Early Childhood Education

  • Overview

Designed for students that are currently employed in a licensed early childhood care and education setting or will be employed within 3 months of starting the program. Provides beginning coursework in foundational principles of early care and education. Practicums include on-site observation and coaching to implement learning to practice.

  • Curriculum documents

    To plan certificate completion, see the course descriptions in the academic catalog which specify the planned semester(s) in which required classes are to be scheduled.

  • This is just one way you might complete the Early Childhood Education Certificate Program in 2 semesters over 1 year of full-time study, or 4 semesters over 2 years of part-time study. (Sample course sequences assume that all pre-requisites have been satisfied and the student is prepared for college-level work.) For a detailed list of required courses, optional electives and program information download the Early Childhood Education program description from our official academic catalog.

    Course descriptions are also available in the catalog. Find courses

    Sample 1 Year Sequence of Courses
    FallSpring

    Please refer to the 2 year sequence.

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    Sample 2 Year Sequence of Courses
    Fall 1Spring 1Fall 2Spring 2

    EDU 101 (1st 7 week session)
    EDU 144 (2nd 7 week session)
    EDU 146

    ENG 101 (1st 7 week session)
    EDU 141 (2nd 7 week session)
    EDU 147

    EDU 123 or EDU 201
    EDU 145

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What’s next

Teach and care for children in community-based early childhood settings, working with families and children ages birth, infant-toddler, or preschool (birth through age 5). Students completing the program are eligible to apply for the national and state recognized Child Development Associate credential. Students will also be eligible to apply for Lead Teacher Certification for community-based programs in Massachusetts, for example independent state and nationally accredited centers and licensed family childcare programs. To work towards advanced teaching opportunities in the field of community-based early education and care, students should plan to obtain an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. This certificate stacks in to the Greenfield Community College Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education degree. Students may seamlessly continue their education towards this degree.