Early Childhood Education Career Pathway Certificate

Less-Than-One-Year Certificate of Completion

The Early Childhood Education Career Pathway Certificate 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 business operated from individual homes.

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.