Register today for the Career Studies Certificate Program through TCC.

Virginia Beach GrowSmart is partnering with Tidewater Community College and The HIVE to offer courses for current and prospective early education providers. Participants can earn a Career Studies Certificate in Child Development through TCC in 3 semesters! Classes will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-8:50pm at the HIVE located at 140 Independence Blvd, Suite 100 in Virginia Beach. The SUMMER 2024 session runs from May 20 - July 21 and includes one 10-week class. Scholarships are available through the Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program.

The Child Development Career Studies Certificate (Program Code: 221-636-04) provides students with entry-level knowledge required to work with children. These core courses also meet the requirements for students to begin their Child Development Associate (CDA) credentialing processes. The schedule is as follows:

• CHD 120 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education (Fall 2023)
• CHD 145 – Teaching Art, Music, and Movement to Children (Spring 2024)
• CHD 205 – Guiding Behavior of Children (Spring 2024)
• HLT – Child Health and Nutrition (Summer 2024)

Students will be eligible to participate in the December 2024 commencement ceremony.

Register today with these simple steps:

1. Apply to be a student at Tidewater Community College at tcc.edu/come-to-tcc/apply/. Enrollment is free. Be sure to save your Student ID!
2. Apply for the Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship at www.vaccscholarship.com. APPLY NOW - Scholarships are open for the SPRING Session and awarded on a first come, first served basis. It is important that you apply to this program first if you are interesting in pursuing additional scholarship opportunities. 
3. Register for the Class -  (HLT135 runs May 20 - July 21;  Contact Katherine Alvarado at kalvarado@tcc.edu for the class permission code. Filter class search by: Summer 2024 term, Tidewater Community College and Subject (HLT135 -Child Health & Nutrition) 
   
4. For additional assistance you can apply for the Project Pathfinders scholarship at www.vecf.org/pathfinders. Scholarship is OPEN on March 15th - April 15th - APPLY Now!!  Scholarships are awarded on a First come, first served basis!  This program can be awarded concurrently with the Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship.
   

For assistance with enrollment and scholarship applications, please contact Jeanne Hopkins at jehopkins@tcc.edu or call/text 757-541-2427.

Download the flyer. 

Download the registration instructions. 

Course Descriptions

CHD 120- Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Introduces early childhood development through activities and experiences in early childhood, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and primary programs. Investigates classroom organization and procedures, and use of classroom time and materials, approaches to education for young children, professionalism, and curricular procedures.

CHD 145- Teaching Art, Music, and Movement to Children

Focuses on children’s exploration, play, and creative expression in the areas of art, music, and movement. Emphasis will be on developing strategies for using various open-ended media representing a range of approaches in creative thinking. Addresses strategies for intervention and support for exceptional children and English Language Learners.

CHD 205- Guiding Behavior of Children

Explores the role of the early childhood educator in supporting emotional and social development of children, and in fostering a sense of community. Presents practical strategies for encouraging prosocial behavior, conflict resolution and problem solving. Emphasizes basic skills and techniques in child guidance.

HLT 135- Child Health and Nutrition

Focuses on the physical needs of the preschool child and the methods by which these are met. Emphasizes health routines, hygiene, nutrition, feeding and clothing habits, childhood diseases, and safety as related to health, growth and development.