Oct 03, 2024  
2024-2025 Course Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Course Catalog

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Early Childhood Education, Certificate

Location(s): Ankeny, Urban/Des Moines, Online



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The Early Childhood Education certificate prepares the student for an entry-level position in a child care program. This certificate meets the requirements for clock hours of formal child care education required for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Upon completion of the certificate, the successful student will be able to practice appropriate guidance techniques, recognize and carry out appropriate activities and assessment for young children, maintain a healthy and safe setting, and be able to communicate effectively with children and families.

Essential skills needed to successfully complete the required lab courses include the ability to maintain awareness of active children in a group setting, to demonstrate stamina while engaging in multiple tasks and activities with children, to respond quickly and appropriately to children’s changing needs and to keep children safe. 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 required lab experience. Students unable to complete these classes will not receive a certificate in Early Childhood Education.

Courses in the certificate program are also required for the Early Childhood Education diploma  and AAS degree  . Students who successfully complete the certificate may choose to apply these courses to either a diploma or Associate degree in Early Childhood Education.

Program Details


Locations: Ankeny, Urban/Des Moines, Online


Pathway: Education, Communication, & the Humanities


More information on this Pathway.

Students may start any semester.


Graduation Requirements


To earn an Early Childhood Education certificate, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average, and receive a grade of C or above in ECE 243  and ECE 343 .

Option 1 Courses - Select 1 Course


Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 13


These credits are applicable to the diploma in Early Childhood Education  , as well as the AAS degree in Early Childhood Education  .

Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 per credit

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

Varied Costs


Costs Semester 1
Books (approximate) 650
Supplies/equipment   55
Program Fees 100

Approximate total for program: $3,314**

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

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Support children during their daily routines and activities.
  • Supervise children’s safety.
  • Assist lead teachers with planning, setup and assessment.
  • Communicate with children and their families.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Demonstrate responsibility, dependability and punctuality.
  • Be physically able to perform required care of children.
  • Make quick decisions and stay calm.
  • Implement activities in a way that matches how children learn.
  • Demonstrate skill in guiding children.
  • Establish relationships with children and their families.
  • Work cooperatively with other staff members.
  • 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.
  • Use good written and oral communication skills.
  • Practice professional behavior, ethical conduct and confidentiality.

What Else Should I Consider about this Specialist Certificate?


  • Students will complete ECE 343 Guidance Lab in the Child Development Center on the Ankeny Campus or in one of our community partner settings.
  • Classes meet during daytime, late afternoon and evening hours. All courses are available online. All classes are available at the Urban Campus.
  • Students who complete labs at community partner sites will need transportation.
  • Students seeking a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential must apply to the Council for Professional Recognition and meet additional requirements to complete the CDA credentialing process.
  • Expected starting salary: $17,100 annually ($8.23 per hour) (Iowa Workforce Development).

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. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

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 Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive 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 Academic Pathway website.(2024)

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