Social Sciences/Human Services Division

The Early Childhood Director Certificate Program is designed to prepare graduates for administrative work in Early Childhood settings. Emphasis is placed on the unique role of the Early Childhood Program Director and the education of young children. This program is designed for students who have already earned a BA/BS or AA/AAS in other fields and wish to work as Early Childhood Directors.

Program Competencies

Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:

• Plan and set up an environment designed to support and encourage the development of the creative process in inclusive early care and education settings.
• Analyze and relate historical, social, economic and philosophic bases for current practice and trends in early childhood education
• Develop and implement health, safety and nutrition policies that comply with regulatory standards.
• Apply knowledge of infant/toddler development including the unique program needs to develop age appropriate program and environment.
• Evaluate the impact of socioeconomic issues, issues of attachment and family structures on the development of the child.
• Demonstrate managerial and supervisor skills required for day-to-day operations of early care and education settings.
• Evaluate the role of leadership and advocacy for public policy issues related to children and their families.
• Utilize the Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Education to demonstrate the development of a professional attitude.
• Apply knowledge of communication skills in relationship to organizational management and leadership.