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Certificate in Early Childhood Education

Overview of the field

Early childhood education teaches you about the management and supervision of children between ages 1 to 8.





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Structure and duration of the degree program

A Certificate of Early Childhood Education is a one-year program completed with 30 credit points and three courses usually studied one at a time. These credits can be transferred to a diploma which takes another year to complete.

Highlights of the coursework

A Certificate of Early Childhood Education trains individuals in working with young kids and preparing teaching materials for developing their learning skills. The coursework introduces students to child development and guidance, approaches to learning and caring, supervised practicum, health and nutrition, effective communication skills in children, creative approaches to learning and education. The coursework is mainly theory.

Admission criteria and graduation requirements

There are no specific admission requirements for admission in a Certificate of Early Childhood Education program but a general interest in the subject and work experience can be beneficial. Students can get into the program even without a high school diploma.

Careers prospects and average salary

A Certificate of Early Childhood Education trains individuals for entry-level positions in schools, day cares and organizations that work with young kids. With a Certificate of Early Childhood Education you can work as an early intervention therapist, teaching assistant at primary and pre-school level and even work as a private nanny. One of the approaches usually taken to the certificate program in early childhood education is pursuance of a diploma which can assure positions in educational institutions.

Early Childhood Education Certificate

According to projected statistics for the period 2014-2024 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Personal care and service occupations related jobs will grow at the rate of 13% faster than job growth for all other fields. Job growth for Childcare workers will be 5%, Preschool teachers’ jobs will increase at 7% and Preschool, primary, secondary, and special education school teachers’ jobs will grow at the rate of 6%.

BLS also reports the following median hourly/annual wages for May 2015: Personal care and service occupations earned $10.50/hr, Childcare workers earned $9.77/hr, Preschool teachers earned $28,570 and Preschool, primary, secondary, and special education school teachers earned $53,860.

Job Titles

Job Outlook

Pay

Personal Care and Service Occupations

13% $10.50/Hour

Childcare Workers

5% $9.77/Hour

Preschool Teachers

7% $28,570

Preschool, Primary, Secondary, and Special Education School Teachers

6% $53,860

States with the highest employment level in this occupation:

State

Employment

Employment per thousand jobs

Location quotient

Hourly mean wage

Annual mean wage

California 1660 0.11 1.26 18.13 37720
Florida 1130 0.14 1.68 17.97 37370
Illinois 960 0.16 1.92 17.9 37240
Texas 760 0.07 0.78 16.62 34570
New York 650 0.07 0.85 20.12 41840

Source: bls.gov

How long does it take to get a certificate in early childhood education?

A certificate in early childhood education enables you to work with children from birth to the age of eight. To complete a certificate program in early childhood education, you will need to take 12 credit hours in courses. Typically, this certificate will take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete. The course load will remain the same but students can choose to finish the program at a pace more suitable to them.

What are the requirements to get a certificate in early childhood education?

The only requirement to enroll in a certificate program in early childhood education is to hold a high school diploma or GED. After you choose the course, you will have to complete 12 credit hours to pass. You have the choice to take courses in beginning literacy, child health and safety, and language, arts, and reading for young children.

How much can I make with a certificate in early childhood education?

Those with a certificate in early childhood education usually become childcare workers. Their work includes helping younger children prepare for kindergarten, or even cleaning, bathing and feeding children of up to 8 years. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for childcare workers as of May 2018 was $23,240 per year and $11.17 per hour. 

Frequently Asked Question(s)

Q:I wish to study for the Early Childhood Education Certification on financial aid. Is it possible?

A:If you wish to study for the Early Childhood Education Certifications but face financial hardships, you can study with financial aid. These financial aid include grants, scholarships, work-study plan and student loans.

Q:What can you tell me about the Movement & Music course in the Early Childhood Education diploma?

