Early Childhood Preschool Certificate (C55860)

Program Description

This curriculum prepares individuals to work with preschool aged children (3-5) in diverse learning environments. Students will combine learned theories, competency-based knowledge, and practice in actual settings with preschool children.

Course work includes child growth and development, physical/nutritional needs of preschool children, safety issues in the care of preschool children; care and guidance; communication skills with families and children; design and implementation of appropriate curriculum; and other related topics.

Graduates should be prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate preschool programs in early childhood settings. Employment opportunities include child development and child care programs, preschools, public and private schools, recreational centers, Head Start Programs, and other preschool programs.

Fall Semester

Course	Class Hours	Credits
EDU 119 - Intro to Early Childhood Education EDU 119 - Intro to Early Childhood Education This course introduces the foundations of culturally responsive, equitable and inclusive early childhood education, planning intentional developmentally appropriate experiences, learning activities, and teaching strategies for indoor and outdoor environments for all young children, guidance techniques, and professionalism. Topics include theoretical foundations, national early learning standards, NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development, state regulations, program types, career options, professionalism, ethical conduct, quality inclusive environments, guidance techniques, and curriculum responsive to the needs of each child/family. Upon completion, students should be able to implement developmentally appropriate environments, guidance techniques, schedules, and teaching strategies across developmental domains to support culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse children and their families in inclusive settings, and design a personal career/professional development plan. Class: 4.00 Credits: 4.00	4.00	4.00
EDU 131 - Child, Family, and Community EDU 131 - Child, Family, and Community This course covers the development of partnerships among culturally, linguistically and ability diverse families, children, schools and communities through the use of evidence-based strategies. Emphasis is placed on developing skills and identifying benefits for establishing and supporting respectful relationships between diverse families, programs/schools, and community agencies/resources reflective of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and the Code of Ethics for North Carolina Educators. Upon completion, students should be able to identify appropriate relationship building strategies between diverse families, children birth through adolescence, schools, and communities and demonstrate a variety of communication skills including appropriate use of technology to support every child. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00	3.00	3.00
EDU 145 - Child Development II EDU 145 - Child Development II This course includes the theories of child development, observation and assessment, milestones, and factors that influence development, from preschool through middle childhood. Emphasis is placed on knowledge, observation and assessment of developmental sequences in approaches to play/learning, emotional/social, health/physical, language/communication and cognitive domains. Upon completion, students should be able to compare/contrast typical/atypical developmental characteristics, explain biological and environmental factors that impact development, and identify evidence-based strategies for enhancing development for children that are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00	3.00	3.00
-OR- PSY 150 - General Psychology PSY 150 - General Psychology This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00	3.00	3.00
EDU 146 - Child Guidance EDU 146 - Child Guidance This course introduces evidence-based strategies to build nurturing relationships with each child by applying principles and practical techniques to facilitate developmentally appropriate guidance. Topics include designing responsive/supportive learning environments, cultural, linguistic and socio-economic influences on behavior, appropriate expectations, the importance of communication with children/families including using technology and the use of formative assessments in establishing intentional strategies for children with unique needs. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate direct/indirect strategies to encourage social skills, self-regulation, emotional expression and positive behaviors while recognizing the relationship between children's social, emotional and cognitive development. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00	3.00	3.00
EDU 153 - Health, Safety and Nutrition EDU 153 - Health, Safety and Nutrition This course covers promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of every child. Topics include health and nutritional guidelines, common childhood illnesses, maintaining safe and healthy learning environments, health benefits of active play, recognition and reporting of abuse/neglect, and state regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to apply knowledge of NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development for health, safety, nutritional needs and safe learning environments. Class: 3.00 Credits: 3.00	3.00	3.00
		Total: 16 / 16

Upon completion of the EDU-119 course within the certificate shown above, students who have earned a C or better are eligible to apply for the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC).

Applications are available through the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education. See your advisor for more details.

Upon completion of the certificate shown above, students are eligible to apply for the National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) (Infant/Toddler CDA credential) provided through the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, DC.

Students must earn a C or better in all courses. These courses count for the 120 hours of professional education requirement. Additional requirements for the CDA must also be met prior to applying. See your advisor for more details or go to the Council for Professional Recognition and Child Development Associate (CDA).

Apply for Admission Today!