Education FAQ's

• WHAT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?
• WHY TRAIN IN MCC’S EDUCATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS?
• WHY IS AN MCC EDUCATION CERTIFICATE FOR ME?
• WHAT ARE MY CAREER OPTIONS?
• WHAT WOULD I EXPECT TO LEARN?
• WHAT ARE THE CERTIFICATES OFFERED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT?
• WHAT PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE WILL I RECEIVE?
• ARE THERE JOBS AVAILABLE?

Work sites include child-family oriented settings such as childcare agencies, preschools, Head Start programs, daycare homes, recreation centers, and elementary schools.  These programs may serve infants, toddlers, preschool and school age children and families.  Positions available to graduates of MCC’s Education Certificate programs include:

• Program Director or Assistant
• Preschool Lead Teacher                               
• Infant-Toddler Supervisor                              
• Family Daycare Provider                              
• Home Daycare Provider                                 
• Head Start Teacher*                              
• Michigan School-Age Credential         
• Instructional Assistant--Special Education               

*Washington has established a new requirement of an ASA Degree

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WHY TRAIN IN MCC’S EDUCATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS?

Education Certificate programs are short-term training programs which prepare people to work with children and families.  Professionals in this field provide experiences and interactions that promote safe, healthy learning environments for children, and assistance for families.  In an age when an increasing number of parents are working outside the home, finding an environment in which children will receive more than basic maintenance has grown in importance.  Families, too, need assistance as they struggle to cope with jobs and home responsibilities.  Thus the need for professional childcare and paraprofessional workers has become essential.

WHY IS AN MCC EDUCATION CERTIFICATE FOR ME?

MCC’s Education Certificate Programs provide:

• Courses that meet the requirements for MCC’s ASA degree in Early Childhood Education or may transfer to a four-year college to meet bachelor’s requirements*
• Competency-based professional preparation for students interested in positions involving caring for children and families
• Individualized guidance throughout the learning process with advisors who care about your success
• The opportunity to work at your own pace to complete training
• Consideration of prior work experience and completed academic coursework when programs are planned

*Those intending to transfer should check with the four-year college or university requirements.

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WHAT ARE MY CAREER OPTIONS?

• Train for one of the Nationally Certified CDA’s as a Center-Based Preschool Teacher, Infant-Toddler Caregiver, or Family Daycare Provider.                                             
• Train for an Elementary School Classroom Aide or Special Education Assistant
• Complete an ASA Degree with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education
• Use your training as a stepping-stone to a four-year degree (check with the transferring institution for requirements)

WHAT WOULD I EXPECT TO LEARN?

You will gain knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

• Physical, cognitive, language, social, emotional development of children and adolescents
• The importance of play, and the role of play in development
• Role of family, society and culture in development
• Family dynamics and interactions
• Special needs of children and families
• Children’s literature
• Quality standards of programs for children Professional obligations, responsibilities, and ethical standards
• Business aspects of early childhood programs; appropriate practices
• Positive communication and relationships in adult-child orientations
• Observation, record keeping and assessment of self, children and families
• Management of safe, healthy, learning environments
• Problem solving, teamwork

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WHAT ARE THE CERTIFICATES OFFERED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT?

• Child Development Associate Certificate
• Family Daycare Center Certificate
• Infant-Toddler (0-36 months) Certificate
• Michigan School-Age Credential
• Instructional Assistant -Special Education Certificate

WHAT PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE WILL I RECEIVE?

You will gain experience in:

• Working with children and families
• Working with diverse populations
• Working in a relevant worksite
• Planning, organizing and participating in age-appropriate activities
• Leading and managing children
• Guiding and assisting families
• Helping and supporting teachers

ARE THERE JOBS AVAILABLE?

In a word -- YES!!  Society is relying more and more not just on childcare, but parents are demanding quality childcare. This means trained professional providers with knowledge of development, age-appropriate practices, and quality standards.  Employment of childcare workers is projected to increase faster than average for all occupations through 2005.

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