Education and Child Development

Transform Your Passion into a Purpose-Driven Career in Education and Child Development

At Pitt Community College, we don’t just prepare you for a job—we empower you to shape the future. Our Education and Child Development Department is dedicated to equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.

You’ll find specialized program options designed to meet the growing demand for qualified professionals:

• Child development and childcare programs
• Preschools
• Public and private schools
• Recreational centers
• Head start programs
• School-age programs
• Public elementary, middle, and high school programs

Build on Your Degree Through Our Transfer Pathways

Looking to advance even further? Our transfer pathways open doors to bachelor’s degree programs in teacher licensure (birth through secondary education) or human development and family studies—giving you the credentials to lead in classrooms and beyond.

Through a curriculum grounded in research-based best practices and enriched by supervised, real-world experiences, you’ll graduate ready to inspire, educate, and advocate for children at every stage of development.

Why Choose Careers in the Education and Child Development Fields?

• Early Childhood Education: Employment for preschool teachers is projected to grow 15% through 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• Public School Teaching in North Carolina: Teacher vacancies have surged by 58% in recent years, with more than 5,000 positions currently unfilled statewide, creating urgent demand for qualified educators across elementary, middle, and high schools.
• Residency Program Advantage: Already have a bachelor’s degree? Our Teacher Education Residency Program provides a streamlined path to add an NC Teaching License, helping you transition into the classroom quickly and confidently.

Careers in education offer stability, advancement opportunities, and the chance to make a lifelong impact.

Experiential Learning in Education and Child Development

At Pitt Community College, you’ll gain more than knowledge—you’ll gain experience and support to launch a successful career. Our programs combine classroom learning with real-world practice in licensed childcare facilities and public schools. Students may need to complete background checks and health screenings. A full description of student expectations can be found in our handbook.

Program Highlights:

• Expert Faculty: Instructors hold advanced degrees in education, early childhood education or child development and maintain high professional standards.
• Hands-On Learning: Our model preschool classroom, funded in 2023, serves as a teaching lab for in-person and online students. Additionally, students complete practical work in local licensed child care centers and public schools.
• Career Support: Personalized advising, resume development, and job-seeking skills are integrated into your coursework.