Certificate
This program is for individuals who desire only specialized courses designed for working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children. Students receive specialized training in the physical, emotional, social and cognitive care of infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children. Students learn the job responsibilities of professionals and identify suitable employment situations and career opportunities.
Weekly field observations and experiences are required throughout the course work in this program. Students must have three current clearances: FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance and meet the local requirements of the field placement site, including the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification Clearance.
Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will:
- Integrate appropriate theories and practices, general and content knowledge and professional and pedagogical knowledge to create and implement developmentally appropriate experiences of all children and their families.
- Employ appropriate discipline terminology and professional tone in written and oral communication in descriptive and applied observation and documentation strategies to positively influence children's growth and development.
- Work with children of diverse ages and abilities and their families by participating in supervised practicum experiences in multiple types of inclusive childcare and educational environments.
Students can apply the credits earned in the certificate program toward a certificate or associate degree in Early Education and Child Development.
Upon completion of this program, graduates may pursue employment as an assistant group supervisor or lead teacher in programs such as Head Start or Pre-K Counts. With additional experience or credentials, they may also work as early childhood educational aides in child care agencies, preschool programs, public and private schools, and early intervention or inclusive education environments. Furthermore, graduates can find entry-level positions in before-and-after school programs or provide care in private homes.