Early childhood education programs in North Carolina
57 early childhood programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free
38 schools offer these early childhood education programs, and North Carolina has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.
Childcare workers look after children's needs and help their early development. What they need varies by state and employer, from no formal education to a certificate in early childhood education; most often states ask for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, which takes coursework, experience and a period of being observed working with children.1 The CDA takes a high school diploma or GED, 120 hours of early childhood education, 480 hours of work with the age group you choose within three years, a portfolio and the CDA exam.2
In North Carolina, 2 of the 57 programs take students without a high school diploma, 53 ask for a diploma or equivalent, 1 asks for earlier courses first and 1 asks for an associate degree.
By kind, the 57 programs here are early childhood education (associate degree, 30 programs), child care or preschool certificate (20 programs), early childhood education program (level not stated, 4 programs) and child care course or single class (3 programs).
See the 57 programsHow much do early childhood education programs cost in North Carolina?
- Two-year degrees (30 programs)
- $5,130 to $6,062most of them, usually 64 to 74 weeks long
- Other early childhood education programs (23 programs)
- $1,268 to $2,220most of them, usually 24 to 32 weeks long
What you pay yourself for the whole program, as the schools report it. "Most" is the middle half of the programs with a price.
In the typical program
- Finished the program
- 20%
- Working 6 months later
- 71%
- Earned a year, estimated
- about $30,000
- Length
- 32 to 72 weeks
Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in North Carolina may also offer early childhood education programs. How these figures are made
All 57 early childhood programs in North Carolina approved for WIOA funding
Filters
57 programs
Early Childhood Education Associate's Degree - A55220
Stanly Community College
Albemarle
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$41,900Price if you pay yourself$5,647Program website, Early Childhood Education Associate's Degree - A55220 at Stanly Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education Associate's Degree - A55220 at Stanly Community College
- Finished
- 16%
- Working at 6 months
- 76%
- Earned in a quarter
- $10,481
- Length
- 52 weeks, 8 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,000
- Students counted
- 642
- Earned a year, estimated
- $41,900
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,647
Early Childhood Education AAS
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Salisbury
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$36,800Price if you pay yourself$6,249Program website, Early Childhood Education AAS at Rowan-Cabarrus Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education AAS at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
- Finished
- 28%
- Working at 6 months
- 74%
- Earned in a quarter
- $9,192
- Length
- 72 weeks, 18 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $3,456
- Students counted
- 604
- Earned a year, estimated
- $36,800
- Price if you pay yourself
- $6,249
Early Childhood Associate
Durham Technical Community College
Durham
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$45,900Price if you pay yourself$5,746Program website, Early Childhood Associate at Durham Technical Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Associate at Durham Technical Community College
- Finished
- 35%
- Working at 6 months
- 74%
- Earned in a quarter
- $11,469
- Length
- 75 weeks, 12 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 432
- Earned a year, estimated
- $45,900
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,746
Early Childhood Education
Haywood Community College
Based in Clyde, NC
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$45,300Price if you pay yourself$5,396Program website, Early Childhood Education at Haywood Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education at Haywood Community College
- Finished
- 17%
- Working at 6 months
- 88%
- Earned in a quarter
- $11,319
- Length
- 80 weeks, 14 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,250
- Students counted
- 362
- Earned a year, estimated
- $45,300
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,396
Early Childhood Education
Central Carolina Community College
Sanford
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$38,700Price if you pay yourself$5,510School website, Early Childhood Education at Central Carolina Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education at Central Carolina Community College
- Finished
- 24%
- Working at 6 months
- 78%
- Earned in a quarter
- $9,684
- Length
- 74 weeks, 15 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,000
- Students counted
- 344
- Earned a year, estimated
- $38,700
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,510
Early Childhood AA/AS
Wayne Community College
Goldsboro
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$33,900Price if you pay yourself$5,5504 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Early Childhood AA/AS at Wayne Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood AA/AS at Wayne Community College
- Finished
- 35%
- Working at 6 months
- 81%
- Earned in a quarter
- $8,465
- Length
- 76 weeks, 14 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $2,800
- Students counted
- 275
- Earned a year, estimated
- $33,900
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,550
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 4
Early Childhood Associate (AAS)
Davidson-Davie Community College
Thomasville
Accredited school
Associate's degree
