours each day in childcare. Because of a shortage of trained directors, teachers, and workers, many childcare programs strive, but are unable to fully meet the developmental needs of children in their care.

The Early Childhood Education Associate in Science degree program provides theoretical and practical experiences for preparation to work as an Early Childhood Education Director, responsible for the care and education of young children, management of personnel, finances, and facilities of an early childhood education program. The certificate prepares graduates to become childcare teachers.

The Early Childhood Education program seeks students who have a strong desire to nurture and care. To ensure that the Early Childhood Education Associate in Science applicant chooses the appropriate career, candidates are encouraged to meet with the program coordinator and the college counselor.

Successful completion of this program satisfies New Hampshire Childcare Bureau of Licensing requirements for certification as a childcare director or teacher. This program also provides an ideal preparation for those students wishing to continue their education on the baccalaureate level.

The New Hampshire Bureau of Childcare Standards and Licensing may restrict certification of candidates who have been involved in civil or criminal action. Questions about certification restrictions should be addressed to the New Hampshire Bureau of Childcare Standards and Licensing.