Early Childhood Studies and Education Certificates
The Early Childhood Studies and Education programs provide training for individuals interested in working with children, supporting families, operating family childcare businesses, or assisting in classroom settings.
Programs are designed to help students develop practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional practices used in childcare and educational environments.
English Learner Support
ELDV (English Language Development Vocational) courses are designed for English learners and are offered with each corresponding ECSN course.
Students may enroll in the ELDV pathway when additional English language support is desired. Visit the ELDN page for information about ELDV certificates and program options.
Certificates of Completion and Competency
This certificate of competency introduces students to the foundations of child development and early childhood education.
Students learn about:
- Child development theories
- Guidance and interaction strategies
- The importance of play
- Observation techniques
- Assessment practices
- Curriculum planning
Required Courses
- ECSN 7310 – History of Child Development
- ECSN 7311 – Guidance and Interaction
- ECSN 7312 – The Importance of Play
- ECSN 7313 – Observation Made Easy
- ECSN 7314 – Assessment and Delivery Systems
Completion Requirements
To earn the certificate, students must:
- Successfully complete all required courses
- Complete approximately 137–187 instructional hours
Program Outcomes
Upon completion, students will be able to:
- Describe major influences on child development
- Apply guidance and interaction strategies
- Support learning through play-based activities
- Use observation techniques to better understand children
- Identify basic assessment practices used in early childhood settings
English Learner Option
Corresponding ELDV courses are available for English learners seeking additional language support.
This certificate of competency prepares students for the requirements associated with operating an in-home childcare business.
Students learn about:
- Childcare licensing requirements
- Child health and safety
- Child development
- Infant and toddler care
- Business practices and ethics
Required Courses
- ECSN 7300 – Family Childcare Business NC
- ECSN 7301 – Child Health and Safety NC
- ECSN 7302 – Developmental Needs of a Child NC
- ECSN 7303 – Infant and Toddler Care NC
- ECSN 7304 – Ethics & Business Contracts NC
Completion Requirements
To earn the certificate, students must:
- Successfully complete all required courses
- Demonstrate proficiency in English
- Complete approximately 69–115 instructional hours
Program Outcomes
Upon completion, students will be able to:
- Apply for an in-home daycare license
- Understand licensing regulations
- Support the developmental needs of children in care
- Create a safe and enriching childcare environment
English Learner Option
Corresponding ELDV courses are available for English learners seeking additional language support.
This certificate of completion provides training for individuals planning to open or operate a family childcare business.
Completion of this program does not guarantee childcare license approval.
Students learn about:
- Family childcare business operations
- Regulatory requirements
- Professional ethics
- Business practices
- Compliance responsibilities
Required Courses
- ECSN 7300 – Family Childcare Business NC
- ECSN 7304 – Ethics & Business Contracts NC
Completion Requirements
To earn the certificate, students must:
- Complete both required courses
- Earn a Satisfactory Progress (SP) grade in each course
- Demonstrate proficiency in English
Program Outcomes
Upon completion, students will be able to:
- Identify factors involved in starting a family childcare business
- Apply professional and ethical business practices
- Understand regulatory compliance requirements
English Learner Option
Corresponding ELDV courses are available for English learners seeking additional language support.
This certificate of completion prepares individuals who provide care for children in home and community settings.
Students learn about:
- Child health and safety
- Child development
- Infant and toddler care
- Family childcare regulations
- Professional childcare practices
Required Courses
- ECSN 7300 – Family Childcare Business NC
- ECSN 7301 – Child Health and Safety NC
- ECSN 7302 – Developmental Needs of a Child NC
- ECSN 7303 – Infant and Toddler Care NC
- ECSN 7304 – Ethics & Business Contracts NC
Completion Requirements
To earn the certificate, students must:
- Complete all required courses
- Earn a Satisfactory Progress (SP) grade in each course
- Demonstrate proficiency in English
Program Outcomes
Upon completion, students will be able to:
- Apply childcare regulations and best practices
- Support children's growth and development
- Provide safe and enriching care environments
- Understand the developmental needs of infants, toddlers, and children
English Learner Option
Corresponding ELDV courses are available for English learners seeking additional language support.
This certificate of completion prepares students to support teachers and students in educational settings.
Students learn about:
- Roles and responsibilities of instructional aides
- Classroom support strategies
- Student engagement techniques
- Positive behavior supports
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Instructional assistance practices
The program includes classroom-based learning and hands-on experience in an educational setting.
Required Courses
- EDUN 7000 – Instructional Aide I
- EDUN 7149 – Work Education Experience
- EDUN 7001 – Instructional Aide II
- EDUN 7003 – Bilingual Instructional Aide
- EDUN 7004 – Instructional Aide Lab
Completion Requirements
To earn the certificate, students must:
- Successfully complete all required courses
- Earn a Satisfactory Progress (SP) grade in each course
- Earn at least 70% on required Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
- Complete approximately 108–263 instructional hours
Program Outcomes
Upon completion, students will be able to:
- Support positive learning environments
- Assist with classroom instruction
- Collaborate effectively with teachers, students, and families
- Apply strategies that support student success
