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Certificate Description

The certificate in Early Childhood Education emphasizes the professional preparation of students at the graduate level for a range of careers in early childhood education (children ages 0-8) within diverse community contexts. The completion of six Early Childhood Education graduate courses provides preparation for working with young children, their families, and communities. This program prepares candidates for a highly specialized role and offers a dynamic combination of state-of-the-art theoretical courses and practical application of learning in field education. This certificate is offered via distance learning only.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the certificate will be able to:

• Explain young children's diverse characteristics and needs, from birth through age 8
• Plan and implement instruction and curriculum to address goals and learning outcomes for young children
• Develop plans to support and engage families/communities in young children's development and learning
• Use technology effectively with young children, with peers, and as a professional resource
• Analyze the psychological, physical, and cognitive influences on child development
• Integrate constructivist theory and intentional teaching methodologies to teacher child interactions