Certificate in Early Childhood Education

Early childhood educators and caregivers work in Head Start programs, childcare centers, family home care programs, elementary schools, social services programs, and health care services. These professionals plan and implement appropriate experiences for young children in areas such as language, health, movement, creativity, thinking, problem solving, self-concept and social behavior. They also supervise children's activities, care for their needs, keep records of their progress, and confer with parents and other professionals.

The Certificate in Early Childhood Education is closely aligned with national standards and meets Head Start requirements for classroom personnel. Only technical requirement courses that have a grade of "C" or better will be counted towards the Certificate.

Program Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs): 
Upon successful completion of the Certificate in Early Childhood Education program, students will be able to:

1. Model appropriate practices for children, professionalism, and demonstrate ethical conduct based on guidelines from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
2. Implement various developmentally and age-appropriate teaching, assessment and guidance strategies needed to effectively work with young children from birth to age eight.
3. Reflect on practices, pedagogy and resources used in an early childhood setting that serves children ages birth through age eight years.

The Certificate in Early Childhood Education CDA Track is closely aligned with national standards and meets Head Start requirements for classroom personnel. As part of this program there is an option for students to earn a 'stackable' internationally recognized credential, the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.

Program Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs): 
Upon successful completion of the Certificate in Early Childhood Education Child Development Associate (CDA) program, students will be able to:

1. To advocate appropriate practices based on the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
2. To effectively and respectfully communicate with children, staff and families from diverse backgrounds and special populations.
3. To implement developmentally and age-appropriate teaching needed to effectively work with children birth to age five.
4. To prepare students to obtain the nationally recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.