Childcare Specialist Certificate
The Childcare Specialist Certificate is an in-depth credential for the current or aspiring early childhood professional. it is designed to accommodate the new high school graduate as well as those who many be returning to school after a period of time. Students in this program have found careers in the private and public sectors of education relating to children ages birth through eight. Many of them are teaching in childcare centers and preschool settings.
This 34 credit certificate meets the educational requirements to be a group teacher in a childcare program and is also a great foundation for other child-related careers. Candidates study a variety of topics related to developmentally appropriate practice such as child psychology, guidance, curriculum, and instruction. The student may choose to begin their studies with the certificate program, and then continue on to complete their associate degree.
Completing the Childcare Specialist Certificate is the first step toward a career as an early childhood professional, as well as many other child-related careers.
CDA Educational Endorsement Certificate
(P0331)
| CDC-110 | Early Childhood Development | 3 |
| CDC-210 | Curriculum, Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| CDC-220 | CDA Capstone: Effective Preschool Practices | 3 |
Childcare Specialist Certificate
(P5134)
| Communications | 3 | |
| English Composition I | ||
| Social Science | 9 | |
| General Psychology | ||
| Principles of Sociology | ||
| Child Psychology | ||
| General Education Diversity Elective (Choose two of the following) | 6 | |
| Children's Literature | ||
| The Family | ||
| Psychology and Education of the Disabled | ||
| Childcare Specialist Core | 15 | |
| Music in Early Childhood | ||
or PSY-217 | Educational Psychology | |
| Early Childhood Development | ||
| Curriculum, Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education | ||
| CDA Capstone: Effective Preschool Practices | ||
| Internship Experience - Education (135-300 hours) 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 33 | |
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Students should consult their academic advisors when selecting these courses.
Dr. Melissa Kasmin
Associate Professor, Psychology and Education
Ph.D, Rutgers University
MSW, University of Michigan
BA, Kenyon College
DH323 973-328-5612, mkasmin@ccm.edu
Dr. Jessica Shackil
Assistant Professor, Psychology and Education
Ed.D., Caldwell University,
M.Ed, Montclair State University,
B.A., Montclair State University
DH 323 973-328-5621, jshackil@ccm.edu
Courses
CDC-110. Early Childhood Development. 3 Credits.
LECT 45 hrs
This course studies the growth and development of the child from birth through age eight. It will cover a variety of factors that influence child development such as diversity, culture, health, economic and family environment. Also it provides an overview of the major theorists in the field of human development. There will be discussion regarding these theorists' contributions to understanding how children grow and learn. Students will have the opportunity to observe and report on a variety of teaching and learning venues.
CDC-210. Curriculum, Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Education. 3 Credits.
LECT 45 hrs
This course studies designing, implementing, and evaluating developmentally appropriate curriculum for children birth through age eight with a focus on language and literacy, social and emotional learning, creative arts, and social studies, math, science and technology. It will cover practical applications of theories and current research in early childhood education, methods of observing children's behavior and progress, and strategies for developing and using curriculum in all aspects of the daily routine. Attention will be given to anti-bias curriculum and elements of diversity that can influence learning including cultural backgrounds, gender, sexual orientation, religion, English language learners, socio-economic status, family circumstances, and children with special needs. A field work component includes observation of curriculum and teaching and learning in an Early Childhood Education setting.
Prerequisites: CDC-110 is a pre and/or co-requisite
Corequisites: CDC-110 is a pre and/or co-requisite.
CDC-220. CDA Capstone: Effective Preschool Practices. 3 Credits.
LECT 45 hrs
This course studies effective, practical, research-based methods for developing preschool teachers. Course content is aligned with the national competency standards for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. It will cover the essentials of planning a safe environment, advancing children's development, building family partnerships, program operations, professional development, authentic assessment, and principles of developmentally appropriate learning. Attention will also be given to current research on brain development in young children, designing the learning environment, professional ethics, and cultural competence.
Corequisites: CDC-210 is a pre and/or co-requisite.
CDC-228. Cooperative Work Experience- Child Care. 3 Credits.
COOP 45 hrs
This course provides selected students in the Early Childhood programs with job-oriented training and practical experience in a work environment. Students desiring to participate in this experience should make this intention known to the Faculty Special Projects person at the beginning of their third semester.
Prerequisites: Permission of department chair
Corequisites: CDC-229.