Early Childhood Education – Pre-School

Certificate of Proficiency

30809

The ECDA program is a highly individualized, competency-based program consisting of various instructional modules. It is taught primarily on-site in centers where students are employed and is designed for early childhood teacher training. The curriculum is designed as a 30-credit college certificate of proficiency program. However, 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 Arts degree in Liberal Studies by completing the additional 35 credits of General Education requirements.

Offered pending approval of State Board of Directors for Community Colleges of Arizona.

Curriculum Requirements

Early Childhood Education Core

ECD 101A, ECD 101B, ECD 101C, and ECD 101D are prerequisite to all other Early Childhood Development courses.

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	Ensuring a Safe Environment	1 credit
ECD 111D	Teaching Aids	1 credit
ECD 121A	Techniques for Observing Children	1 credit
ECD 131A	Building Relationships with Parents	1 credit
ECD 131B	Supporting the Growth and Education of Parents	1 credit
ECD 131C	Enhancing Family Involvement	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

13 credits

Family Child Care Specialization

ECD 111A	Transitions	1 credit
ECD 111B	Guidance Principles	1 credit
ECD 111C	Enhancing Questioning/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

Specialization Requirements

14 credits

Choose three credits of ECD courses to complete the 30 credits required to obtain the Certificate.

Elective ECD Course Requirements

3 credits

Total Minimum Certificate Requirements

30 credits

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