Early Childhood Professional Certificate

This course of instruction prepares individuals for teaching in licensed centers that provide care for learners in early childhood. It provides teaching candidates with an opportunity to earn professional recognition beyond secondary education or if their degree is in a different field. Graduates may find suitable employment in the child care industry as a teacher, teacher assistant or working in registered child care homes. Students will learn different principles of child growth and development and the responsibilities and standards of teachers working in licensed child care facilities. Upon completion of this program students will be able to apply their knowledge base and improve their skill level in a child care environment.

Admission Requirements

Individuals applying for this course are required to:

• Have 480 hours (3 months) of child care experience in a licensed facility
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Present proof of secondary education (high school diploma or GED certificate)
• Make a reservation

Basic Program Information

• Classes are offered every month
• Classes are offered from 8:00am - 6:00pm, Saturday and Sunday (must complete 2 weekends)
• Students complete off-site observations and create a professional resource file that is comprehensive of everything covered in the class
• Students may begin working on the resource file and observations before class starts

Basic Topics Covered Include

• Planning a Safe and Healthy Environment
• Steps to Advance Children’s Physical and Intellectual Development
• Positive Ways to Support Children’s Social and Emotional Development
• Strategies to Establish Productive Relationships with Families
• Maintaining a Commitment to Professionalism
• Strategies to Manage an Effective Program
• Managing to Meet the Minimum Standards
• Code of Ethical Conduct
• Principles of Child Growth and Development
• Principles of Administration
• Responsibility to Populations with Special Needs
• Conflict Resolution
• Nutrition and Food Service
• Abuse/Neglect Issues
• A Specialization in Infant Care, Pre-School Care, or School Age Care must be selected