Description
An emphasis will be placed on an anti-bias curriculum covering the physical, intellectual, emotional and social domains of development. Students will be prepared for the Child Development Associate (CDA) assessment process, as part of the national credential recognized by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. This degree is focused on understanding the development of children from birth to 3 years of age through hands on practical fieldwork and classroom instruction. The focus is on an infant/ toddler environment.
Career Opportunities
A wide variety of potential jobs with the certificate degree only may include preschool assistant, preschool aide, and nutritional aide. Salary ranges include $16,000 for classroom assistant and entry level positions in Early Childhood Education.
Transfer Paths and Requirements
This program is designed for students wishing to go directly into the workforce.
Full-Time and Part-Time Options
Listed below are four options for earning the certificate:
- One-year plan for full-time students (see below)
- One-and-a-half-year plan for 3/4 time students (see below)
- Two-year plan for part-time students
- Two-year plan for part-time students (T.E.A.C.H.)
ONE-YEAR PLAN FOR FULL-TIME STUDENTS
| Course | Credits | Contact Hours | Semester(s) Offered | Comments |
| ED 111A Introduction to Early Childhood | 3 | 4 | Fall, Winter and Online | |
| ED 120C Anti-Bias Curriculum | 3 | 4 | Fall, Winter and Online | Prerequisite: Meet Ready to Succeed |
| ED 214A Infant and Toddler Development and Care | 3 | 4 | Fall and Online | |
| ED 225A Child Development
or ED 250A Human Growth and Development |
3 | 4 | Fall, Winter, Summer and Online | |
| Education Fieldwork Hours | 100 Hours | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | 16 |
| Course | Credits | Contact Hours | Semester(s) Offered | Comments |
| ED 220B Early Childhood Assessment | 2 | 3 | Fall, Winter and Online | Prerequisite: ED 111 |
| ED 210 Child Care and Guidance | 3 | 3 | Winter and Online | Prerequisite: Department Approval |
| ED 252B Child Development Practicum | 3 | 6 | Winter and Online | Co-requisite: ED 210 |
| Education Fieldwork Hours | 380 Hours | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 8 | 12 |
MINIMUM CREDITS NEEDED FOR CERTIFICATE – 20
Additional notes: This degree requires a cleared background check, which may include fingerprinting and a TB clearance. Fieldwork is required in all education courses. Courses are offered both face-to-face and online and delivery varies by semester. All Education courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
ONE-AND-A-HALF-YEAR PLAN FOR THREE-QUARTER-TIME STUDENTS
| Course | Credits | Contact Hours | Semester(s) Offered | Comments |
| ED 111A Introduction to Early Childhood EDU | 3 | 4 | Fall, Winter and Online | |
| ED 214A Infant and Toddler Development and Care | 3 | 4 | Fall and Online | |
| ED 225A Child Development
or ED 250A Human Growth and Development |
3 | 4 | Fall, Winter, Summer and Online | |
| Education Fieldwork Hours | 75 Hours | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 9 | 12 |
| Course | Credits | Contact Hours | Semester(s) Offered | Comments |
| ED 120C Anti-Bias Curriculum | 3 | 4 | Fall, Winter and Online | Prerequisite: Meet Ready to Succeed |
| ED 220B Early Childhood Assessment | 2 | 3 | Fall, Winter and Online | Prerequisite: ED 111 |
| Education Fieldwork Hours | 50 Hours | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 5 | 7 |
| Course | Credits | Contact Hours | Semester(s) Offered | Comments |
| ED 210 Child Care and Guidance | 3 | 3 | Winter | Prerequisite: Department Approval |
| ED 252B Child Development Practicum | 3 | 6 | Winter | Co-requisite: ED 210 |
| Education Fieldwork Hours | 335 Hours | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 6 | 9 |
MINIMUM CREDITS NEEDED FOR CERTIFICATE – 20
Additional notes: This degree requires a cleared background check, which may include fingerprinting and a TB clearance. Fieldwork is required in all education courses. Courses are offered both face-to-face and online and delivery varies by semester. All Education courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
