Early Childhood Development – Preschool

Certificate of Proficiency

30809

The ECD program is a highly individualized, competency-based program consisting of various instructional modules. It is taught primarily on-site in centers where students are volunteering or are employed and is designed for early childhood teacher training. Upon completion of 12 credits in the curriculum, you may apply for the National Child Development Associate Certificate through a national CDA credentialing agency. If you wish to attain national certification, we recommend that you enroll in ECD 240, Child Development Portfolio and Assessment Preparation. This national certification demonstrates competencies in the following areas:

Planning the program and setting for a center-based early childhood program for 10 to 25 children.
Observing young children.
Involving parents and families.
Enhancing the intellectual and personality development of children.
Conducting programs for the creative and physical development of children.
Developing bilingual programs and crafts programs.
Managing early childhood centers.

The Early Childhood Development Associate is a competent person who assumes primary responsibility for meeting the specific needs of a group of children in a child development setting by nurturing the child's physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs; setting up and maintaining the child care environment; and establishing a liaison relationship between parents and the child development center. Students enrolling in this program are required to be either employed or volunteering in a formal day care setting for a minimum of six hours per week.

After completing requirements for the Early Childhood Development Associate Certificate of Proficiency, you can:

Earn a degree in Child Care by completing the additional requirements shown for the Early Childhood Development Associate of Applied Science degree.
Earn an Associate of General Studies degree by completing the 35 credits of General Education requirements, and sufficient electives to total 64 credits.

Curriculum Requirements

Early Childhood Development Core

ECD 101A	The Child's Total Learning Environment	1 credit
ECD 101B	Providing a Healthy Environment	1 credit
ECD 101C	Planned Arrangements and Schedules	1 credit
ECD 101D	Providing a Safe Environment	1 credit
ECD 111D	Teaching Aids	1 credit
ECD 131A	Building Relationships with Parents	1 credit
ECD 142A	Early Childhood Nutrition	1 credit
ECD 161A	Music and Creative Movement	1 credit
ECD 161C	Creative Media	1 credit
ECD 220B	Professionalism	1 credit

Core Requirements

10 credits

Preschool Specialization Requirements

Students must complete a total of 14 credits from the following list of courses. It is recommended that
students who wish to apply for national certification enroll in ECD 240, Child Development Portfolio and
Assessment Preparation.

ECD 111A	Transitions	1 credit
ECD 111B	Guidance Principles	1 credit
ECD 111C	Enhancing Questioning and Problem Solving	1 credit
ECD 141A	Fostering Communication and Language	1 credit
ECD 141B	Beginning Mathematical Concepts	1 credit
ECD 141C	Science and Discovery	1 credit
ECD 142B	Blocks	1 credit
ECD 142C	Literature for Preschool Children	1 credit
ECD 161B	Dramatic Play	1 credit
ECD 171A	Large Muscle Development	1 credit
ECD 171B	Small Muscle Development	1 credit
ECD 210A	Enhancing a Positive Self-Concept	1 credit
ECD 210B	Ages and Stages – The Preschool Years	1 credit
ECD 210C	Understanding How Children Learn	1 credit
ECD 240	Child Development Portfolio and Assessment Preparations	3 credits

Specialization Requirements

14 credits

In addition, students must complete the following courses:

ENG 100
ENG 099

Writing Fundamentals and
Writing Fundamentals Lab or higher

3 credits
1 credit

English Requirements

3-4 credits

Total Minimum Certificate Requirements

27-28 credits

To obtain this certificate, you must complete each required course with a grade of "C" or better.