Catalog 2024-25 
    
    Oct 07, 2024  
Catalog 2024-25

Early Childhood Educator Certificate


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One-Year Certificate of Completion

This certificate is offered to those seeking employment in educational occupations. The program specifically prepares students to enter the fields of early childhood education, as a preschool teacher and child care provider.

For the certificate, students are provided with a well-rounded and diverse education that consists of collegiate-level general education coursework and a core of technical courses in the fields of child development and education. All students gain practical experience by completing cooperative work experience in local schools, child care centers, and agencies that serve children and families.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the certificate, students will be able to:

  • Create developmentally and culturally appropriate learning environments and curricula to foster optimum growth and development of learners.
  • Identify and teach to differences in race, gender, ability, age, language, family composition, culture, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion.
  • Explain the complex characteristics of families and communities as well as the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of growth and development.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of observation techniques, assessment tools, documentation procedures as well as resources and applicable regulations/laws for all learners, specifically for those with disabilities and other special needs.
  • Apply developmentally and culturally appropriate teaching and guidance theories, principles, and practices.
  • Demonstrate participation in leadership, advocacy, personal growth, and professional development activities.

Program Requirements


All education students must successfully pass a criminal background check.

Number of credit hours necessary for completion: 46

Required Courses


Student Success


Communications


Writing

Students must select one course in this general education requirement. For information about placement in a writing course, please refer to the: Writing Pathway .

Health and Wellness


Students must select one course in this general education requirement. 

Social Sciences


Education Electives


Students must complete electives to meet the required number of credits needed. The following courses are recommended, but any 100-level or 200-level courses may be chosen as an elective.

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