Early Childhood Education

Thank you for your interest in the Early Childhood Education Program at Gulf Coast State College.  We offer three different programs of study in Early Childhood Education.  Each program is unique and designed with a specific purpose.

1. FCCPC – Florida Child Care Professional Credential (previous name CDA)
2. AAS – Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education
3. AA – Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education

FCCPC -- This is a 10 credit-hour program, designed to provide a credential. 

This credential provides students with the knowledge base and professional skills necessary for teachers of children from birth to 5 in early education and care programs, to include pre-kindergarten programs across the State of Florida.  The Florida Department of Children and Families authorizes and oversees all FCCPC programs.  Students enrolling in this program must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalency, and be able to obtain a cleared background check by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

AAS -- This is a 63 credit-hour program, designed as a non-transfer degree.

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for careers as early education and care teachers, prekindergarten teachers, directors of child development programs, and as elementary school support teachers. The program is designed to teach the principles of child growth and development through a variety of classroom and laboratory experiences. Emphasis is given to observing and interpreting child behavior, as well as developing techniques for working with children. Students gain practical experience in planning, developing, and directing appropriate strategies to support the whole child’s development through educational and practical experiences within early education and care programs.
Students enrolling in this program must be able to obtain a cleared background check by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

AA -- This is a 60 credit-hour program, designed as a transfer degree. 

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for a career in teaching early childhood ages birth to eight years.  Upon successful completion of a four-year degree at a university, and appropriate teacher certification requirements, students qualify for a Florida professional teaching certificate in early childhood education (K-3rd grade).  Students wishing to seek employment after completing the two-year Early Childhood Education program would be able to do so in child care and pre-school programs.  Students enrolling in this program must be able to obtain a cleared background check by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

For advising and/or assistance with registration, contact the appropriate Early Childhood Education academic advisor listed below: