Lori Barrett, Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator
Laboratory Preschool Director
Caperton Center 216 / (304)367-4848
Lori.Barrett@pierpont.edu
Program Purpose
The Occupational Development, Early Childhood Practitioner Associate of Applied Science Degree is designed for apprentices and journeypersons of the U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist (ACDS) Program. This degree program builds on the educational component and the on-the-job-training hours completed during the apprenticeship. Upon completion of the required general studies courses, required Early Childhood courses, and payment of the evaluation fee, a student may earn 28 college credit hours for the apprenticeship training.
Apprenticeship is required. Individuals who have completed a Child Development Associate (CDA) under the auspices of an agency or organization with expertise in early childhood teacher preparation are also eligible to complete the Occupational Development Degree.
Required Early Childhood courses include the study of the growth and development of young children as well as the planning, preparation and implementation of appropriate curriculum and environments for early childhood programs.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the AAS degree in Occupational Development, Early Childhood Practitioner, graduates will be able to do the following:
- Plan, prepare, and implement appropriate curriculum for a quality early childhood program based on a knowledge of child development and appropriate practices
- Plan classroom learning environments that are developmentally appropriate
- Demonstrate appropriate communication skills, teaching methods and professional conduct while working with young children
- Document that all West Virginia Child Care Licensing regulations for center employees are met
- Demonstrate ability to implement West Virginia Early Learning Standards while working with young children
Opportunities
Graduates with the Occupational Development, Early Childhood Practitioner AAS Degree are qualified to teach in child care centers, Head Start programs, private nursery schools, and private preschools, or to serve as a Nanny. Graduates meet state requirements to be the director of a Type I, II or III child care center in the state of West Virginia. Other employment opportunities include positions in public and private organizations providing services for children.
Pierpont C&TC has an articulation agreement that allows graduates with the Occupational Development, Early Childhood Practitioner AAS Degree to apply 51 of the required 64 credit hours towards a Birth through Four teaching certification degree at West Virginia University. Of the 28 credit hours received for ACDS or CDA completions, 15 hours of credit articulates to WVU.