Earned a year, estimated$33,900Price if you pay yourself$6,1633 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Early Childhood Associate (AAS) at Davidson-Davie Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Associate (AAS) at Davidson-Davie Community College
- Finished
- 13%
- Working at 6 months
- 68%
- Earned in a quarter
- $8,479
- Length
- 96 weeks, 20 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $550
- Students counted
- 270
- Earned a year, estimated
- $33,900
- Price if you pay yourself
- $6,163
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 3
Intro to Early Childhood Education (EDU-119)
Stanly Community College
Based in Albemarle, NC
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$27,700Price if you pay yourself$304Program website, Intro to Early Childhood Education (EDU-119) at Stanly Community CollegeMore details about Intro to Early Childhood Education (EDU-119) at Stanly Community College
- Finished
- 88%
- Working at 6 months
- 81%
- Earned in a quarter
- $6,919
- Length
- 4 weeks, 4 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 261
- Earned a year, estimated
- $27,700
- Price if you pay yourself
- $304
Early Childhood Preschool Certificate
Johnston Community College
Smithfield
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$33,800Price if you pay yourself$1,500Program website, Early Childhood Preschool Certificate at Johnston Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Preschool Certificate at Johnston Community College
- Finished
- 18%
- Working at 6 months
- 66%
- Earned in a quarter
- $8,439
- Length
- 32 weeks, 12 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $300
- Students counted
- 238
- Earned a year, estimated
- $33,800
- Price if you pay yourself
- $1,500
Early Childhood Education - A552204
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
Hudson
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$34,400Price if you pay yourself$5,092Program website, Early Childhood Education - A552204 at Caldwell Community College and Technical InstituteMore details about Early Childhood Education - A552204 at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
- Finished
- 28%
- Working at 6 months
- 80%
- Earned in a quarter
- $8,611
- Length
- 68 weeks, 40 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $600
- Students counted
- 235
- Earned a year, estimated
- $34,400
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,092
Early Childhood Education (A55220A) AA/AS
Craven Community College
New Bern
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$29,200Price if you pay yourself$5,5118 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Early Childhood Education (A55220A) AA/AS at Craven Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education (A55220A) AA/AS at Craven Community College
- Finished
- 28%
- Working at 6 months
- 68%
- Earned in a quarter
- $7,290
- Length
- 72 weeks, 12 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,800
- Students counted
- 233
- Earned a year, estimated
- $29,200
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,511
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 8
Early Childhood Education, AA/AS
Lenoir Community College
Kinston
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$38,000Price if you pay yourself$5,2443 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Early Childhood Education, AA/AS at Lenoir Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education, AA/AS at Lenoir Community College
- Finished
- 13%
- Working at 6 months
- 74%
- Earned in a quarter
- $9,501
- Length
- 72 weeks, 14 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,800
- Students counted
- 224
- Earned a year, estimated
- $38,000
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,244
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 3
Early Childhood Associate AA/AS
James Sprunt Community College
Kenansville
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$32,100Price if you pay yourself$5,77619 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Early Childhood Associate AA/AS at James Sprunt Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Associate AA/AS at James Sprunt Community College
- Finished
- 29%
- Working at 6 months
- 71%
- Earned in a quarter
- $8,019
- Length
- 72 weeks, 24 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,800
- Students counted
- 220
- Earned a year, estimated
- $32,100
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,776
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 19
Infant/Toddler Care Certificate - C55290
Stanly Community College
Based in Albemarle, NC
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$58,100Price if you pay yourself$1,397Program website, Infant/Toddler Care Certificate - C55290 at Stanly Community CollegeMore details about Infant/Toddler Care Certificate - C55290 at Stanly Community College
- Finished
- 16%
- Working at 6 months
- 78%
- Earned in a quarter
- $14,529
- Length
- 16 weeks, 16 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 214
- Earned a year, estimated
- $58,100
- Price if you pay yourself
- $1,397
Early Childhood Associate
Beaufort County Community College
Washington
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$31,600Price if you pay yourself$5,080School website, Early Childhood Associate at Beaufort County Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Associate at Beaufort County Community College
- Finished
- 20%
- Working at 6 months
- 77%
- Earned in a quarter
- $7,895
- Length
- 64 weeks, 16 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 213
- Earned a year, estimated
- $31,600
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,080
Early Childhood Associate - degree
Richmond Community College
Hamlet
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$27,500Price if you pay yourself$4,5893 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Early Childhood Associate - degree at Richmond Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Associate - degree at Richmond Community College
