Program Overview
This Early Childhood Education certificate program provides entry-level training for individuals seeking careers working with young children. It offers specialization in areas such as infant/toddler care, preschool, and center management. The program includes required courses in child development, guiding behavior, and multicultural issues, as well as practicum experiences to develop practical skills. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in the field of early childhood education.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This certificate program in Early Childhood Education is designed for individuals interested in working with young children. It provides entry-level training and specialization in various areas such as infant/toddler care, preschool, before and after school care, or center management.
Outline:
Required Courses:
(22 credits)
- ECED 105 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education (5 credits)
- EDUC 115 - Child Development (5 credits)
- EDUC 130 - Guiding Behavior (3 credits)
- EDUC 204 - Exceptional Child (5 credits)
- EDUC 240 - Multicultural/Anti-Bias Issues in Education (3-5 credits; minimum 5 credits)
Practicum Courses:
(7 credits)
- ECED 120 - ECE Practicum 1-Nurturing Relationships (2 credits)
- ECED 181 - Montessori Practicum I (4 credits)
- ECED 182 - Montessori Practicum 2 (4 credits)
- ECED 214 - Early Childhood Education Practicum 2 (3 credits)
- ECED 215 - Early Childhood Education Practicum 3 (3 credits)
- ECED 250 - Early Childhood Education Final Practicum (3 credits)
- EDUC 210 - Assisting Practicum (3-6 credits)
Electives or Areas of Specialization:
(14 credits)
- Any ECED or EDUC class numbered 100 or higher
Careers:
This certificate prepares students for entry-level positions in the field of early childhood education. Potential career paths include:
- Infant/toddler teacher
- Preschool teacher
- Before and after school care provider
- Center manager
- Early childhood specialist
