Degree Certificate
HEGIS Code: 5503
Curriculum Code: 2067.ECE
Business & Public Service Division
Pre-Admission Recommendations: HS or HSE (High School Equivalency) Diploma
Recommended H.S. Courses and/or Experiences: English Electives, 2 years Math, Biology, Human Relations
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Assistant Teacher or Lead Teacher in a NYS Licensed Day Care Center
Program Description
The Early Childhood Certificate program prepares adults interested in the field of early childhood to work with children and infants through age eight in a variety of early childhood settings as a lead teacher or assistant teacher. The coursework is designed to provide a strong foundation in early childhood including a clear understanding of child development and ways to implement culturally sensitive appropriate practice to meet the needs of the diverse cultures within our communities.
Early Childhood courses are based on the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) developmentally appropriate practice theory, NYS Early Learning Guidelines and the NYS Core Body of Knowledge.
A combination of classroom based instruction and field experience will assist students in the creation of strong social emotional environments, and knowledge of how to create developmentally appropriate materials and activities to support learning in all domains. Each semester will include a 45-hour lab component in the field for authentic hands on learning.
Special Admission Requirements/Prerequisites
Early Childhood Studies students must be exempt from, or have satisfactorily completed developmental reading and writing courses before enrolling in required early childhood studies courses in the certificate program. Students must maintain a grade of “C” in all early childhood courses. (A “C-” or a “D” in an Early Childhood course indicates that the course must be repeated to remain in the Early Childhood Studies curriculum.) As a prerequisite of the lab experiences, students must be able to satisfy health and other requirements of the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) New York State Day Care Licensing regulations. The department reserves the right to deny acceptance into or require withdrawal from the Early Childhood Studies Certificate Program when students have an incomplete or unacceptable medical report of physical and/or mental health or do not meet the requirements requested by OCFS or the licensed day care centers, Head Start or Early Head Start programs, family day care homes and public schools used for lab placements by the Early Childhood Department.
All students must have a signature from an adviser from the Early Childhood Department before registering for any practicum courses (CC 201 and CC 203)
Program Competencies
Upon graduation with a Certificate in Early Childhood Studies, the graduate will be able to:
- produce objective observations of young children’s behavior;
- demonstrate the classroom skills necessary to be an effective early childhood teacher including effective supervision, classroom management skills, interpersonal skills, self-assessment and professionalism; and
- demonstrate teaching skills according to NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate Practice.
Curriculum
Total Degree Credits: 26-27
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