- Finished
- 15%
- Working at 6 months
- 82%
- Earned in a quarter
- $6,884
- Length
- 72 weeks, 15 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 209
- Earned a year, estimated
- $27,500
- Price if you pay yourself
- $4,589
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 3
Early Childhood Associate AAS Degree
Blue Ridge Community College
Flat Rock
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$35,200Price if you pay yourself$2,297School website, Early Childhood Associate AAS Degree at Blue Ridge Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Associate AAS Degree at Blue Ridge Community College
- Finished
- 17%
- Working at 6 months
- 72%
- Earned in a quarter
- $8,808
- Length
- 72 weeks, 40 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,723
- Students counted
- 208
- Earned a year, estimated
- $35,200
- Price if you pay yourself
- $2,297
Early Childhood Associate
Randolph Community College
Asheboro
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$48,000Price if you pay yourself$9,300Program website, Early Childhood Associate at Randolph Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Associate at Randolph Community College
- Finished
- 39%
- Working at 6 months
- 78%
- Earned in a quarter
- $12,000
- Length
- 64 weeks, 18 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 199
- Earned a year, estimated
- $48,000
- Price if you pay yourself
- $9,300
Early Childhood Education, Assoc. Applied Science (AAS)
Southeastern Community College
Whiteville
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$29,900Price if you pay yourself$5,9928 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Early Childhood Education, Assoc. Applied Science (AAS) at Southeastern Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education, Assoc. Applied Science (AAS) at Southeastern Community College
- Finished
- 27%
- Working at 6 months
- 68%
- Earned in a quarter
- $7,472
- Length
- 89 weeks, 40 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,800
- Students counted
- 194
- Earned a year, estimated
- $29,900
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,992
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 8
Early Childhood Education AAS
South Piedmont Community College
Wadesboro
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$47,600Price if you pay yourself$5,970Program website, Early Childhood Education AAS at South Piedmont Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education AAS at South Piedmont Community College
- Finished
- 17%
- Working at 6 months
- 74%
- Earned in a quarter
- $11,900
- Length
- 64 weeks, 18 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $5,700
- Students counted
- 187
- Earned a year, estimated
- $47,600
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,970
Early Childhood Education
Cape Fear Community College
Wilmington
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$27,600Price if you pay yourself$5,808Program website, Early Childhood Education at Cape Fear Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education at Cape Fear Community College
- Finished
- 13%
- Working at 6 months
- 71%
- Earned in a quarter
- $6,889
- Length
- 74 weeks, 8 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $3,324
- Students counted
- 180
- Earned a year, estimated
- $27,600
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,808
Early Childhood Associate AAS Degree
Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College
Asheville
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$37,400Price if you pay yourself$5,571Program website, Early Childhood Associate AAS Degree at Asheville Buncombe Technical Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Associate AAS Degree at Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College
- Finished
- 16%
- Working at 6 months
- 77%
- Earned in a quarter
- $9,343
- Length
- 80 weeks, 40 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $3,602
- Students counted
- 177
- Earned a year, estimated
- $37,400
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,571
Early Childhood Development (EDU119) Certificate
Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College
Asheville
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$29,300Price if you pay yourself$1,438Program website, Early Childhood Development (EDU119) Certificate at Asheville Buncombe Technical Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Development (EDU119) Certificate at Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College
- Finished
- 21%
- Working at 6 months
- 72%
- Earned in a quarter
- $7,319
- Length
- 32 weeks, 8 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 175
- Earned a year, estimated
- $29,300
- Price if you pay yourself
- $1,438
Early Childhood Education
College of the Albemarle
Based in Elizabeth City, NC
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$27,600Price if you pay yourself$5,62410 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Early Childhood Education at College of the AlbemarleMore details about Early Childhood Education at College of the Albemarle
- Finished
- 32%
- Working at 6 months
- 68%
- Earned in a quarter
- $6,901
- Length
- 64 weeks, 18 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 153
- Earned a year, estimated
- $27,600
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,624
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 10
Early Childhood Education
Wilson Community College
Wilson
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$31,700Price if you pay yourself$6,430School website, Early Childhood Education at Wilson Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education at Wilson Community College
- Finished
- 28%
- Working at 6 months
- 64%
- Earned in a quarter
- $7,923
- Length
- 80 weeks, 40 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,847
- Students counted
- 143
- Earned a year, estimated
- $31,700
- Price if you pay yourself
- $6,430
Early Childhood Edu.
