Advanced Early Childhood Development (CSC)

 

Program Info

Minimum credits: 12 (28 total when combined with ALL courses in the Early Childhood Development CSC)
Length: 1 semester (2 semesters when combined with ALL courses in the Early Childhood Development CSC), if suggested full-time course sequence is followed

Division: Arts, Sciences, & Business
Contact: 434.797.8402 or 434.797.8462
Award: Career Studies Certificate
Plan Code: 221-636-10 CIP Code: 19.0709

This certificate is the second step in a stackable path for Early Childhood Educators. The Advanced Career Studies Certificate in Early Childhood Development prepares students to work with children from birth to age 8 using developmentally appropriate practices. Coursework includes infant/toddler care and education, working with exceptional children, developing partnerships with families and the community, and administration of Early Childhood Programs. This certificate is primarily designed to prepare graduates for employment in child care centers as lead teachers or directors or to allow students to continue on the path towards the AAS degree in Early Childhood Education.

Scholarships are available for this program, including the Virginia Child Care Providers scholarship, and the Project Pathfinders Scholarship.

Program Description:

The Career Studies Certificate in Advanced Early Childhood Development prepares students to work with children from birth to age 8 using developmental practices. Coursework includes infant/toddler care and education, working with exceptional children, developing partnerships with families and the community, and administration of early childhood programs. This certificate is primarily designed to prepare graduates for employment in child care centers as lead teachers or directors or to allow students to continue on the path towards the Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education.

Admission Requirements: In addition to regular college admission requirements, program entry requires a personal interview with the Early Childhood Education Department, as well as meeting the following criteria:

1. Excellent moral character is generally considered prerequisite for employment.
2. Upon program entrance, the student will be responsible for obtaining and paying for a criminal background check and show a negative TB test.
3. Students must possess sufficient physical strength, flexibility and dexterity to perform education and care routines for children.

The Early Childhood Department has made a commitment to the NAEYC Standards of ethical behavior in early childhood care and education.

https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position-statements/Ethics%20Position%20Statement2011_09202013update.pdf

Program Outcomes: Graduates will be able to:

• Adhere to Virginia’s Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers in the planning and evaluation of classroom and learning environments to ensure the health, safety and nutrition of children.
• Design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum plans, to include learning activities and environments for children.
• Engage in and support diverse family and community relationships to build enriching and effective partnerships for children.