Early Childhood Education

Welcome to Early Childhood Education

Mission and Goals

The mission of the Early Childhood Education program at Pellissippi State is to develop knowledgeable professionals who will have a positive impact on the lives of young children and their families.  Students of our program will be equipped with the tools to implement developmentally appropriate practices, build and maintain family and community relationships, use assessment strategies to support young children and their families while using effective teaching methods and growing as a professional.

The goals of the program are to:

1. Provide required coursework for the Child Development Associate and other state credentials. (CDA Course requirements; Tennessee Early Childhood Program Administrator Credential)
2. Provide required coursework for a technical certificate in Early Childhood Education. (Technical Certificate requirements)
3. Prepare individuals to be caregivers, assistant teachers, teachers, and administrators in a variety of settings including center-based child care, family child care, and after school care. (Associate of Applied Science Degree requirements)
4. Prepare students for transfer to 4-year colleges and universities to earn a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development and Family Studies, or Teacher Licensure PreK-3rd grade. (Associate of Arts/Associate of Science Degree requirements)
5. Provide professional development for early childhood professionals.

Funding for both tuition and textbooks may be available to students through TECTA (Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance) for qualified candidates who are currently working in the child care field.  For more information call the TECTA office at 865-481-2034.