Certificates
What is a Stackable Certificate?
Stackable certificates / degrees are made up of common courses available statewide. Course numbers, titles and student outcomes are consistent within the professional development system.
State Initial Early Childhood Education Certificate
The program is designed to prepare students to work with young children and parents in a variety of settings. Classes help adults increase their understanding of the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of children and to apply developmentally appropriate guidance and curriculum methods to meet the individual and group needs of children and their families.
State Short Early Childhood Education Certificate Of Specialization-ECE (General)
Generalists are prepared to work with children from birth to age eight and their families. They provide both care and education in a classroom or home-based setting. Classes help adults increase their understanding of the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of children and to apply developmentally appropriate guidance and curriculum methods to meet the individual and group needs of children and their families.
State Short Early Childhood Education Certificate Of Specialization: Infants and Toddlers
Infant-Toddler Specialists work with young children from birth to age 3 in a variety of early care and education programs. It is the responsibility of the Infant-Toddler Specialist to both nurture and provide developmentally appropriate education in safe, supportive environments. The primary role of the specialist is to build relationships with the child and the child’s family members. The specialist recognizes and honors the culture and needs of the families in all aspects of the program.
State Short Early Childhood Education Certificate Of Specialization: Family Child Care
Family home providers serve as the business manager and children’s caregiver in a home based business. With or without assistants most providers care for a mixed age range from infants to age 12 on a daily basis; other providers serve a limited age group. In managing the home based business the provider maintains all records and manages the budget. In the caregiver role, the provider plans and carries out activities that meet the needs and interests of the children. It is crucial that the caregiver maintains a safe, clean and healthy environment and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Developing partnerships with families is key.
Administration – State Short Early Childhood Education Certificate Of Specialization
Administrators of Early Learning programs in general are responsible for the overall management of the program’s facility and operation; ensuring the program follows minimum licensing requirements, accreditation standards, or other formal / informal standards. The role of administrator or director requires knowledge and skills both in early childhood education/ development and in business practices. The job includes all aspects of program and people management and leadership in order to bring the best to children, families, staff members and the larger community.
State Short Early Childhood Education Certificate Of Specialization: School-Age Care
School-Age Specialists work with children age 5-12yrs in a variety of programs outside of the elementary school schedule. The School-Age Specialist is required to have skills to provide developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant activities and care, specifically: preparing the environment, implementing curriculum, building relationships, guiding academic /social skill development, and community outreach.
ECE State Certificate
The ECE State Certificate (27 credits): This final “stackable certificate” requires college-level math and English as a foundation for the next step: an associate degree in ECE. In addition to these general education requirements, the courses that students must take include Language and Literacy Development; Observation and Assessment; Child, Family and Community; Guiding Behavior; Environments for Young Children; and Curriculum Development. With all three certificates, the total number of credits earned by the student is 47.
All of the certificates apply to both the AAS in Early Childhood Education and BAS in Early Childhood Education degrees.