Early Childhood Development Advanced Certificate (642)

Award: Certificate

Program Mission: The Chesapeake College Early Childhood Development Advanced Certificate provides students already employed in child care positions opportunities to develop and enhance skill proficiencies in child care management. The program was developed in accordance with Maryland State Department of Education/Office of Child Care Licensing and Regulations standards. The advanced certificate is designed so that students may progress to the Early Childhood Development A.A.S. Degree or the A.A.T. Degree in Early Childhood Development.

Program Description: The Early Childhood Development Advanced Certificate program was designed to provide comprehensive training for paraprofessionals already employed either in child care agencies or in the primary grades of school, for parents who want to learn more about the growth and needs of their children, and for students who are interested in joining the field of early childhood development. Early Childhood Development courses comprise the major part of the program. Students should consult with the College’s Admissions Office or an academic advisor in planning an appropriate program.

Program Goals: The Early Childhood Advanced Certificate program will:

• Provide students with comprehensive knowledge and training that meets the requirements of the Maryland Office of Child Care requirements for:
  • Professionals already employed in child care agencies.
  • Aides in the primary grades of school.
  • Those seeking a director’s position in an early childhood program.
• Prepare students for advancement or for further study in the early childhood development field.

Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Design meaningful curriculum for infants/toddlers, preschoolers and before and after school age child care programs.
• Summarize the categories of licensing regulations for the purpose of applying this knowledge in child care settings.
• Employ multiple modes of observation of individual children and various programs for the purpose of understanding, assessing and designing curriculum for young children.
• Create developmentally appropriate plans to meet the needs and interests of children from birth to eight years of age.

Contact Person:  Ms. Sarah Ross