A:The Early Childhood Education diploma in the United States has the Movement & Music course. This is quite a broad based course, with 3 credits on average, and relies on the physical education building of children. It emphasizes on the development of various fundamental skills, using various child centered activities. These activities revolve around motion and usage of music, enhancing the creative abilities of the students.

Q:What can you do with a Certificate in Early Childhood Education?

A:The Certificate in Early Childhood Education offers students an introductory level of knowledge and skills to enter the workforce at the earliest, or update one's self with the advancements in the subject. The certificate in Early Childhood Education allows students to find employment in day care centers, montessori, pre-schools, and child development centers.

Q:Can I earn an early childhood education certificate after completing a bachelor program in education?

A:Yes, you can earn a certificate program after completing a degree in education. A certificate program is designed to provide students with a sound understanding of a certain occupation or field. These programs fall in the category of short courses and can be earned at undergraduate or graduate level. Many students opt for certificate programs to help boost their career.

Q:What are the different learning resources used in online early childhood education programs?

A:If you are going for online early childhood education programs, you will find a number of latest resources being used to support online learning. Students benefit from video lectures, online notes, discussion threads, online practice exercises, and PowerPoint slides. Course material and notes are available 24/7, and students can study or revise any time they want.

Q:What jobs can you get with an early childhood education certificate?

A:An early childhood education certificate will qualify you for a number of different job positions. You can apply for the following jobs: teacher, early childhood educator, teacher assistant, curriculum developer, and social worker. It is important to note that you will first need to get a teaching license before applying for a teaching job in any institution.

Q:How is a certificate in early childhood education good for my current teaching career?

A:A certificate in early childhood education can be a great way to boost your current career. The program will certify you in this specific teaching field, and will allow you to upgrade your skill set. You can boost you income potential and apply for better job positions here. Many employers are looking for individuals who have earned a certification.

Q:If I enroll in early childhood education certificate programs, will the coursework help me develop skills?

A:Yes, the program is designed to enhance your teaching skills and knowledge about the field. You can pursue this program online as well. The curriculum entails a number of theoretical courses that focus on different aspects of early childhood learning. You will be required to successfully cover each of the subjects in order to complete the program.

Q:What will I study in a childhood development certificate program?

A:A childhood development certificate program will provide you in-depth information about teaching young children. You will about various child development theories, behavioral impact, child psychology, childcare centers, learning and development, and assessment techniques. This program can be completed within a year and is a great way to enhance your teaching career.

Q:I came across the course effective use of computer based technology offered in early childhood certification. Can you tell me the details?

A:The course effective use of computer based technology offered in early childhood certification enables students to understand the uses of computer in teaching as well as learning. It covers computer software terminology, basic hardware operation, troubleshooting techniques, care of computers, and methods to integrate technology with the curriculum. The sessions in the course focus on hands on use of computer technology along with classroom instruction.

Q:Childhood education certification programs are designed for what purposes and how are they beneficial?

A:Childhood education certification programs are designed to help students acquire teaching skills and prepare for careers in the education sector. These certification programs are career oriented and can help individuals boost careers and qualify for teaching roles. The program can be completed in less than 8 months and is widely recognized by all institutions.

Q:What is the focus of a certificate for early childhood grades?

A:Early childhood programs focus on the training of teachers for children aged between one to eight. According to the age of the child, grades are decided. The certification can be a year long. The teachers learn how to best take care of children, develop their learning abilities and learn about child development and communication with kids.

Q:How to apply for Certificate in Early Childhood Education?

A:There are no specific admission requirements for admission in a Certificate of Early Childhood Education program but a general interest in the subject and work experience in this area can be beneficial. Students can get into the program even without a high school diploma. Some requirements may vary from school to school.

Q:What is Certificate in Early Childhood Education?

A:If you wish to become an early childhood educator, you must acquire the right teaching degree and skills for the career. A certificate program in early childhood education will certify you as a educator in this specific area. The program offers career oriented knowledge and focuses mainly on teaching skill development.

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