Early Childhood Education: Infant to Grade 4, Certificate

Program Overview

The Early Childhood Certificate program prepares individuals to become Assistant Teachers or Assistant Group Supervisors in early childhood settings. It covers child development, observation and assessment, teaching strategies, curriculum development, and professionalism. The certificate can be applied towards an Associate Degree upon completion of general education requirements. Graduates are qualified for careers in early childhood education, including Assistant Group Supervisor, Licensed Group Childcare Provider, and Licensed Family Childcare Provider.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Narrative:
• The Early Childhood Certificate program qualifies individuals to become Assistant Teachers or Assistant Group Supervisors (as per PA DHS guidelines).
• The program enhances understanding of child development, observation and assessment, teaching skills and strategies, content and curriculum development, and advocacy and professionalism.
• The certificate can be applied towards the Associate Degree upon completion of general education requirements.
• Program Outcomes:
• Students gain knowledge and skills in promoting child development and learning, building family and community relationships, observing, documenting, and assessing children and families, using developmentally effective approaches, using content to build meaningful curriculum, and becoming a professional in the field of early childhood education.

Outline:

• Required Courses:
• EARL106: Early Childhood Development and Learning
• EARL107: Observation & Assessment in Early Childhood
• EARL126: Arts in Early Childhood
• EARL128: Infant-Toddler Development and Learning
• EARL208: Math in Early Childhood
• EARL216: Language & Literacy in Early Childhood
• EARL217: Child, Family and Community
• EARL218: Science in Early Childhood
• EARL244: Early Childhood Profession
• EARL263G: Internship - Early Childhood
• ENGL101: English I
• GEOG101: World Geography (or HIST113: American History I, or HIST163: American History II)

Careers:

• EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CAREER PATHWAYS:
• Assistant Group Supervisor in Center-Based Childcare (per PA DHS Requirements)
• Licensed Group Childcare Provider
• Licensed Family Childcare Provider