Tri-County Community College
Murphy
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$37,400Price if you pay yourself$5,7763 students trained with WIOA funding
School website, Early Childhood Edu. at Tri-County Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Edu. at Tri-County Community College
- Finished
- 9%
- Working at 6 months
- 66%
- Earned in a quarter
- $9,350
- Length
- 64 weeks, 18 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 131
- Earned a year, estimated
- $37,400
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,776
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 3
Early Childhood Education: B-K Non Licensure Track
Surry Community College
Dobson
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$29,000Price if you pay yourself$5,4003 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Early Childhood Education: B-K Non Licensure Track at Surry Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education: B-K Non Licensure Track at Surry Community College
- Finished
- 46%
- Working at 6 months
- 71%
- Earned in a quarter
- $7,249
- Length
- 64 weeks, 40 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $4,000
- Students counted
- 127
- Earned a year, estimated
- $29,000
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,400
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 3
Early Childhood Certificate
Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College
Asheville
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$33,000Price if you pay yourself$1,216Program website, Early Childhood Certificate at Asheville Buncombe Technical Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Certificate at Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College
- Finished
- 10%
- Working at 6 months
- 69%
- Earned in a quarter
- $8,253
- Length
- 32 weeks, 40 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $542
- Students counted
- 116
- Earned a year, estimated
- $33,000
- Price if you pay yourself
- $1,216
Early Childhood Education AAS
Coastal Carolina Community College
Jacksonville
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$32,400Price if you pay yourself$4,9404 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Early Childhood Education AAS at Coastal Carolina Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education AAS at Coastal Carolina Community College
- Finished
- 41%
- Working at 6 months
- 52%
- Earned in a quarter
- $8,098
- Length
- 72 weeks, 13 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,800
- Students counted
- 112
- Earned a year, estimated
- $32,400
- Price if you pay yourself
- $4,940
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 4
Early Childhood Education Child Care Specialist Certificate
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Salisbury
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$25,400Price if you pay yourself$1,460Program website, Early Childhood Education Child Care Specialist Certificate at Rowan-Cabarrus Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education Child Care Specialist Certificate at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
- Finished
- 12%
- Working at 6 months
- 74%
- Earned in a quarter
- $6,355
- Length
- 8 weeks, 7 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,204
- Students counted
- 96
- Earned a year, estimated
- $25,400
- Price if you pay yourself
- $1,460
Early Childhood Education - Career Track
Rockingham Community College
Wentworth
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$26,300Price if you pay yourself$5,277Program website, Early Childhood Education - Career Track at Rockingham Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education - Career Track at Rockingham Community College
- Finished
- 10%
- Working at 6 months
- 69%
- Earned in a quarter
- $6,573
- Length
- 72 weeks, 14 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 88
- Earned a year, estimated
- $26,300
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,277
Early Childhood Education Certificate - Specialization in Beginnings in early Childhood Education
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$11,900Price if you pay yourself$2,2006 students trained with WIOA funding
School website, Early Childhood Education Certificate - Specialization in Beginnings in early Childhood Education at Central Piedmont Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education Certificate - Specialization in Beginnings in early Childhood Education at Central Piedmont Community College
- Finished
- 35%
- Working at 6 months
- 66%
- Earned in a quarter
- $2,964
- Length
- 16 weeks, 13 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $700
- Students counted
- 84
- Earned a year, estimated
- $11,900
- Price if you pay yourself
- $2,200
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 6
Early Childhood Education Certificate, C55220
Cleveland Community College
Shelby
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$20,900Price if you pay yourself$1,0884 students trained with WIOA funding
