Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Education Certificate Explore your interest in early childhood education with GCC’s certificate program, which provides an introduction to the field and a head start towards achieving an associate degree. Request Information Apply Now Education Department Program Contact Peggy Martalock (413) 775-1118 martalockp@gcc.mass.edu Program Overview Degree Requirements Learning Outcomes Faculty Career Outlook Start your education with the GCC Early Childhood Education Certifcate program. You’ll take courses in the foundational principles of early care and education and will engage in a practicum with on-site observation and coaching. 16credits Certificate Certificates are typically completed in one (1) year and designed for immediate workforce entry Learn more CORI/SORICORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and/or additional background checks required for participation in this program.Learn more What's Next?After completing this certificate, you will be prepared to teach and care for children in community-based early childhood settings, working with families and children from birth through age five. You may be eligible to apply for lead teacher certification for community-based programs in Massachusetts. The certificate courses will apply to the GCC associate degree in early childhood education, giving you a head start if you decide to work towards advanced teaching opportunities in the field. Child Development and Learning in Context – Early childhood educators are grounded in an understanding of the developmental period of early childhood from birth through age 8 across developmental domains. Family-Teacher Partnerships and Community Connections – Early childhood educators understand that successful early childhood education depends upon educators’ partnerships with the families of the young children they serve. Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment – Early childhood educators understand that the primary purpose of assessments is to inform instruction and planning in early learning settings. Developmentally, Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Teaching Practices – Early childhood educators understand that teaching and learning with young children is a complex enterprise, and its details vary depending on children’s ages and characteristics and on the settings in which teaching and learning occur. Knowledge, Application and Integration of Academic Content in the Early Childhood Curriculum – Early childhood educators have knowledge of the content of the academic disciplines (e.g., language and literacy, the arts, mathematics, social studies, science, technology and engineering, physical education) and of the pedagogical methods for teaching each discipline. Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator – Early childhood educators identify and participate as members of the early childhood profession Keira Durrett Adjunct FacultyEducationB.A., Wheaton College M.Ed., University of Massachusetts E116B DurrettK@gcc.mass.edu Peggy Martalock Faculty, Department ChairEducationB.A., University of Wisconsin–Madison M.E., University of Wisconsin–LaCrosse Ph.D., University of Massachusetts E116M 1-413-775-1118 MartalockP@gcc.mass.edu Peggy has over 20 years of experience in the field of early education and care. She approaches teaching and learning from a deep socio-cultural perspective with an emphasis on a strong image of the child. Peggy’s areas of expertise include emergent curriculum development, classroom design, use of open-ended materials, and documentation as a tool for reflective learning and authentic student evaluation. Peggy has extensive experience with the Reggio Emilia Approach. Her passion is collaborating with others to develop environments for young children, teachers, and families that are culturally responsive as well as aesthetically and intellectually engaging.Kim Ripley Adjunct FacultyAcademic Affairs ripleyk@gcc.mass.edu Carol Sartz Adjunct FacultyEducationM.A., Pacific Oaks College SartzC@gcc.mass.edu Cindy Spelman Adjunct FacultyAcademic AffairsB.A., Clark University M.Ed., C.A.G.S., University of Massachusetts–Amherst SpelmanC@gcc.mass.edu These are just examples of jobs that someone with a certificate in Early Childhood Education might pursue. Our programs provide a solid foundation for many careers, but some paths may require additional education, or even a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Don’t worry! Our advisors are here to support you in planning your educational journey.