Early Childhood Education

THE RIVER CAN HELP YOU…

Start or advance your career in early childhood education
Prepare for further degrees and certifications in education

Indian river state college child development center celebrates 2025 class

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education

Associate’s Degree

Credits or Hours: 60

Indian River State College offers a number of different degrees and certificates leading to professional licensure in the state of Florida. Some professions require both a degree and the successful completion of additional criteria such as licensure exams, field placements or clinical hours. Student eligibility to apply to sit for the DCF introductory child care training is based on educational credentials or passing of competency examinations in the State of Florida as defined in s. 402.305(2), F.S. Requirements also include possession of a valid form of identification and a Social Security number. Visit the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) website to ensure your eligibility.

Prepare for a career working with small children in schools and care centers. Explore topics such as child development, running a child care center, health and safety and early educational principles. After you complete your associate’s degree, you can continue in a bachelor’s degree program at Indian River State College or another Florida public university.

Degree Requirements and Courses

Career and Technical Education Programs

Credits or Hours: 600

The early childhood education career training program incorporates courses on child development, laws and regulations, training for specific roles, and principles of caring for children from birth through eight years old.

Requirements and Courses

Preschool Specialization

Technical Certificate

Credits or Hours: 12

Our preschool specialization program will teach you how to provide the best care for preschool children in home-based or childcare centers. Courses in this program include growth and development, creating a safe and healthy learning environment, and legal and professional responsibilities.

Requirements and Courses

Child Care Center Management Specialization

Technical Certificate

Credits or Hours: 12

Disclaimer: Before you can enroll in this program, you must have completed the preschool specialization program.

Prepare to own or run your own child care center. Our child care center management specialization certificate will teach you how to manage a quality child care program effectively. This program is designed to benefit anyone who works or plans to work in child care, including those who are already working with small children and those entering the field from another career.

Requirements and Courses

Child Development and Early Intervention

Technical Certificate

Credits or Hours: 36

The child development and early intervention certificate is the first step towards a career in early childhood education and care. This program combines courses in early childhood education, childcare center management and childhood health.

Requirements and Courses

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

At Indian River State College, our students who study Early Childhood Education can go into these careers:

NEXT STEPS

APPLY TO THE RIVER

Discover what’s possible at Indian River State College. When you’re ready, our simple application process is here to help you take the next step.

Start Your Application

PAYING FOR COLLEGE

We’re here to help you understand your options. From financial aid to scholarships and affordable tuition, The River is committed to making college accessible for everyone.

Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

VISIT CAMPUS

Experience the energy of campus life for yourself. Schedule a tour to explore our facilities, meet students and staff, and discover what makes The River an incredible place to learn and grow.

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