Early Childhood Education and Family Studies - One Year Certificate
Overview
See Department website and program contacts here
The Early Childhood Education and Family Studies certificate is designed for students seeking careers working with young children and families in early learning settings. The curriculum combines foundational child development knowledge with practical teaching and family support skills to prepare students for employment in a variety of early childhood environments.
Coursework and practicum experiences focus on child growth and development, positive guidance, high-quality interactions, curriculum planning, and supporting development for children from birth through age five. Students develop practical skills through classroom learning and supervised field experiences.
The program is workforce-focused and prepares students for roles in early learning programs, childcare settings, family support environments, and related educational settings. Students interested in additional education and training may also continue into advanced coursework or degree programs in early childhood education.
Students should be prepared to demonstrate the professionalism, communication skills, emotional stability, and stamina needed for work in this field. Students are encouraged to work with an advisor regarding program planning and practicum placement requirements.
Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:
- Education Plan – provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
- Career Info – includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings
Program Learning Objectives
At the completion of this program, students should know how to:
- Design learning environments to support children’s development and learning in all domains
- Implement Developmentally Appropriate Practices and all relevant guidelines
- Articulate the importance of effective observation, documentation, and assessment of children’s development
- Develop positive relationships with families, colleagues and community members
- Apply content knowledge and inquiry tools to construct meaningful curriculum\\n
- Demonstrate an exemplary work ethic and uphold the standards of the early childhood profession
Education Plan
This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.
General education courses (such as math, writing, health, etc.) can be taken during any term, or before starting the program.
Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all program (ECE) courses.
| First Quarter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ECE125 | The Early Childhood Professional | 3 |
| ECE140 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| ECE158 | Learning Environments | 3 |
| ECE170 | Health, Safety and Nutrition | 3 |
| WR121Z | Composition I | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| ECE144 | Observation Techniques | 2 |
| ECE145 | Positive Guidance | 3 |
| ECE147 | Infant/Toddler Caregiving | 3 |
| ECE166 | Seminar - Beginning | 1 |
| MTH065 or MTH058 | Beginning Algebra II (or higher) or Quantitative Reasoning I | 4-6 |
| WE280CDC1 | Co-op Education - Beginning - Early Childhood Education 1 | 3 |
| Credits | 16-18 | |
| Third Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| ECE135 | Math Concepts in Early Childhood | 3 |
| ECE171 | Families and Diversity | 3 |
| ECE173 | Creative Art Experiences | 3 |
| Choose 4 credits from the following options: | 4 | |
For students who do not already have First Aid and/or Pediatric CPR certification: | ||
| First Aid: Responding to Emergencies and CPR - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation | ||
OR For students with current First Aid and Pediatric CPR certification: | ||
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 45-47 | |