School website, Early Childhood Education Certificate, C55220 at Cleveland Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education Certificate, C55220 at Cleveland Community College
- Finished
- 18%
- Working at 6 months
- 53%
- Earned in a quarter
- $5,216
- Length
- 32 weeks, 6 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $485
- Students counted
- 79
- Earned a year, estimated
- $20,900
- Price if you pay yourself
- $1,088
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 4
Early Childhood Associate
Roanoke Chowan Community College
Ahoskie
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$37,500Price if you pay yourself$6,850Program website, Early Childhood Associate at Roanoke Chowan Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Associate at Roanoke Chowan Community College
- Finished
- 8%
- Working at 6 months
- 63%
- Earned in a quarter
- $9,375
- Length
- 52 weeks, 24 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 75
- Earned a year, estimated
- $37,500
- Price if you pay yourself
- $6,850
Early Childhood Education-Early Literacy Certificate (C55220F)
Gaston College
Dallas
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$24,900Price if you pay yourself$1,382Program website, Early Childhood Education-Early Literacy Certificate (C55220F) at Gaston CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education-Early Literacy Certificate (C55220F) at Gaston College
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- 53%
- Earned in a quarter
- $6,222
- Length
- 32 weeks, 10 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,057
- Students counted
- 72
- Earned a year, estimated
- $24,900
- Price if you pay yourself
- $1,382
Early Childhood Education-Preschool Certificate (C55220G)
Gaston College
Dallas
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$24,900Price if you pay yourself$1,610School website, Early Childhood Education-Preschool Certificate (C55220G) at Gaston CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education-Preschool Certificate (C55220G) at Gaston College
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- 53%
- Earned in a quarter
- $6,222
- Length
- 32 weeks, 9 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $879
- Students counted
- 72
- Earned a year, estimated
- $24,900
- Price if you pay yourself
- $1,610
Early Childhood Education-Special Needs Certificate (C55220E)
Gaston College
Dallas
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$24,900Price if you pay yourself$2,004School website, Early Childhood Education-Special Needs Certificate (C55220E) at Gaston CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education-Special Needs Certificate (C55220E) at Gaston College
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- 53%
- Earned in a quarter
- $6,222
- Length
- 64 weeks, 6 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,037
- Students counted
- 72
- Earned a year, estimated
- $24,900
- Price if you pay yourself
- $2,004
Early Childhood - Certificate
Randolph Community College
Asheboro
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$23,400Price if you pay yourself$2,240Program website, Early Childhood - Certificate at Randolph Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood - Certificate at Randolph Community College
- Finished
- 11%
- Working at 6 months
- 68%
- Earned in a quarter
- $5,859
- Length
- 32 weeks, 8 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 57
- Earned a year, estimated
- $23,400
- Price if you pay yourself
- $2,240
Early Childhood Associate
Sampson Community College
Clinton
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$19,900Price if you pay yourself$5,0633 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Early Childhood Associate at Sampson Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Associate at Sampson Community College
- Finished
- 24%
- Working at 6 months
- 74%
- Earned in a quarter
- $4,983
- Length
- Left out
- Cost of supplies
- $1,000
- Students counted
- 45
- Earned a year, estimated
- $19,900
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,063
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 3
Early Childhood Associate
Southwestern Community College
Based in Sylva, NC
Accredited school
Education and courses
Earned a year, estimated$29,300Price if you pay yourself$5,290School website, Early Childhood Associate at Southwestern Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Associate at Southwestern Community College
- Finished
- 13%
- Working at 6 months
- 81%
- Earned in a quarter
- $7,321
- Length
- 72 weeks, 15 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $2,200
- Students counted
- 44
- Earned a year, estimated
- $29,300
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,290
Early Childhood Education Certificate
College of the Albemarle
Based in Elizabeth City, NC
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$16,900Price if you pay yourself$2,408Program website, Early Childhood Education Certificate at College of the AlbemarleMore details about Early Childhood Education Certificate at College of the Albemarle
- Finished
- 13%
