Early Childhood Education – Noncredit

This noncredit program serves as an introduction to the theoretical and practical knowledge required for working with young children in an early care and education setting. The program will help individuals determine their level of interest in the early care and education field, prepare students for credit-bearing coursework in early childhood education, and count toward the professional growth requirement for the renewal of an existing Child Development Permit. The program consists of a sequence of courses that prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to gain employment as an entry-level assistant teacher or family child care provider. This includes an understanding of child development from birth to age 5, basic principles of early care and education, planning culturally responsive curriculum, communicating with children and families, licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and employment seeking strategies. This Certificate of Completion is not intended as a substitute for any Certificate or Associate in Science – Early Childhood Education or related degrees coursework, which provide state-mandated education and fieldwork experience leading to a Child Development Permit and employment as an early care and education associate teacher or higher. After completing this program, students who wish to pursue a certificate/degree in Early Childhood Education are encouraged to meet with a Counselor to create an Education Plan.