Early Childhood Certificate

School: Business and Professional Careers
Academic Dept: Education
HEGIS: 5503

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2020 to Summer 2021. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Certificates Defined

Certificate programs are designed to provide a mix of theory and practical training leading to immediate employment upon completion. People who pursue certificates might have an advanced degree and typically want to learn new skills and acquire knowledge. Others might enroll in a certificate program to “test the waters,” with an eye toward pursuing an associate’s degree. Credits earned now in a credit-bearing certificate will apply later toward an associate’s degree at Westchester Community College. Click to learn more about the differences among the award types.

Program Description

The Early Childhood certificate is especially useful for people who have degrees in another field but wish to seek employment or volunteer positions in early childhood programs. This program is ideal for mature students and those already employed in early childhood settings who wish to enhance their skills and increase their knowledge.

The Early Childhood certificate includes courses and supervised fieldwork, available in more than 25 early childhood programs, including those in public schools. Students already employed may be able to use their place of employment as their field placement.

Students who complete the certificate program and choose to pursue their studies may transfer completed course credits to Westchester Community College’s A.A.S. degree program in Early Childhood.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

Demonstrate the ability to build a philosophy of teaching based on valuing children’s strengths and ways of knowing to guide daily practice and inform curriculum choices in early childhood settings.
Demonstrate knowledge of how to support each child’s strengths and ways of knowing in early childhood settings.
Demonstrate the ability to recognize the diverse and complex characteristics of children’s families and communities as a foundation for building relationships with them in early childhood settings.
Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in early childhood settings.

Program Requirements

General Education Requirements - 3 Credits

The Arts (3 credits)

The Arts - see SUNY General Education Courses

Certificate Requirements - 22 Credits

ECE 170 - Early Childhood Development
ECE 171 - Foundations of Early Childhood
ECE 270 - Observation and Assessment
ECE 271 - Early Childhood Field 1
ECE 280 - The Exceptional Child
And select ONE of the following SETS of courses, which must be taken together:
ECE 272 - Infant/Toddler Environments and
ECE 273 - Early Childhood Field 2
OR
ECE 274 - Early Childhood Curriculum and
ECE 275 - Early Childhood Field 3

Certificate Requirement Note(s)

Early Childhood Certificate students may take only one field related course per semester.

Minimum Total Credits - 25

Gainful Employment Disclosure

For information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed this program, and other important information please visit Early Childhood Certificate - GE Disclosure. For an overview of all gainful employment disclosures at Westchester Community College, visit www.sunywcc.edu/gainfulemployment.

Career Path Opportunities

Are you wondering what careers you can explore with a degree or certificate? Perhaps you are not sure what people do or how much money they make in certain careers that pique your interest? Would you like to know how many jobs are predicted to be available in a particular industry? Or maybe you are unsure whether receiving a degree or certificate would be right for you? Go to https://sunywcc.emsicareercoach.com to explore career paths, their associated job descriptions, salary trends, and jobs trends. Complete a career assessment for additional guidance. Still not sure? Visit www.sunywcc.edu/career for more career resources and contacts.

Getting Started

Are you a prospective Westchester Community College graduate? We look forward to seeing you soon! Apply today, then see the College’s Admissions and Enrollment Checklist.