Our short-term Preschool certificate program will provide you with an introductory knowledge of early childhood education, child development, health, safety, and nutrition.
Upon completion, you will have 16 credits which can be applied to the Early Childhood Education diploma or degree program.
This is a certificate program and requires fewer credits and less time to complete than a degree or diploma program. Certificate programs can be taken alone but are often taken along with other Early Childhood Education programs.
The Early Childhood Education program also offers degree, diploma, and additional certificate options.
This certificate is also available to high school students through our Career & College Promise program.
Learn more about this program's student outcome data.
*Practicums must have prior approval and observations conducted at an educational institution.
Skills You’ll Learn
The Early Childhood Education program is focused on job-related skills in the following areas:
- Understanding child growth and development, health, safety, and nutrition practices in childcare settings
- Mastering cognitive/language, physical/motor, social/emotional, and creative development of young children
- Understanding how to make activity plans, work with families, and make career plans
Career Opportunities
There are many employment opportunities for Early Childhood Education graduates, including:
- Childcare programs
- Private preschool programs
- Recreational centers
- School-age programs
Additional Information
- Most career opportunities in child care require you to pass the NC Division of Child Development and undergo a fingerprint and Early Education background check
- You must complete EDU 119 with a grade of C or higher in order to be eligible for the NC Childcare Credential
- Public schools require 40 credits hours to be a teacher assistant (Craven County also requires a bus driver’s license)
Certificate requirements
16 Credit Hours
Courses in this program
Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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EDU-119 | 4 | ||
This course introduces the foundations of early childhood education, the diverse educational settings for young children, professionalism and planning intentional developmentally appropriate experiences for each child.
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EDU-131 | 3 | ||
This course covers the development of partnerships among culturally, linguistically and ability diverse families, children, schools and communities through the use of evidence-based strategies. Emphasis is placed on developing skills and identifying benefits for establishing and supporting respectful relationships between diverse families, programs/schools, and community agencies/resources reflective of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and the Code of Ethics for North Carolina Educators.
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EDU-145 | 3 | ||
This course includes the theories of child development, observation and assessment, milestones, and factors that influence development, from preschool through middle childhood.
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EDU-146 | 3 | ||
This course introduces evidence-based strategies to build nurturing relationships with each child by applying principles and practical techniques to facilitate developmentally appropriate guidance. Topics include designing responsive/supportive learning environments, cultural, linguistic and socio-economic influences on behavior, appropriate expectations, the importance of communication with children/families including using technology and the use of formative assessments in establishing intentional strategies for children with unique needs.
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EDU-153 | 3 | ||
This course covers promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of every child. Topics include health and nutritional guidelines, common childhood illnesses, maintaining safe and healthy, learning environments, health benefits of active play, recognition and reporting of abuse/neglect, and state regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to apply knowledge of NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development for health, safety, nutritional needs and safe learning environments.
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