Early Childhood Education

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The Early Childhood Education certificate prepares the student for an entry-level position in a child care program. This program meets the requirements for clock hours of formal child care education required for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Upon completion of the certificate program, 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 will 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.

For more information about the Early Childhood Education certificate, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/earlychildhood/certificate.

Locations: Ankeny, Urban

Students start any semester.

Program Entry Requirements

Complete an application for admission.
Satisfy the assessment requirement.
Attend any required information/registration session.

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 .

Semester 1

ECE 103 - Intro to Early Childhood Ed Credits: 3
ECE 133 - Child Health, Safety & Nutrition Credits: 3
ECE 243 - Early Childhood Guidance Credits: 3
ECE 343 - Early Childhood Guidance Lab Credits: 1

Option 1 Courses - Select 1 Course

ECE 158 - Early Childhood Curriculum I Credits: 3
ECE 221 - Infant/Toddler Care and Educ. Credits: 3

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……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

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

Varied Costs

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

Approximate total for program: $2,664*

* 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 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. Some courses are available online. Some classes are available at the Urban Campus.
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 Policy

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. 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. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.