The Early Childhood Development Career Studies Certificate (CSC) prepares students for entry-level careers working with young children from birth through age eight. This 16-credit curriculum equips future educators and childcare professionals with practical knowledge of physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development, child health and safety, and developmentally appropriate classroom practices.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Award Earned | Career Studies Certificate (CSC) |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 Credit Hours |
| Target Age Group | Children from birth through age 8 years |
| Funding Eligibility | G3 Eligible (Tuition assistance for eligible Virginia residents) |
| Professional Standards | Aligned with NAEYC & Virginia Early Childhood Competencies |
| Program Liaison | Erin Johnson — ejohnson@mgcc.edu |
💰 G3 Program Eligible — Low or No-Cost Tuition
This program qualifies for Virginia’s G3 Financial Assistance Program (Get a Skill, Get a Job, Get Ahead). G3 provides tuition support and financial assistance for eligible Virginia residents enrolling in early childhood education and workforce programs. Contact Student Services or Financial Aid to verify your eligibility.
What You Will Learn
Graduates develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required by state and national early childhood standards:
- Child Growth & Development: Understand developmental milestones across physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional domains from infancy through age eight.
- Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP): Design and implement inclusive, play-based learning activities suited to individual learning needs.
- Health, Safety & Nutrition: Establish and maintain safe, healthy, and nurturing learning environments in compliance with Virginia childcare regulations.
- Professional Competencies: Gain industry skills informed by Virginia’s Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards.
Career Opportunities
This certificate serves as a foundational credential for entering early childhood education settings or advancing qualifications for current childcare workers.
Potential Career Pathways:
- Preschool & Daycare Assistant Teacher
- Infant / Toddler Caregiver
- Head Start & Early Head Start Classroom Aide
- After-School Program Specialist
- Family Childcare Provider
Curriculum & Course Plan
This 16-credit certificate offers a concise sequence of foundational early childhood development courses.
👉 View the Early Childhood Development CSC Course Requirements in the Catalog
Program Contact & Admissions
Ready to start your career supporting young learners or explore G3 tuition assistance? Contact our Program Liaison or Student Services:
Erin Johnson — Program Liaison, Early Childhood Development
Email: ejohnson@mgcc.edu
MGCC Student Services Suite
Phone: (540) 863-2820 | Email: admissions@mgcc.edu
Location: Backels Hall, First Floor (Clifton Forge Campus)