This certificate program is designed to prepare students to assist lead teachers in a variety early childhood programs. It is also designed to meet the West Virginia Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher Requirements.
Program Description:
The Assistant Teacher Program is a one year certificate consisting of 31 credit hours. The program is approximately one half
of the curriculum of the Early Childhood Education Associate’s in Applied Science degree. This certificate program is
designed to prepare students to assist lead teachers in a variety early childhood programs including but not limited to Pre-K,
Preschool Special Needs and Kindergarten. It is also designed to meet the West Virginia Early Childhood Classroom
Assistant Teacher Requirements.
Career Description:
Assistant teachers serve in a support capacity in the early childhood classroom; their role is crucial as interactions with children
through relationships and daily instruction contribute to the overall quality of the program. In addition, assistant teachers
nurture and care for young children. These individuals also work with groups of children and help all children acquire the
skills for school readiness as well as the social skills needed to help them interact with others. These individuals are needed in
a variety of early childhood classrooms including childcare, Head Start, Pre-K, Preschool Special Needs and Kindergarten.
Career Outlook:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of teacher assistants is expected to grow by 15 percent from 2010 to
2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected to result from increases in student enrollment,
continued demand for special education services, and increases in child care and preschool enrollment. Furthermore,
enrollment is expected to increase in child care services and preschool programs, both of which employ teacher assistants.
Increases in enrollment will increase demand for teacher assistants in these settings.
Preparing students assist lead teachers.
This certificate program is designed to prepare students to assist lead teachers in a variety early childhood programs including but not limited to child care, Head Start, Pre-K, Preschool Special Needs and Kindergarten. It is also designed to meet the West Virginia Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher Requirements.
What You’ll Learn
The program is approximately one-half of the curriculum of the Early Childhood Education A.A.S. degree.
Admission Requirements
The college adheres to an open admission policy which means applications with a high school diploma or GED are eligible for admission. Applicants with neither a high school diploma nor GED may be admitted on a conditional basis.
Potential Employers
- Child care
- Head Start
- Pre-K
- Preschool Special Needs
- Kindergarten
Assistant Teachers typically:
Assistant teachers serve in a support capacity in the early childhood classroom; their role is crucial as interactions with children through relationships and daily instruction contribute to the overall quality of the program. In addition, assistant teachers nurture and care for young children. These individuals also work with groups of children and help all children acquire the skills for school readiness as well as the social skills needed to help them interact with others. These individuals are needed in a variety of early childhood classrooms including child care, Head Start, Pre-K, Preschool Special Needs and Kindergarten.
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