Early Childhood Education

CP = Certificate of Proficiency | 17 hours

The ECE Certificate of Proficiency prepares students for entry-level assistant or aide roles in early childhood and educational settings. Outcomes emphasize foundational knowledge, professional behavior, and basic classroom support skills.

• Identify basic principles of child growth and development from birth through early childhood.

• Describe developmentally appropriate practices used in early learning environments.

• Recognize the roles and responsibilities of early childhood education assistants and aides.

• Demonstrate professional communication and ethical behavior in educational settings.

• Assist with classroom routines, activities, and supervision of children under direct guidance.

1. 18 years or older
   
2. Hold high school diploma or equivalent
   
3. Be able to speak, read, and write well enough to fulfill responsibilities
   
4. Sign a statement of ethical conduct
   
5. Must be employed as a lead caregiver in a group of at least 8children ages 3-5 (10 children must be enrolled in the total program)
   
6. 480 hours of experience working with children ages birth to five years (within the last five years)
   

1. Minimum of 120 clock hours of forma CDA training (minimum of 10 hours each area):
            a. Safety health, and learning environment
            b. Physical and intellectual development
            c. Social and emotional development
            d. Developing interpersonal relationships
            e. Management of program operation
            f. Commitment to teaching and professionalism
            g. Observing and recording children’s behavior
            h. Child growth and development
2. Observations on teaching site
3. Writing resume, portfolio, competency statements
4. All training necessary to pass the CDA Assessment
5. CPR for infants and children

A fee of $350 is assessed for Early Childhood Field Experience I (ECD 1001) and $375 is assessed for Field Experience II (ECD 1101).