Early Childhood Certification Courses
Specific early childhood education courses in early childhood education degree programs or CDA preparation programs vary by school, but you could expect to find classes on the following topics that prep you for earning your certification:
- Building healthy relationships with families
- Child growth and development
- Health, safety and nutrition for the young child
- Introduction to early childhood education
- Social/emotional development
How About Early Childhood Administrator Certification
Some early childhood educators wish to take their careers to the next level, by pursuing a leadership or administrative role. This is also an area where you can pursue advanced credentials. The Connecticut Directors Credential is a credential specifically designed for early childhood professionals who are in administrative roles, or who wish to pursue administrative roles after graduation.
You can earn this credential through Goodwin College, whether you are an existing ECE student or not. You simply must complete 12 to 15 credits in the courses specified here, meet the experiential requirements provided by the state, and demonstrate competency in the core areas of knowledge. Typically, the coursework can be completed in one year or less.
Early Childhood Education Certificate
Certificate | SC Program: CT.3451
The Early Childhood Education Certificate will offer students initial training to work with young children. After completion of the 24-unit certificate requirements, the student will qualify for employment as an entry-level teacher in private child care settings licensed through the Department of Social Services. The Early Childhood Education Certificate course work also meets the training requirements for the Child Development Associate Teacher Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. All certificate requirements must be completed with a C grade or better.
This 24 unit certificate is intended to fulfill the ECE requirement of a lower-division program of study that can transfer to the CSU system. With additional coursework, both at lower-division and upper-division levels, it prepares the student for in-depth coursework toward higher degree attainment. When the 24-unit certificate is combined with 16 General Education units, it qualifies the student for a Child Development Permit issued by the Office of Teacher Credentialing, at the Teacher level.
This certificate is approved through the California Community College Chancellors Office. Upon satisfactory completion of the listed requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the students transcript will reflect completion of this certificate.
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Career Advancement With Ece Certification
Jobs with an early childhood education certificate are probably your main reason for pursuing the credential, but this education can pave the way for so much more.
I have seen many students use the Certificate program as a building block in their educational plan, Pierre says. She explains that many students eventually continue on to ECE Associate and Bachelor degree programs to pursue career goals like managing their own childcare programs.
Knowing this possibility, Pierre points out that Rasmussens programs make it easy to build onto the ECE certificate with further degree options down the road.
I am very proud of the various options students have in the ECE Certificate program. The education requirements for the CDA credential are infused in ECE Certificate courses, Pierre says. When students complete the Certificate program, they are already part of the way through a CDA credential as well.
After you hold your ECE certificate, a few more steps to finish the CDA requirements can really bolster your resume.
Where Can I Work
An early childhood education certificate will provide you with several potential places of employment however, the job opportunities with just a certificate will be limited in comparison to those with higher degrees. You could work for most public and private schools in some capacity. It is possible to apply to jobs at a childcare or daycare center. An often-overlooked job for certificate graduates is a position within various religious organizations to help care for young children in their community. You can also work for corporations with on-site childcare or educational institutions for children with special needs. And both public entities and government organizations hire people with ECE certificates. A certificate in early childhood education is an excellent way to increase your current salary, to achieve entry-level positions without a degree, and to pursue jobs that require specialization. With a teaching license, you could work in nearly any school, even at the college level. You may one day even become a principle.
Some of such potential career paths include the following:
– Preschool Teacher
– Teaching Assistants
– Personal Care Aide
– In-Home or Center Childcare or Tutoring
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What Is An Early Childhood Education Certificate
An early childhood education certificate program might benefit you if youre a current or aspiring early childcare educator. Undergraduate certificate programs in early childhood education are the most common, but there are other types of ECE programs available, two of which preschool teacher certificate and graduate certificate are discussed in more detail below.
You also might opt to earn a diploma in early childhood education or an associates degree in early childhood education, which usually take three and four semesters, respectively, to complete. Bachelors degree programs in early childhood education, which are required if youre seeking public school teaching licensure, typically can be completed in eight semesters, or four years time.
On both the undergraduate and graduate levels, certificate programs usually prepare students for early childhood education certification tests.
Where Can I Learn More About Financial Assistance
The Financial Aid office, located in Barker Hall on our New Bern campus, has information about national and state financial assistance, scholarships, grants, and work-study positions. Federal financial aid begins with you completing the Free Application for Financial Assistance at www.fafsa.gov.
Program-specific scholarships and/or resources may also be available to individuals already employed in the fields of Early Childhood and/or education. Information about these potential scholarships/funding sources is available at the Craven County Smart Start Office.
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Early Childhood Education Certificate Online
Many schools also offer preschool teacher certificate programs online. Coursework in these online certificate programs in early childhood education often can be completed 100% online however, students might be required to visit campus or a child care site to meet any practicum and/or internship requirements.
