2026-2027 Catalog [Effective Fall 2026] 
    
    Mar 13, 2026  
2026-2027 Catalog [Effective Fall 2026]

Early Childhood Education Diploma


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study

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


Session 1 Credits: 7


8 Weeks Session 2


Session 2 Credits: 9


Total Credits: 16


Spring Semester I


8 Weeks Session 1


Session 1 Credits: 9


Session 2 Credits: 6


Total Credits: 12-15


Fall Semester II


8 Weeks Session 1


  • EDU Elective Credits: 3 1

8 Weeks Session 2


16 Weeks Full Term


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.

Notes:


2. EDU-119, EDU-144, and EDU-146 must be completed with a C or higher to take EDU-214.
3. Only taught in the Fall.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study