Explore a Rewarding Career in Early Childhood Education

NFC’s Early Childhood Education program includes degrees and certificates designed to prepare students for careers in early childhood education and child care.

Earn Credentials for Rewarding Career Paths

  • Child Care Teachers and Directors
  • VPK Teachers
  • Early Learning Coalition Representatives
  • Early Childhood and Parent Advocates

NFC Early Childhood Education programs are eligible for the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Program

Program Opportunities and Certificates

Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC)

A 600-hour program with four occupational completion points. Each level consists of classroom instruction and direct work with children. Completion of all four levels meets the staff credential requirement for the Florida Department of Children and Families.

FCCPC Credential

The Birth through Five Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) is available ONLINE. This program is designed to provide the skills for immediate employment or job advancement working with young children in childcare centers. Successful completion of all FCCPC program components meets the Department of Children and Families (DCF) requirements for a Staff Credential and is aligned with requirements for the National Child Development Associate (CDA).Admission requirements are the same as those for degree seeking college credit programs.

The FCCPC program consists of four 3-credit-hour courses taught each term (Fall and Spring) offering students the opportunity to complete the program in only two semesters. Courses may be taken one at a time or all four at once, or any combination. Completion of a FCCPC Portfolio is required. Twelve college credits earned during the program can transfer to an Associate in Arts degree. The program may also be taken as non-degree seeking.

DCF OCCM (Overview of Child Care Management)

  • Child Care Center Operations (HEV 0160): This 45-hour program meets the Overview of Child Care Management requirement for the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Director Credential, which is required for directors of licensed child care facilities in Florida.

  • Child Care Management (EEC 2521): This three-credit-hour class provides a review of the core competencies required of current and potential child care program directors managing early childhood programs. Topics include budgeting, legal issues, personnel, working with families and community partners, food service, health issues, and program safety management. The course fulfills the Overview of Child Care Management course requirement for the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Child Care Director Credential.

Need to Renew Your Florida Teaching Certificate?

Take NFC's "Teaching Exceptional Children" Course (EEX 1010)

T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Opportunity

All NFC Early Childhood Education programs are eligible for the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Program. The T.E.A.C.H. program provides training and compensation to improve the quality of early childhood care and education experiences by providing scholarships for caregivers and center directors.

Perhaps you have heard about the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Program, but didn’t think you could afford to sponsor your staff… It's more reasonable than you may think!

Admission, program and degree requirements are subject to change. Contact the NFC Early Childhood Education Director or NFC Admissions for the most current information.