- Working at 6 months
- 68%
- Earned in a quarter
- $4,233
- Length
- 32 weeks, 6 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 36
- Earned a year, estimated
- $16,900
- Price if you pay yourself
- $2,408
School Age Education AA/AS
James Sprunt Community College
Kenansville
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$35,600Price if you pay yourself$9,165School website, School Age Education AA/AS at James Sprunt Community CollegeMore details about School Age Education AA/AS at James Sprunt Community College
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- 82%
- Earned in a quarter
- $8,907
- Length
- 64 weeks, 17 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 36
- Earned a year, estimated
- $35,600
- Price if you pay yourself
- $9,165
Early Childhood Education Certificate
Carteret Community College
Morehead City
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$30,000Price if you pay yourself$575Program website, Early Childhood Education Certificate at Carteret Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education Certificate at Carteret Community College
- Finished
- 31%
- Working at 6 months
- 68%
- Earned in a quarter
- $7,499
- Length
- 32 weeks, 16 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $495
- Students counted
- 35
- Earned a year, estimated
- $30,000
- Price if you pay yourself
- $575
Infant/Toddler Care Certificate
Central Carolina Community College
Sanford
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$24,200Price if you pay yourself$1,222School website, Infant/Toddler Care Certificate at Central Carolina Community CollegeMore details about Infant/Toddler Care Certificate at Central Carolina Community College
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- 57%
- Earned in a quarter
- $6,055
- Length
- 32 weeks, 12 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $200
- Students counted
- 23
- Earned a year, estimated
- $24,200
- Price if you pay yourself
- $1,222
Early Childhood Infant and Toddler Care Certificate
Blue Ridge Community College
Flat Rock
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$35,200Price if you pay yourself$880Program website, Early Childhood Infant and Toddler Care Certificate at Blue Ridge Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Infant and Toddler Care Certificate at Blue Ridge Community College
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- 100%
- Earned in a quarter
- $8,809
- Length
- 52 weeks, 20 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,000
- Students counted
- 22
- Earned a year, estimated
- $35,200
- Price if you pay yourself
- $880
Early Childhood Associate Career Entry
Brunswick Community College
Supply
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$14,700Price if you pay yourself$5,0355 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Early Childhood Associate Career Entry at Brunswick Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Associate Career Entry at Brunswick Community College
- Finished
- 20%
- Working at 6 months
- 73%
- Earned in a quarter
- $3,665
- Length
- 72 weeks, 23 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,500
- Students counted
- 22
- Earned a year, estimated
- $14,700
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,035
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 5
Early Childhood Associate
Bladen Community College
Based in Dublin, NC
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$23,600Price if you pay yourself$6,538Program website, Early Childhood Associate at Bladen Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Associate at Bladen Community College
- Finished
- 33%
- Working at 6 months
- 64%
- Earned in a quarter
- $5,888
- Length
- 64 weeks, 8 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $25
- Students counted
- 17
- Earned a year, estimated
- $23,600
- Price if you pay yourself
- $6,538
Infant/Toddler Care Certificate - C55290
Catawba Valley Community College
Hickory
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$12,000Price if you pay yourself$1,455Program website, Infant/Toddler Care Certificate - C55290 at Catawba Valley Community CollegeMore details about Infant/Toddler Care Certificate - C55290 at Catawba Valley Community College
- Finished
- 38%
- Working at 6 months
- 57%
- Earned in a quarter
- $3,001
- Length
- 32 weeks, 6 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $115
- Students counted
- 13
- Earned a year, estimated
- $12,000
- Price if you pay yourself
- $1,455
Early Childhood - Diploma
Randolph Community College
Asheboro
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$18,000Price if you pay yourself$5,220Program website, Early Childhood - Diploma at Randolph Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood - Diploma at Randolph Community College
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- 60%
- Earned in a quarter
- $4,493
- Length
- 32 weeks, 21 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 12
- Earned a year, estimated
- $18,000
- Price if you pay yourself
- $5,220
Early Childhood Development (EDU119) Certificate
