Certificate

Program Description:

The Early Childhood Education Certificate program is an accelerated, one-year intensive program of study that provides the educational background and supervised training for students interested in working with young children. It emphasizes developmentally appropriate practice and has a child-centered focus. Students learn and apply theory with hands-on experience in a required practicum. The practicum may be in early care and education programs for children.

Career and Transfer Outlook:

Graduates meet the academic requirements for Lead Teacher as currently specified by the Massachusetts Office of Children’s Services. Many graduates continue their studies toward an associate degree.

Helpful Hints:

Child Growth and Development (PSY 122) is a prerequisite for EDU courses, with the exception of Health and Safety in Early Childhood (EDU 154), which can be taken concurrently.

Note: In order for a student to be eligible to participate in an academic, community or clinical program that involves potential unsupervised contact with children, the disabled, or the elderly, the student may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check and/or a Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) check. See Admissions  for further details.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Early Childhood Education Certificate program are prepared to:

• Describe young children’s characteristics and needs;

• Explain the multiple influences on development and learning;

• Create healthy, respectful, supportive and challenging learning environments;

• Analyze observation and assessment tools used in educational settings;

• Integrate knowledge and other resources to design, implement and evaluate meaningful, challenging curricula;

• Recognize the importance of understanding central concepts, strategies and inquiry tools for early childhood education;

• Explain the importance of family involvement in children’s learning and environment;

• Identify and use professional resources;

• Demonstrate knowledge of the theory and research relevant to the professional role(s) and focus area(s) emphasized in the program.