Career Description: The certificate meets current standards for step 7 on the Achieve, MN Center for Professional Development, career lattice. Graduates of this program are prepared to work in a supportive role at childcare centers, Head Start programs, school districts, preschools, family childcare and after school programs while laying the foundation for all additional early childhood career and degree pathways. Minnesota licensing Rule 2 and Rule 3 may determine qualifications based on site/employer. Individual program hiring standards may vary according to community and county.

Program Information: The Early Childhood Education Certificate prepares individuals to assist in providing healthy, safe, developmentally appropriate learning environments for children ages birth to age 8 in support of healthy communities and families. The program guides students to study, research, and then utilize reflective practice and intentional teaching strategies through textbook readings, online videos and discussions, and lab/field experiences. Courses assist students in applying child development theory and developmentally appropriate practice using reflective, diverse, teaching and guidance strategies that address the needs of children, families, and communities. Enjoy hands-on experiences while participating in lab/field experiences embedded within select courses throughout all degree options, access to latest research, and convenience of online learning. The certificate is offered Fall and Spring semesters with full and part time enrollment options.

Program Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to:

• Integrate child development theory with appropriate practice in early care and education settings;
• Incorporate and demonstrate diverse teaching and guidance strategies appropriate to addressing the needs of children, families, and communities;
• Recognize the importance of play to healthy child development and incorporate play based learning into early childhood environments;
• Apply professional behavior in daily work with children, families, co-workers and the community;
• Assist in creating and consistently maintain an appropriate, safe, healthy learning environment for children; and
• Recognize ethical, legal and professional responsibilities.

Special Program Requirements:

In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:

1. College Cumulative GPA Requirement: cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0;
2. College Technical Core GPA Requirement: cumulative GPA of credits attempted and completed towards the technical core of the diploma or degree must be at least 2.0;
3. Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College.

Admissions:

The Early Childhood Education program requires students to pass a Minnesota background check to participate in all of the field experiences and internships. In addition, CLC is a member of E-LECT (e-learning for early childhood teachers), which offers an associate in applied science (A.A.S.) and associate of science pathway (A.S.P.) degree online. Talk with an advisor for more details.