Learn fundamentals for how to effectively work with kids and assist a teacher in a preschool setting.
The certificate introduces a student to the foundational skills needed in working with young children in a preschool setting.
Embarking on the Early Childhood Development Preschool Certificate journey opens doors to a rewarding career shaping the minds and hearts of young learners. You'll become a catalyst for creativity, curiosity, and confidence, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success in the vibrant world of preschool education.
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
- Early Childhood Curriculum I
- Early Childhood Guidance
Where this program can take you
- Preschool Assistant/Associate
- Early Childhood Program Coordinator
Keep going!
Learn advanced skills and grow your career faster. Check out our 2-year degree programs and unlock even better opportunities and higher-paying jobs.
View other Early Childhood Education programs.
Contact Us
West Burlington Campus Admissions
Call: (319) 208-5155
Text: (319) 250-7144
Email: admissionswb@scciowa.edu
Keokuk Campus Admissions
Call: (319) 313-1923
Text: (319) 220-3266
Email: admissionskeo@scciowa.edu
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.
Curriculum Sequence
| Fall Semester I | 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 I | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ECE-158 | Early Childhood Curriculum I | 3 |
| ECE-170 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 6 |
| Fall Semester II | 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-158 - Early Childhood Curriculum I
|
Lecture: 3 |
Credit: 3 |
This course focuses on the development, implementation and assessment of appropriate environments and curricula for young children ages birth through eight. Students prepare to utilize evidence-based, developmentally appropriate practices in a context of children's family, culture, language and abilities. An emphasis will be placed on understanding children's developmental stages and developing appropriate learning opportunities, interactions and environments to support each child in the following areas: dramatic play, art, music and fine and gross motor play.
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-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