Oct 10, 2024  
2023-2024 Course Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


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Early Childhood Program Administration, Certificate

Location(s): Ankeny, Urban/Des Moines



The Early Childhood Program Administration certificate is designed to provide students with leadership and management skills needed to work successfully with diverse individuals in early childhood settings. Option classes allow students to tailor the certificate to their work demands or goals. Students may take certificate courses as part of the Early Childhood Education AAS . 

Current health and immunization records are required for each student. In addition, DHS criminal history record checks and fingerprinting will be required. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may prevent students from participating in the practicum experience. Students unable to complete this requirement will not receive a certificate in Early Childhood Education Program Administration.

Twelve credits in early childhood education, a Child Development Associate credential, or current experience will help students be successful in this program.

Program Details


Pathway: Education, Communication, & the Humanities


More information on this Pathway.

Students may start any semester.


Program Entry Requirements


1. Have a minimum of 12 credits in ECE courses or program chair permission.

Graduation Requirements


To earn a Early Childhood Program Administration certificate, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed, maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Semester 1


Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 16


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$185.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


Costs Semester 1
Books 1000
Supplies  150
Program Fees    25

Approximate total for the program: $4,135**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate costs.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Communicate with families.
  • Support staff members in their work with children and families.
  • Billing and record-keeping.
  • Meet with community members.
  • Develop and implement program policies and procedures.
  • Hire and monitor staff.
  • Advocate for children, families and your program
  • Participate in care for children.
  • Refer families to community resources.
  • Follow state regulations and participate in continuous program improvement.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Demonstrate responsibility, dependability and punctuality.
  • Make quick decisions and stay calm.
  • Use good written and oral communication skills.
  • Develop and maintain accurate records.
  • Demonstrate leadership skills
  • Be physically able to perform required care of children.
  • Demonstrate skill in guiding children.
  • Establish relationships with children and their families.
  • Explain the needs of children and their families to stakeholders.
  • Maintain emotional stability and psychological health to work with children, families, clients, colleagues and college personnel.
  • Demonstrate professional dispositions such as honesty, integrity, caring and empathy.
  • Practice professional behavior, ethical conduct and confidentiality.

What Else Should I Consider about this Specialist Certificate?


  • Classes are available during daytime and evening hours. Some courses are available online.
  • Students may take most of these courses as part of the ECE AAS degree.
  • Students need transportation for their practicum.
  • Expected starting salary (full-time) $25,240-$27,300 ($12.62 -$13.65/hour) (Iowa Workforce Information Network).

Program Competencies


  1. Demonstrate the basic principles common to administering quality early childhood programs
  2. Practice skills and dispositions of effective early childhood program managers and leaders
  3. Explain the basic concepts and procedures of financial accounting for business application
  4. Demonstrate awareness of the factors inherent in human relationships and psychological adjustment patterns of individuals and groups in the workplace
  5. Develop an awareness and appreciation of the overall business environment including basic management principals, concepts and practices in the principles of supervision
  6. Develop skills to increase cultural competence in order to work effectively with persons from diverse backgrounds

AY2023

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/pathways/.(2021)