Explore a Rewarding Career in Early Childhood Education

NFC’s Early Childhood Education program includes degrees and certificates designed to prepare students for careers in early childhood education and child care.

Earn Credentials for Rewarding Career Paths

  • Child Care Teachers and Directors
  • VPK Teachers
  • Early Learning Coalition Representatives
  • Early Childhood and Parent Advocates

NFC Early Childhood Education programs are eligible for the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Program

Program Opportunities and Certificates

Associate in Arts Degree - Early Childhood Education Major

The A.A. Degree with Early Childhood Education Major consists of a General Education Core (36 credit hours) and Electives (24 credit hours). This degree includes the Preschool Specialization and Child Care Center Management Specialization college credit certificates and is fully transferable to a four-year degree program. Meets education requirements for the FL Department of Children and Families Staff and Director Credentials.

Preschool Specialization - College Credit Certificate

Fully ONLINE certificate program consists of four courses (12 credit hours). Courses include CHD 2220 Child Growth & Development; EEC 2734 Health, Safety & Nutrition; EEX 1010 Teaching Exceptional Children; and EEC 1601 Observing & Recording. Provides skills needed for immediate employment or job advancement.

  • Includes Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) courses
  • Meets FL Department of Children and Families Staff Credential course requirements
  • Approved credential for VPK instructors during school year
  • Program completers are eligible for DCF Staff Credential and National CDA exam

Child Care Center Management Specialization - College Credit Certificate

Fully ONLINE program consists of four courses (12 credit hours). Courses include EEC 2521 Child Care Management; EEC 1310 Effective Classroom Management, Guidance & Discipline; EEX 1010 Teaching Exceptional Children; and EEC 2734 Health, Safety & Nutrition.

  • Meets the FL Department of Children and Families Overview of Child Care Management (OCCM) core requirement for a Director Credential.
  • The FL Department of Children and Families Director Credential qualifies you to operate a licensed facility anywhere in Florida.

Need to Renew Your Florida Teaching Certificate?

  • Take EEX 1010 - Teaching Exceptional Children. This 3-credit hour course meets the Florida Educator Certification Renewal Requirement and is offered completely online.

Overview of Child Care Management (OCCM)

Fulfills the Overview of Child Care Management (OCCM) core requirement for the Florida Department of Children and Families Director Credential, which is required for directors of licensed child care facilities in Florida.

  • Child Care Center Operations - HEV 0160: 45-clock-hour college credit program; offered online Fall, Spring and Summer terms
  • Child Care Management - EEC 2521: Three-credit-hour college course; offered online Fall and Spring terms

Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC)

The Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC) may be available to adult learners and to high school dual enrollment students; not regularly scheduled.

T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Opportunity

All NFC Early Childhood Education programs are eligible for the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Program. The T.E.A.C.H. program provides training and compensation to improve the quality of early childhood care and education experiences by providing scholarships for caregivers and center directors.

Perhaps you have heard about the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Program, but didn’t think you could afford to sponsor your staff… It's more reasonable than you may think!

Admission, program and degree requirements are subject to change. Contact the NFC Early Childhood Education Director or NFC Admissions for the most current information.