The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education is a fully online, 12 credit program that provides professional development for educators (licensed and non-licensed) serving young children, Birth to Age 8, in Early Childhood care settings and classrooms. Coursework in this certificate program emphasizes the practical application of current theory, research, and pedagogy in Early Childhood Education, with particular attention to supporting linguistically and culturally sustaining educare practices. [All courses in the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education may be applied to the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education.]

The objective for the Early Childhood Education Certificate include the following:

Students will be able to:

1. apply knowledge of universal and differentiated patterns of development to the design of appropriate Early Childhood teaching and learning experiences in home-based and classroom settings;
2. design curriculum and learning environments that promote and value early literacy and STEM/STEAM learning;
3. critically analyze common contemporary child guidance/“management” practices used with young children;
4. create learning environments that centers linguistically and culturally sustaining, asset-based practices as a means for creating educational access and opportunity for all young children;

Program Requirements

Students must complete 12 semester credit hours (SCH) with a grade of “B” or better in order to satisfy the requirements of the Early Childhood Education Certificate. 

Admission Requirements 

• Acceptance into the Graduate School (includes 3.0 GPA* and transcripts)
• Curriculum Vitae
• A statement of purpose outlining applicant’s interest in the Certificate (a 500-word statement describing previous education-related experience, reasons for pursuing the Early Education Certificate, and future career plans)

These requirements were established so that the application process would be reasonable for the candidate profiles outlined above. In accordance to Graduate School guidelines for admission procedures, this certificate uses a holistic approach in the admission of applicants. *The Graduate Program Committee will review applications below a 3.0 GPA, and may decide to admit an applicant using this holistic approach. 

Degree Plan

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses
ECED 5348	Child Dev in Div Ed Contx,Bth8	3
ECED 5353	Early Lit/Multi-Lit Dev & Curr	3
ECED 5354	Early STEM/STEAM Dev & Curr	3
ECED 5358	Relations & Child Guide, B- 8	3
Total Hours		12