Dec 07, 2025  
2025-2026 Academic Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Academic Catalog

Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher, Skill Set


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Lori Barrett
Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator

Laboratory Preschool Director
216 Caperton Center
304-367-4848
lelliott1@pierpont.edu

Program Purpose

This three course, 9 credit hour skill set certificate is designed for those who are or will be working as an Assistant Teacher in a Pre-K or Kindergarten public school classroom.  Upon successful completion, this skill set provides students with knowledge in the areas of child development, emergent literacy, and special education in Early Childhood Education.

ECCAT authorization is required for all Early Childhood Assistant Teachers.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher Skill Set Certificate, graduates will be able to do the following:

  • Exhibit knowledge of growth and development of young children.
  • Evaluate the role of the program, the family, and the community in supporting a comprehensive school readiness system.
  • Design instructional environments that support all children’s development and learning.
  • Demonstrate the ability to implement West Virginia Early Learning Standards while working with young children.

Opportunities

The Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher Skill Set Certificate satisfies the West Virginia Department of Education’s qualifications for ECCAT certification.  It provides an opportunity for those who are not currently working for the Board of Education to complete the required courses.  Completed courses can also be applied towards the Early Childhood AAS degree.

This program requires students to receive a “C” grade or better in each course and complete the required four observation hours.

Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher, Skill Set


Notice to All Students


  • Annual Notification: All career and technical education courses and programs are offered at Pierpont regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability.
  • Advanced Skill Set and Skill Set programs do not qualify for financial aid. Students seeking financial aid eligible degrees may incorporate the classes as electives when their schedule allows or may declare an associate or certificate degree in which the skill set and advanced skill set courses are embedded.
  • Students are reminded to review campus policies and procedures as stated in the catalog.

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