Why Study Early Childhood and Elementary Education at OCC?
Start your path toward a career helping young learners grow, explore, and succeed. Prepare to teach and inspire children from preschool through the elementary grades.
What You Will Learn
This concentration prepares students to transfer into bachelor’s degree programs leading to teacher certification in early childhood or elementary education. Students study child development, learning theory, inclusive education, communication, and classroom practices while exploring how schools support diverse learners during their most important developmental years.
Core skills and competencies include:
- Early childhood development knowledge
- Classroom leadership skills
- Lesson planning foundations
- Communication with children and families
- Inclusive teaching strategies
- Career readiness for teacher preparation
Where Passion Becomes a Career
Early Childhood and Elementary Education majors typically pursue careers as pre‑K through grade 5 teachers, supporting young children’s development in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills. Graduates also find opportunities in curriculum development, instructional coaching, or educational leadership, with some advancing to graduate study in education or early childhood development.
At A Glance
Length
62 credit hours
~2 Years to Complete
Cost
For Ocean County Residents
Summer – $206 per credit
Effective Fall – $216.00 per credit
Modality
In Person
Academic Pathways
This program is designed to transfer. Where you go next is up to you! After earning your degree at OCC, seamlessly transfer your credits to a four-year college or university, setting the stage for continued academic and career success.
Associate
Build a practical foundation in early childhood development, curriculum planning, and classroom environment design, mastering the instructional techniques and observation methods needed to support the growth of young learners.
Bachelors
Transfer to a four-year institution to specialize in early childhood certification, inclusive education, or program administration while preparing for leadership roles in educational advocacy and school management.
Career
Prepare for impactful roles in preschools, Head Start programs, and childcare centers where fostering a sense of belonging and nurturing the cognitive and social development of children are essential.
Have any Questions?
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