Learn quick skills to land an entry-level job in childcare.

The certificate introduces a student to the foundational skills needed in working with young children, ages birth to 5 years.

You'll learn the skills to make a profound impact on young children's crucial developmental years by supporting infants and toddlers during their formative stages, fostering cognitive, emotional, and social growth while providing invaluable support to families.

Program location

  

Skills you'll learn

• Foundational knowledge of early childhood education
• Wellness checks
• Developmentally appropriate evidence-based practices to support child growth and development
• Foundational child assessment and behavioral strategies

Key classes you'll take

• Introduction to Early Childhood Education
• Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition
• Child Growth and Development
• Infant/Toddler Care and Education
• Early Childhood Guidance

Where this program can take you

• Childcare Worker
• Teacher Assistant

Keep going!

Learn advanced skills and grow your career faster. Check out our 1-year diploma and 2-year degree programs and unlock even better opportunities and higher-paying jobs.

View more Early Childhood Education programs.

 

Contact Us

Schedule an Appointment

The Early Childhood Education program is designed to prepare students to secure one of the many careers available in early childhood education. Graduates of the program may work with children from birth to eight years of age in a variety of settings such as child care centers, preschools, child development homes, or public and private schools. Students may elect to complete either the Educator Licensure/Transfer Pathway or the Child Care Management Pathway of the Early Childhood Education AAS. Students who intend to teach in a Pre-K through third-grade setting will need to transfer to a teacher licensure institution. In addition, this program addresses the competencies and functional areas necessary for students to begin the assessment and testing process for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential administered by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. See http://www.cdacouncil.org/storage/documents/TransitionGuide_1-3-13.pdf for additional CDA Credential requirements by the Council.

*Certificate can be earned one time.

For specific information regarding program rules and expectations, please view the Early Childhood Education & Teacher Education Programs Handbook.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Download the summary sheet.

Curriculum Sequence

---

Fall Semester	Course Title	Credit
ECE-103	Introduction to Early Childhood Education	3
SDV-108	The College Experience	1
ECE-133	Child Health, Safety and Nutrition	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	7

---

Spring Semester	Course Title	Credit
ECE-170	Child Growth and Development	3
ECE-221	Infant/Toddler Care and Education	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	6

---

Fall Semester	Course Title	Credit
ECE-243	Early Childhood Guidance	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	3

ECE-103 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is an overview of early childhood programs and curricula, historical and present, and an examination of qualities and skills necessary for working with young children.

SDV-108 - The College Experience

Lecture: 1

Credit: 1

This course is designed to empower new students to successfully transition to college. Students will learn academic success skills, strategies for personal development and exploration, college culture and expectations, and how to access college resources and services.

ECE-133 - Child Health, Safety and Nutrition

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course focuses on evidence-based concepts in the fields of health, safety and nutrition and their relationship to the growth and development of the young child ages birth to eight. The course blends current theory with problem solving, practical applications and assessments. The course includes collaboration with families, and assesses the role of culture, language and ability on health, safety and nutrition decisions in early childhood settings.

ECE-170 - Child Growth and Development

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course reviews typical and atypical development of children from conception to adolescence in all developmental domains. Students will examine interactions between child, family and society within a variety of community and cultural contexts. The course will explore theories and evidence-based practices associated with understanding and supporting young children.

ECE-221 - Infant/Toddler Care and Education

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Focuses on care, education and assessment of children from birth to 36 months. Prepares students to utilize developmentally appropriate evidence-based practices including responsive caregiving, routines as curriculum, collaborative relationships with culturally, linguistically and ability diverse children and families, and a focus on the whole child in inclusive settings.

ECE-243 - Early Childhood Guidance

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course focuses on developmentally appropriate, evidence-based approaches and positive guidance strategies for supporting the development of each child. The course emphasizes supportive interactions and developmentally appropriate environments while using assessment to analyze and guide behaviors. Students will learn the impact of family and each child's culture, language and ability on child guidance.

Amy Drew - Instructor - Early Childhood Education

Email: adrew@scciowa.edu
AA, Southeastern Community College
BA, Iowa Wesleyan University
MS, Walden University

Bailea Grier - Instructor - Early Childhood Education

Email: bgrier@scciowa.edu
AA, Southeastern Community College
BA, University of Northern Iowa
MA, Viterbo University
Advanced Studies Certificate as a Literacy Coach, University of Northern Iowa