Blue Ridge Community College
Flat Rock
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$1,313School website, Early Childhood Development (EDU119) Certificate at Blue Ridge Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Development (EDU119) Certificate at Blue Ridge Community College
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- Not reported
- Earned in a quarter
- Not reported
- Length
- 1 week, 8 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $3,036
- Students counted
- Not reported
- Earned a year, estimated
- Not reported
- Price if you pay yourself
- $1,313
Infant/Toddler Care Certificate (C55290)
Gaston College
Dallas
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$1,807School website, Infant/Toddler Care Certificate (C55290) at Gaston CollegeMore details about Infant/Toddler Care Certificate (C55290) at Gaston College
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- Not reported
- Earned in a quarter
- Not reported
- Length
- 32 weeks, 8 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,023
- Students counted
- Not reported
- Earned a year, estimated
- Not reported
- Price if you pay yourself
- $1,807
Infant Toddler Care Certificate
College of the Albemarle
Based in Elizabeth City, NC
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$2,389Program website, Infant Toddler Care Certificate at College of the AlbemarleMore details about Infant Toddler Care Certificate at College of the Albemarle
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- Not reported
- Earned in a quarter
- Not reported
- Length
- 32 weeks, 8 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- Not reported
- Earned a year, estimated
- Not reported
- Price if you pay yourself
- $2,389
Early Childhood Diploma- D55220C
McDowell Technical Community College
Marion
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$3,264School website, Early Childhood Diploma- D55220C at McDowell Technical Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Diploma- D55220C at McDowell Technical Community College
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- Not reported
- Earned in a quarter
- Not reported
- Length
- 48 weeks, 40 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,619
- Students counted
- Not reported
- Earned a year, estimated
- Not reported
- Price if you pay yourself
- $3,264
Early Childhood Education Diploma (D55220)
Craven Community College
New Bern
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$3,804Program website, Early Childhood Education Diploma (D55220) at Craven Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education Diploma (D55220) at Craven Community College
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- Not reported
- Earned in a quarter
- Not reported
- Length
- 16 weeks, 12 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $470
- Students counted
- Not reported
- Earned a year, estimated
- Not reported
- Price if you pay yourself
- $3,804
Associate in Science Early Childhood Education
Johnston Community College
Smithfield
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$4,505Program website, Associate in Science Early Childhood Education at Johnston Community CollegeMore details about Associate in Science Early Childhood Education at Johnston Community College
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- Not reported
- Earned in a quarter
- Not reported
- Length
- 64 weeks, 16 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,000
- Students counted
- Not reported
- Earned a year, estimated
- Not reported
- Price if you pay yourself
- $4,505
Early Childhood Associate (Child Care Development)
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$6,000School website, Early Childhood Associate (Child Care Development) at Fayetteville Technical Community CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Associate (Child Care Development) at Fayetteville Technical Community College
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- Not reported
- Earned in a quarter
- Not reported
- Length
- 16 weeks, 25 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $2,000
- Students counted
- Not reported
- Earned a year, estimated
- Not reported
- Price if you pay yourself
- $6,000
Early Childhood Education-Career Ready, AAS (A55220CR)
Gaston College
Dallas
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$6,086School website, Early Childhood Education-Career Ready, AAS (A55220CR) at Gaston CollegeMore details about Early Childhood Education-Career Ready, AAS (A55220CR) at Gaston College
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- Not reported
- Earned in a quarter
- Not reported
- Length
- 74 weeks, 25 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $4,097
- Students counted
- Not reported
- Earned a year, estimated
- Not reported
- Price if you pay yourself
- $6,086
No programs match these filters.
How to pay for early childhood education programs in North Carolina
WIOA funding can pay for early childhood education programs in North Carolina
Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?
