Early Childhood Education Career Pathway Certificate

Less-Than-One -Year Certificate of Completion

The Career Pathway Certificate in Early Childhood Education (17 credits) prepares students for entry-level employment as childcare professionals in a variety of educational settings including child care centers, preschools, Head Start programs and in family childcare businesses operated from individual homes.

Core Outcomes: All students completing this certificate will be able to promote child development and learning; develop early childhood appropriate curriculum, programs, and environments that respect diversity; and exhibit early childhood professional skills.

For new students, completing the certificate provides entry level skills to employment and a pathway to careers in education. Credits required for completion of the certificate entirely transition to the One Year Certificate in Early Childhood Educator and the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Education with emphasis in Early Childhood Educator at KCC.

Students who already hold a college degree (associates or higher) in a related field can meet the Early Childhood Education (ECE) focus requirement to become qualified teachers in government sponsored programs such as Head Start.

The CDA Credential or the Oregon Registry Step 7 may serve as the foundation of the core coursework.

Students are encouraged to consider college preparatory coursework in writing if needed.