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Certificate

Early Childhood Education

Minimum Requirements for Certificate: 31 - 34 credits; for Degree: 60 credits

This program prepares students for employment as early childhood and child care providers and improves the skills of those already employed in the field. Graduates pursue opportunities with child care centers, head start programs, early childhood education programs, child welfare service agencies, scouting services, staff training, program licensing and public school teacher aide programs. This program meets standards specified by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and leads to state certification as an Early Childhood Education Associate II.

The certification program in early childhood is for students enrolling in college for the first time as well as for those who are educated in other subject areas but desire retraining for employment in this field. Through course work, students gain the knowledge and skills they need to pursue the field-based Child Development Associate Credential and to meet state of ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ requirements for employment as directors or teachers in licensed centers. Course work also fulfills minor or concentration requirements for degrees in other disciplines.

Students entering either the A.A.S. degree or certificate program should meet with an early childhood advisor to discuss a specific course of study. The required early childhood courses offered by any of the ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ campus sites may be used to meet graduation requirements for the certificate or degree.

An agreement between the ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ College of Indigenous Studies and the University of ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Southeast allows students in rural locations to take courses in early childhood education and obtain an A.A.S. degree via distance delivery. Students should contact their advisor for assistance with the selection of general education courses and electives that meet the degree requirements of their campus. The courses for the certificate and A.A.S. degree lay the foundation for the B.A. in Child Development and Family Studies.

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