Financial aid and grants for early childhood education programs
Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.78
GI Bill for early childhood education programs
Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.9
The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.
Quick facts: Early childhood education programs in North Carolina
- programs with a price cost under $2,000
- 15 of 57
- lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare
- 19th of 33
- other states where the typical program's graduates earned less
- 15 of 20
- most early childhood programs of any state, after Washington and California
- 3rd
State comparisons use the same figures as the early childhood education programs by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).
Early childhood education programs in Charlotte, Asheville, Greensboro and other North Carolina cities
Choosing an area filters the program list above. 18 more programs are in 16 other areas, 7 in smaller cities and towns and 8 online.
Other training in North Carolina
How early childhood education programs compare with the rest of education and social services: Child care and social services training in North Carolina
- CDL training90 programs
- CNA classes113 programs
- Medical assistant training75 programs
- Phlebotomy training64 programs
- Welding classes89 programs
- HVAC training65 programs
- Medical billing and coding training58 programs
- LPN programs34 programs
- EMT classes66 programs
- Electrician training43 programs
- Dental assistant programs36 programs
- Auto mechanic classes33 programs
- Pharmacy technician training51 programs
- Plumbing school10 programs
- CNC machinist training33 programs
- Carpentry classes6 programs
- Heavy equipment operator training4 programs
- Diesel mechanic training8 programs
- Cybersecurity training33 programs
- IT training110 programs
- Cosmetology school16 programs
- Barber school7 programs
- Esthetician school11 programs
- Nail tech school6 programs
- EKG technician programs25 programs
- Massage therapy school10 programs
- Paralegal programs17 programs
- Fire academy8 programs
- Police academy37 programs
- Surgical tech programs21 programs
- Radiology tech programs15 programs
- Culinary school13 programs
- Home health aide training1 program
- PTA programs9 programs
- Medical administrative assistant training58 programs
- Human resources training22 programs
- Medication aide training33 programs
- Industrial maintenance technician training19 programs
- Aircraft mechanic school6 programs
- Supply chain and logistics training15 programs
- Hospitality management programs7 programs
- Addiction counselor training7 programs
- Coding and software development courses20 programs
- Lineman school13 programs
- Sterile processing technician training15 programs
- Sonography school13 programs
- Data analytics courses17 programs
- Administrative assistant training21 programs
- Respiratory therapy programs11 programs
- Medical lab technician programs13 programs
- AutoCAD and drafting courses5 programs
- Digital marketing courses5 programs
- Web and graphic design courses10 programs
- Health information technology programs12 programs
- Vet tech programs12 programs
- Real estate school1 program
- Patient care technician training3 programs
- OTA programs5 programs
- Interpreter and translator training5 programs
- Home inspector training2 programs
- Forklift certification13 programs
- Personal trainer certification6 programs
- Healthcare administration programs9 programs
- Customer service training2 programs
- MRI tech school4 programs
- RBT certification training2 programs
- Mental health technician training2 programs
- Human services programs34 programs
- Manufacturing technician training11 programs
- Electronics technician training17 programs
- Business administration programs55 programs
- Criminal justice programs31 programs
- Teacher assistant certification3 programs
- Auto body repair classes11 programs
- Sleep technician training3 programs
- Solar and wind technician training4 programs
- Water treatment operator training2 programs
- Dialysis technician training4 programs
- Optician training7 programs
- Masonry training5 programs
- Construction training programs24 programs
- Dental hygiene programs8 programs
- Accounting and bookkeeping classes29 programs
- RN programs71 programs
- Project management certification29 programs
Where the North Carolina early childhood education program numbers come from
Which North Carolina early childhood education programs are on this list?
These are the early childhood education programs North Carolina approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).10 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what North Carolina offers.
How the prices and results of North Carolina early childhood education programs are measured
Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.
Sources for the facts about early childhood education programs in North Carolina
Show the 10 sourcesHide the sources
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Childcare Workers
- Council for Professional Recognition: CDA Credentialing Process Overview (February 2026)
- US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
- US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
- Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
- US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
- US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
- US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
- US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
- US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List