Early Child Care (CERT)

The Early Child Care Certificate prepares students to work with children from birth through age eight in child care, pre-school, or school-age programs. Students gain an understanding of child development, plan developmentally appropriate activities and practice responsibilities of assistant teachers.

Students may enroll in the program on a part-time or full-time basis. Students who are employed full-time are strongly encouraged to take no more than two courses per semester. Special program costs include transportation to fieldwork sites. A medical exam, tuberculin test and fingerprinting may be required before beginning fieldwork.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Early Child Care Certificate is to introduce students to theories of child development and early childhood education and the integration of theory and practice.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Use knowledge of child development and of individual children to create healthy, respectful, supportive and challenging learning environments. (NAEYC Standard 1)
2. Demonstrate an understanding of culturally diverse children, families and their communities and sensitivity to social justice. (NAEYC Standard 2)
3. Observe, document and assess children’s development and learning in partnership with families. (NAEYC Standard 3)
4. Use developmentally effective approaches to connect with children and families. (NAEYC Standard 4)
5. Use content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum. (NAEYC Standard 5)
6. Demonstrate an awareness of the NAEYC Code of Ethics and dispositions of the early childhood profession. (NAEYC Standard 6)

Essential Skills and Dispositions

The following skills and dispositions, with or without reasonable accommodations, are expected of students enrolled in the Early Child Care Certificate program.

1. Emotional stability and psychological health to work with children, families, clients, colleagues and college personnel.
2. Interpersonal skills sufficient to establish a professional relationship with individuals and families from a variety of cultural, social, emotional, and intellectual backgrounds.
3. Effective written and oral communication skills.
4. Critical thinking for assessment and decision making in field placement.
5. Ability to carry out duties and responsibilities in the Early Childhood fieldwork placement, including observation and assessment; monitoring safety needs; moving quickly to ensure children’s safety; and lifting children, equipment and supplies up to 50 pounds.
6. Sufficient stamina to carry out the duties and responsibilities in the Early Childhood fieldwork placement.
7. Character dispositions such as honesty, integrity, caring and empathy.

Graduation Requirements

A grade of C or better in all EDU courses is required for graduation.