Early Childhood Education

  • C
  • AAS
  • AST
Student teacher with pre-school children

With our Early Childhood Education associate degrees and certificate, you can become a knowledgeable, responsive, and innovative educator. On top of that, you’ll make a positive change in the lives of children, families, and communities. Begin your career as an early childhood educator with an early childhood education associate degree or technical certificate.

Technical Certificate

c
Prepare yourself for employment in the field of early childhood education. You’ll be given the opportunity to strengthen your skills and knowledge in  the development  of  young children. All courses in the Early Childhood Education Technical Certificate count toward the 2-year Early Childhood Education A.A.S. degree. 

Length

One year

COSTS

About $4,498 total in tuition and fees

More About Costs

COURSE LIST

After Nashville State

You’ll be ready for a job in early childhood education. Work with Career Services to find the right fit.

More About Careers

Campus Availability: Courses for this degree are available at a variety of campus locations and online. To check current course offerings check class schedule.

Associate of Applied Science

aas
Our associate degree in Early Childhood Education offers both theoretical learning and practical experiences with young children and families.

Length

Two years

COSTS

About $9,528 total in tuition and fees.

More About Costs

COURSE LIST

After Nashville State

You will be ready for jobs in early childhood or continued education if desired. Talk with your adviser or Career Services to find the right fit.

More About Careers

Campus Availability: Courses for this degree are available at a variety of campus locations and online. To check current course offerings check class schedule.

Associate of Science in Teaching

ast
Our Early Childhood Education Pre K-3 Associate of Science in Teaching (AST) degree is a Tennessee Transfer Pathway for future teachers. Graduates complete the first two years of a four-year degree required for teacher certification in early childhood education Pre-K through third grade in Tennessee.

Length

Two years

COSTS

About $9,566 total in tuition and fees.

More About Costs

COURSE LIST

After Nashville State

The A.S.T. degree in Early Childhood Education is best used to transfer to a 4-year college or university. We guarantee a successful transfer to complete your bachelor’s degree at a Tennessee public university with the help of Tennessee Transfer Pathways (TTPs). Complete all the courses listed on the Early Childhood Education Pre K-3 A.S.T. degree TTP at Nashville State, and you will have completed the first two years of a four-year bachelor's degree.

More About Transfer Degrees

Campus Availability: Courses for this degree are available at a variety of campus locations and online. To check current course offerings check class schedule.

Ready to apply?

How to Apply

Career Outlook

 

More Resources

Use these resources to get ahead in the field of education.
Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA) offers opportunities to be a part of the National Education Association, the largest professional teacher organization in the United States. Participate and meet other prospective teachers, subscribe to professional journals, and keep informed on today's foremost topics in education.

Easily Transfer Your A.S.T. Credits

Accreditation Information

The Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program at Nashville State Community College is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. (https://www.naeyc.org/) The accreditation term runs from March 2021 through March 2028. See our conceptual framework for more information.

Upon completion of an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, students will meet the following program learning outcomes. 

Credit for What You Know

You may be eligible to earn college credit based on the experience you already have. This experience could come from your job, the military, and more.

CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE     ECED CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES

Similar Programs

Student teacher assists elementary student.
campus availability
  • Online
Student reflects on subject matter.
campus availability
  • Online

More ways to explore

Get In Touch

Program office

Building Icon

Ruth Green

Secretary III
ruth.green@nscc.edu
615-353-3400

Room C-237C, White Bridge Campus

Karen Stevenson

Dean of School of Business and Professional Studies
karen.stevenson@nscc.edu
615-353-3430

Room C-237, White Bridge Campus

Program FACULTY

Profile Icon

Melissa Fleck

Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education

Jennifer Goncalves

Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education
Jennifer.Goncalves@nscc.edu
615-353-3616

Room D-22, White Bridge Campus

Kassidy Schmidt

Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Education
Kassidy.Schmidt@nscc.edu
615-353-3519

Room D-22, White Bridge Campus