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Early childhood education programs in Virginia

13 early childhood programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

7 schools offer these early childhood education programs, and Virginia 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 Virginia, 3 of the 13 programs take students without a high school diploma and 10 ask for a diploma or equivalent.

By kind, the 13 programs here are early childhood education program (level not stated, 5 programs), child care or preschool certificate (4 programs), early childhood education (associate degree, 3 programs) and CDA (Child Development Associate) course (1 program).

See the 13 programs

How much do early childhood education programs cost in Virginia?

$2,500 to $9,246 is what most early childhood programs in Virginia cost if you pay yourself

That is the middle half of the 13 programs with a price. All of them: $1,079 to $44,170

In the typical program

Finished the program
Not enough data
2 programs report it; a typical figure needs 5
Working 6 months later
Not enough data
1 program reports it; a typical figure needs 5
Earned a year, estimated
Not enough data
1 program reports it; a typical figure needs 5
Length
13 to 48 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 Virginia may also offer early childhood education programs. How these figures are made

Are there free early childhood education programs in Virginia?

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 13 early childhood programs in Virginia approved for WIOA funding

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Kind of program
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13 programs

  • Early childhood education program (level not stated)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Early Childhood Education

    Eastern Shore Community College

    Melfa

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Eastern Shore Community College, MelfaEarly childhood education program (level not stated) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$12,800
    Price if you pay yourself$2,344

    4 students trained with WIOA funding

    More details about Early Childhood Education at Eastern Shore Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    60%
    Earned in a quarter
    $3,196
    Length
    6 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $600
    Students counted
    45
    Earned a year, estimated
    $12,800
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,344
    students trained with WIOA funding
    4

  • Early childhood education (associate degree)In personNo diploma needed

    Human Services - Early Childhood Development Specialization, AAS

    New River Community College

    Dublin

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    New River Community College, DublinEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$9,246
    More details about Human Services - Early Childhood Development Specialization, AAS at New River Community College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    96 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $3,474
    Students counted
    33
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $9,246

  • Early childhood education program (level not stated)In personNo diploma needed

    Early Childhood Development

    New River Community College

    Dublin

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    New River Community College, DublinEarly childhood education program (level not stated) · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$4,692
    More details about Early Childhood Development at New River Community College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    48 weeks, 34 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,571
    Students counted
    11
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $4,692

  • Early childhood education (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Associates of Applied Science - Early Childhood Development

    Central Virginia Community College

    Lynchburg

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Central Virginia Community College, LynchburgEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$10,029
    More details about Associates of Applied Science - Early Childhood Development at Central Virginia Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    64 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,000
    Students counted
    31
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $10,029

  • Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Early Childhood Education Associate Degree

    Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach

    Virginia Beach

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach, Virginia BeachEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$44,170
    School website, Early Childhood Education Associate Degree at Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach
    More details about Early Childhood Education Associate Degree at Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    60 weeks, 1 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    22
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $44,170
    School website, Early Childhood Education Associate Degree at Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach

  • Child care or preschool certificateIn personNo diploma needed

    Child Care Provider Certification

    Fairfax Public Schools Adult and Community Education

    Springfield

    No diploma needed

    Fairfax Public Schools Adult and Community Education, SpringfieldChild care or preschool certificateIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,079
    More details about Child Care Provider Certification at Fairfax Public Schools Adult and Community Education
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    13 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,079

  • Child care or preschool certificateIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child Development (CSC)

    Virginia Highlands Community College

    Abingdon

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Virginia Highlands Community College, AbingdonChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,239
    School website, Child Development (CSC) at Virginia Highlands Community College
    More details about Child Development (CSC) at Virginia Highlands Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    16 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $600
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,239
    School website, Child Development (CSC) at Virginia Highlands Community College

  • CDA (Child Development Associate) courseHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child Development Associate (CDA) Bootcamp

    Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach

    Virginia Beach

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach, Virginia BeachCDA (Child Development Associate) course · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,500
    School website, Child Development Associate (CDA) Bootcamp at Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach
    More details about Child Development Associate (CDA) Bootcamp at Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    18 weeks, 9 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,500
    School website, Child Development Associate (CDA) Bootcamp at Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach

  • Early childhood education program (level not stated)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child Development

    New River Community College

    Dublin

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    New River Community College, DublinEarly childhood education program (level not stated) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,505
    More details about Child Development at New River Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    29 weeks, 10 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,000
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,505

  • Early childhood education program (level not stated)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child Development, Infant and Toddler

    New River Community College

    Dublin

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    New River Community College, DublinEarly childhood education program (level not stated) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,505
    More details about Child Development, Infant and Toddler at New River Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    29 weeks, 10 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,000
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,505

  • Child care or preschool certificateHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Early Childhood Development: Infant and Toddler CSC

    Virginia Western Community College

    Roanoke

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Virginia Western Community College, RoanokeChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,132
    More details about Early Childhood Development: Infant and Toddler CSC at Virginia Western Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    8 weeks, 16 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $790
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,132

  • Early childhood education program (level not stated)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Early Childhood Education

    Virginia Western Community College

    Roanoke

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Virginia Western Community College, RoanokeEarly childhood education program (level not stated) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,132
    More details about Early Childhood Education at Virginia Western Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    8 weeks, 16 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $790
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,132

  • Child care or preschool certificateHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Early Childhood Care and Development Diploma

    Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach

    Virginia Beach

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach, Virginia BeachChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$33,040
    School website, Early Childhood Care and Development Diploma at Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach
    More details about Early Childhood Care and Development Diploma at Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    45 weeks, 1 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $33,040
    School website, Early Childhood Care and Development Diploma at Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach

How to pay for early childhood education programs in Virginia

WIOA funding can pay for early childhood education programs in Virginia

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 Virginia

lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare
7th of 33
early childhood programs here, against the typical state's 8
13 vs 8

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 Blacksburg, Virginia Beach, Roanoke and other Virginia cities

Choosing an area filters the program list above. 1 in smaller cities and towns.

Other training in Virginia

How early childhood education programs compare with the rest of education and social services: Child care and social services training in Virginia

Where the Virginia early childhood education program numbers come from

Which Virginia early childhood education programs are on this list?

These are the early childhood education programs Virginia 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 Virginia offers.

How the prices and results of Virginia 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 Virginia

Show the 10 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Childcare Workers
  2. Council for Professional Recognition: CDA Credentialing Process Overview (February 2026)
  3. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  4. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  5. 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)
  6. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  7. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  8. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  9. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  10. 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