Early Childhood Education Certificate

Designed for working professionals, the ECE Certificate is a 12-unit, one-year fully online program created to provide essential professional development for early childhood education providers and program directors, transitional kindergarten teachers, and early elementary teachers. The Certificate qualifies students for the Site Supervisor California Child Development Permit (and all levels below), as well as meets the new ECE requirements for transitional kindergarten teachers. (Please note: the Certificate does not qualify holders to teach in special education classrooms.)

This Summer-start, Special Sessions program is a partnership between the School of Education and the School of Extended & International Education (SEIE). As a self-support program, unique, separate fees are charged on a per-unit basis for all courses required for this program. These fees are set annually by the SSU President. Information about fees, admission requirements, and student support services is available through SEIE. Academic criteria for the program are determined in accordance with all applicable SSU and CSU policies. Certificates are awarded by the School of Education.

Learning Outcomes

Students use advanced theory and research to develop teaching strategies and curriculum for existing work settings or in approved field sites. Students will

• Extend their understanding of children’s characteristics and needs and the multiple interacting influences on children’s development and learning
• Create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for each child
• Recognize the importance of and complex characteristics of children’s families and communities; foster respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families and engage them in their children’s development and learning
• Understand the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment; use effective assessment strategies in partnership with families and other professionals to positively influence the development of every child
• Design, implement, and evaluate a meaningful, challenging curriculum that promotes comprehensive developmental and learning outcomes for every young child.

Requirements for Admission

Prospective students must have the following:

• A Bachelor’s degree in any subject, completed no later than the Fall semester previous to admission;
• A GPA of at least 2.75 (B-) over the last 60 units;
• At least one 3-unit course on child development theory and milestones at a 3.0 (B) or better; and
• Regular access to high-speed internet service and webcam capability
• Ability to work in an online environment