What Are The Requirements For A Masters Degree In Early Childhood Education
It is certainly possible to become a licensed teacher in early childhood education without a bachelors degree or with a bachelors degree in a related subject.
To do so, many enroll in a masters degree program in early childhood education. Masters degree programs such as these offer a deeper understanding of how children learn at certain stages of development, as well as the opportunity to specialize in areas related to early childhood education.
A masters degree in early childhood education also qualifies a candidate to work outside of the classroom in the following positions:
- Program coordinator/director
- Childcare director
- Education program specialist
More than nearly any other degree program or teaching license, early childhood educators must be compassionate, patient, and interested in education. Its not an easy job or an easy course of study, but with hard work and dedication, early childhood education can be a rewarding and fulfilling career.
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Early Childhood Educator Salary And Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , kindergarten and elementary school teachers earn a median annual salary of $57,980 and have job growth prospects of 3% from 2018 to 2028.1 Preschool teachers, who teach ages three to five, earn a median annual salary of $29,780 per year and have higher job growth prospects of 7% from 2018 to 2028.2 Childcare workers earn a median annual salary of $26,210 per year.3 As schools work to decrease student-teacher ratios amid student enrollment increases in most areas of the country, job prospects for early childhood teachers should remain positive.
Your Job With Early Childhood Certification
Now that you have a better idea of where an ECE certificate can take youits time to start dreaming big. These careers only represent the baseline of the kind of work you can do.
Are you passionate about getting kids in nature, learning about the seasons and the wildlife? Preschools, childcare centers or even your own in-home childcare center could make that passion part of your career.
Do you feel drawn to children who face educational barriers in their development or ability? Working as a PCA or finding preschools that cater to children with special needs could put you right inside your dream job.
Anything you would love to teach little oneslanguages, nutrition, athletics, great emotional awarenessyou can build into an awesome ECE career with just a little imagination.
But it all starts with the ECE certificate. Get your journey started by heading over to the Rasmussen College Early Childhood Education Certificate page and learning more.
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What Are The Requirements For Early Childhood Education
Think back to your early years in school was there ever a teacher who made a difference, who set you off on your path to success, instilling you with a love for learning?
If youve had a teacher like that in your life, particularly in the years spanning preschool through third grade, youre lucky!
That teacher probably studied early childhood education in college, and if youre interested in having that same kind of influence on the next generation of students, a degree in early childhood education could be right for you.
Seeking a more complete picture of what a degree in early childhood education is, what the requirements are, and what its like to study the subject?
We have your answers.
What Is The Difference Between A Degree Diploma And Certificate
We offer several credentials that provide the flexibility you need. Most degree programs last two years and provide the most in-depth study of a particular subject. Diplomas and certificates take less time and are often taken in conjunction with other degree programs. Specialized training is also available for workforce development programs that are completed in less than a year.
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How To Earn Your Ece Or Preschool Teacher Certification In Connecticut
Early childhood is one of the most dynamic periods for learning and development. It is also one of the most fun and engaging stages of life, in which children are absorbing information like sponges, and almost always eager to learn new things. Its no wonder so many early childhood educators love what they do On a daily basis, these teachers are encouraging childrens curiosities, creating exciting curriculums, honing students motor and social skills, and making a real difference in the lives of children and parents alike.
If you are considering a career in early childhood education, you likely have a passion for working with children. And already, you might have the patience, creativity, and communication skills needed for the job. However, in order to be qualified to teach early childhood ed, you must first become certified.
How Can I Become Certified To Work In A Childcare Facility
After completing EDU 119 with a grade of C or better, students will apply to the NC Division of Child Development to receive the lead instructor credential. Forms are online here. Original transcripts must be sent to DCD, either directly from Craven Community College or in a sealed envelope accompanying the students completed credentials application.
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How Do I Get My Early Childhood Certification
Requirements for the various ECE certifications vary. The licensure requirements for public school early education teachers vary by state, but typically, you have to:
If youre applying for National Board Certification as an Early Childhood Generalist, youll also need a bachelors degree, as well as licensure and at least three years of teaching experience. Additionally, you must submit three portfolio entries and pass a content knowledge test.
To earn the CDA credential, you must have a high school diploma or GED and have completed 120 hours of formal ECE training . Additionally, you must prepare a professional portfolio and pass an early childhood education certification test. This credential must be renewed every three years, during which time you must meet specific work experience requirements.
Jobs With An Early Childhood Education Certificate
As a graduate of a certificate program in early childhood education, you might find work with child care centers, preschools, public and private elementary schools, churches and other facilities that care for young children. Your specific job title might include:
- Public or private preschool teaching assistant
- Private preschool teacher
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Ece: State Early Childhood Education Certificate
This certificate program is the third step in a pathway for students interested in working in the field of early childhood education. Learn to establish or improve, an early childhood learning environment using principles selected from classes, assess childrens skills and behavior based on developmentally appropriate practices, and critique organization and implementation of classroom processes in an early learning setting. Students complete 47 credits, resulting in a State Early Childhood Education Certificate. Students interested in continuing their education can move into the Early Childhood Education AAS.
