Childcare: A.S. Degree

Seminole State College offers several options to prepare you for an exciting career as a childcare professional:

Early Childhood Education

This two-year Associate in Science degree program prepares students for employment as early childhood teachers; early childhood curriculum coordinators; preschool teachers; or VPK preschool teachers. The curriculum includes major courses in art and creative expression, music and movement, and child growth and development, as well as general education requirements. All students will participate in internship opportunities.

Special Certificates through the A.S. Degree

Early Intervention Specialization (Including Children with Exceptionalities in Early Learning Programs)

In response to the educational trend of inclusion, the A.S. Degree in early childhood education will now offer students the opportunity to achieve the added credential of Early Intervention Specialist within the duration of their degree program curriculum to meet the requirements of this specialization. In this course, students will learn more about educational approaches; legal and medical implications; and the personal and social growth of children who are labeled as exceptional.

Students may apply for this specialization after they have completed 36 credits from within the "Required Major Field" and "Major Field Electives" sections of the A.S. Degree Program with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. This specialization can normally be obtained within one year. It is designed to prepare students to obtain employment as a certified teacher's aide in public school settings or private industry, and meet the individual needs of children that require special care in a preschool setting.

Click here for a complete curriculum and program listing.

Childcare Center Management Specialization

To further recognize the expertise our students acquire in their pursuit of education in the field of early childhood education, our department will issue a certificate of specialization as a childcare center manager upon completion of these four courses:

• Child Growth and Development (EEC 1000)
• Educational Practices in Early Childhood Education (EEC 2200)
• Observing and Guiding Children's Behavior (EEC 1601)
• Childcare Management (EEC 1523)

Early Childhood Education: Preschool Specialist Certificate (College Credit National CDA)

The Early Childhood Preschool Specialization Certificate, along with 480 hours of work experience, meets the requirements of the National CDA and the State of Florida Staff Credential requirements. This 12-credit hour certificate recognizes the completion of a series of courses needed by early childhood teachers who wish to pursue college-credit study to complete the educational requirements of the National CDA Certificate.

The CDA Credential is awarded to childcare providers who have demonstrated their skill in working with young children and their families by successfully completing the CDA Assessment Process.

The National CDA is one of the staff credentials recognized by the State of Florida Department of Children and Families. It must be renewed after three years initially, then every five years thereafter, and can be applied for credit toward Seminole State's A.S. degree programs.

To further recognize the expertise our students acquire in their pursuit of education in the field of early childhood education, our department will issue a certificate as a specialist in preschool education upon completion of these four courses:

• Child Growth and Development (EEC 1000)
• Educational Practices in Early Childhood Education (EEC 2200)
• Observing and Guiding Children's Behavior (EEC 1601)
• Portfolio Development and Supervised Work Experience (EEC 1319)

A.S. Early Childhood Management

This two-year Associate in Science degree program is designed to prepare students for employment as managers, directors or coordinators of early learning centers for young children. The curriculum combines major courses in child growth and development, childcare management and business with general education courses in English and psychology to provide students with a well-rounded educational base. All students participate in infant, toddler, preschool and management.

Why Choose Seminole State?

Seminole State's Early Childhood Education Associate in Science Degree Program provides students with a diverse educational foundation, and Seminole State is the only community college in the tri-county area that offers this degree.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Seminole State's Early Childhood Education Programs are highly recruited by local childcare centers. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment opportunities for childcare professionals are expected to increase faster than the average of all other occupations.

Get Started with Your Degree

• Complete the Seminole State admissions process by calling 407.708.2050 or visiting the Admissions home page. 
• Consult with a college credit counselor to begin one of our A.S. degree programs by visiting Seminole State's Counseling home page. You must complete the admissions process prior to contacting a counselor. 
• For information on early childhood courses or any additional programs, contact the Early Childhood Education Department or review the details listed on our course schedule Web page.

Did you know?

National CDA is one of the easiest stepping-stones towards meeting the requirements for Florida's Universal Preschool.