Preschool Teacher Education Requirements By State
Improving the Quality of Pre-K Programs Through Better Teacher Preparation
Although a certificate program or associates degree is still accepted to work as a preschool teacher in parts of the country and in numerous settings, there has been a clear push to require preschool teachers to hold a bachelors degree or higher in early childhood education. And it only makes sense, considering that a bachelors degree has long been a standard minimum educational requirement for K-12 teachers.
According to Susan K. Urahn, Managing Director of the Pew Center on the States, When teachers hold a bachelors degree and have specialized training in early childhood education, they are better able to support childrens healthy development and school readiness.
Likewise, a 2015 report by the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council wrote that all teachers in the nations preschools should have a bachelors degree in early childhood development or early education.
Victor Dzau, president of the Institute of Medicine, said that the education provided to many of our nations preschoolers is lagging behind the current science, urging those who fund preschool programs to recognize the importance of educating young children.
The Inconsistencies and Disparities in Education Requirements
According to a June 2016 report by the National Council on Teacher Quality, Piecing Together the Preparation Preschool Teachers Need:
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Earning A Bachelors Degree
Although educational requirements for preschool teachers still vary from state to state and even program to program, a bachelors degree in early childhood learning or a closely related area is standard preparation for teaching in any setting, increase your earning potential, and meet professional development requirements.
Furthermore, it generally takes a four-year bachelors program at minimum to include all the pedagogic curriculum of a state-approved teacher preparation program.
A bachelors degree in education with a specialization in early childhood or early childhood education learning includes four-years of full-time study and about 120 credits. They may be designed as Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science programs, covering early childhood-specific topics like education psychology, child development, and curriculum design.
Relevant coursework includes:
- Child guidance and classroom management
- Family, child, cultural, and community relationships
- Developmentally appropriate methodologies for teaching math, science, language, social studies, and the arts
- Foundations of early childhood education
The bachelors degree will also include relevant field experiences and student teaching to prepare you for becoming an early childhood educator.
Getting Started with an Associates Degree
Early Childhood Education Certification Online
While you can take online early education degree programs to earn your degree and prep you to earn your certification, your ECE certification itself cannot be earned online. This is because the tests required to earn your certification are taken in a testing center.
Similarly, for the CDA certification, several colleges and universities offer fully online programs to prepare you for the CDA exam. As a student in one of these programs, you would take a combination of core courses and electives to meet the 120-hour CDA requirement. Youd complete a combination of readings and assignments, and you might be asked to take part in online discussions as well. For admission to an online CDA preparation program, you might need to submit your ACT or ACCUPLACER scores.
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Early Childhood Teaching Certification
Early childhood is a unique developmental period, requiring similarly unique teaching strategies and styles.
Children are driven by a natural curiosity and determination that makes them perfect learners. Teachers learn how to harness this curiosity, setting their students on the path to a love of learning.
They understand the developmental changes that accompany childhood, and guide their students as they explore new areas of life.
Other Topics In Early Childhood Education
Social studies and science are gently introduced to younger students, who are first forming ideas about the world around them.
Students might question other cultures, so teachers must develop an understanding of different cultures and how they fit into the classroom. This might involve asking the children to bring in different food from different cultures, and discussing basic facts about countries.
Concepts of science are gradually introduced during childhood, so to become certified, teachers must understand basic science knowledge, and the best way to present it to children.
Teachers should show children how they can predict, observe, and collect data about the world to draw conclusions. For example, a teacher might bring in seashells and ask the students where they think they came from, and assist the students with drawing the correct conclusions.
Introducing students to these subjects, certified early education teachers pave the way for future academic success.
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How To Earn The Early Childhood Teacher Credential
There are currently two ways to get the Early Childhood Teacher Credential. Most aspiring teachers in Connecticut take the approved college route. To do so, you must:
- Graduate from an approved higher education institution. You can find a list of approved programs on the official website here. Both Goodwins programs the Bachelors in Child Study and the Associate in Early Childhood Education will qualify you for the ECTC endorsement.
- Become a member in the Connecticut Early Childhood Professional Registry. This is an online database that tracks verified professional development and employment of ECE teachers across the state. It also serves as the application portal for the Early Childhood Teacher Credential.
- Apply for the credential. This can be done online through your Registry account.
If you do not have a degree in Early Childhood Education, you can still earn the Early Childhood Teacher Credential through the individual review route. This involves:
- Currently working in the early childhood education field, or having at least one year experience
- Graduating from a regionally-accredited college or university, with any degree
- Completing 12 credits of coursework in early childhood education
- Becoming a member in the Connecticut Early Childhood Registry
- Submitting all documentation to the Registry, to become verified