Education: Certificates and Career Studies Certificates
This page covers the certificate (CERT) and career studies certificate (CSC) programs in the Education career pathway. For the degree programs in this pathway, see AA&S Education (624), AS Education (625), and AAS Early Childhood Education (636).
Early Childhood Development
Purpose
The Early Childhood Development Certificate is designed to prepare individuals for employment in the care, direction, and education of young children. Individuals already employed in the childcare area may upgrade and expand their skills and training through this program.
Occupational Objectives
Upon completion of the Early Childhood Certificate, graduates possess the knowledge and skills required for entry into Early Childhood Educational facilities such as, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, family day care homes, and preschool programs.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Recognize the stages of early childhood development.
- Illustrate developmentally appropriate techniques and methods for encouraging the development of language, literacy, math, science and social studies.
- Utilize the arts and other creative developmentally appropriate activities for young children.
- Use developmentally appropriate practices to plan activities to stimulate the logical thinking skills in children.
Admission Requirements: General Admission to the college is required.
Program Requirements: Students are advised that the Code of Virginia restrict who may legally provide child care in Virginia. Most agencies require a criminal background check through the Virginia State Police Department and a child abuse or neglect check through the Virginia Department of Social Services before employment involving contact with young children. In addition, some child care facilities and schools may require proof of specific vaccinations and health related tests for students to complete their supervised workplace experiences.
Candidates for the Early Childhood Development Certificate must successfully complete all required courses, must earn a minimum grade of “C” in all CHD courses, and must complete a minimum of 20 hours of observation and/or direct involvement with young children in an early childhood educational facility.
| Course | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Term | ||
| CHD 120 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| PSY 230 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| CHD 145 | Teaching Art, Music, and Movement to Children | 3 |
| CHD 205 | Guiding the Behavior of Children | 3 |
| ENG 111 | College Composition I | 3 |
| SDV 100 | College Success Skills | 1 |
| Total Semester Credits | 16 | |
| Spring Term | ||
| CHD 165 | Observation and Participation in Early Childhood/Primary Settings | 3 |
| EDU 235 | Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 |
| CHD 146 | Math, Science and Social Studies for Children | 3 |
| CHD 216 | Early Childhood Programs, Schools, and Social Change | 3 |
| CHD 118 | Language Arts for Young Children | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 15 | |
| Total Required Credits | 31 | |
Advanced Early Childhood
Purpose
This program is designed for students seeking employment or presently employed in childcare who desire to increase their knowledge of young children.
Occupational Objectives
Upon completion of the Advanced Early Childhood Career Studies Certificate graduates possess the knowledge and skills required for entry into Early Childhood Educational facilities such as, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, family day care homes, and preschool programs.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Career Studies Certificate, students will be able to:
- Recognize the stages of early childhood development.
- Utilize the arts and other creative developmentally appropriate activities for young children.
- Use developmentally appropriate practices to plan activities to stimulate the logical thinking skills in children.
- Illustrate developmentally appropriate techniques and methods for encouraging the development of math, science and social studies.
Admission Requirements: General Admission to the college is required.
Program Requirements: The Code of Virginia restricts who may legally provide child care in Virginia. Most agencies require a criminal background check through the Virginia State Police Department, and a child abuse or neglect check through the Virginia Department of Social Services before employment involving contact with young children.
| Course | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHD 118 | Language Arts for Young Children | 3 |
| CHD 146 | Math, Science and Social Studies for Children | 3 |
| CHD 210 | Introduction to Exceptional Children | 3 |
| CHD 216 | Early Childhood Programs, Schools, and Social Change | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 12 | |
Early Childhood
Purpose
This program is designed as an introduction to the field, providing entry-level competencies documented by Virginia’s Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals. These competencies include health, safety and nutrition, understanding child growth and development, appropriate child observation and assessment, partnering with families and community, learning environment, effective interactions, program management, teacher qualifications and professional development curriculum.
Occupational Objectives
Upon completion of the Early Childhood Career Studies Certificate graduates possess the knowledge and skills required for entry into Early Childhood Educational facilities such as, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, family day care homes, and preschool programs.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Early Childhood Career Studies Certificate, students will be able to:
- Recognize the stages of early childhood development.
- Utilize the arts and other creative developmentally appropriate activities for young children.
- Use developmentally appropriate practices to plan activities to stimulate the logical thinking skills in children.
- Create positive ways to build self-esteem in children and to help them develop self-control.
Admission Requirements: General Admission to the college is required.
Program Requirements: The Code of Virginia restricts who may legally provide child care in Virginia. Most agencies require a criminal background check through the Virginia State Police Department and a child abuse or neglect check through the Virginia Department of Social Services before employment involving contact with young children. In addition, some child care facilities and schools may require proof of specific vaccinations and health related tests for students to complete their supervised workplace experiences.
| Course | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHD 120 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| CHD 145 | Teaching Art, Music and Movement to Children | 3 |
| CHD 205 | Guiding the Behavior of Children | 3 |
| EDU 235 | Health, Safety and Nutrition Education | 3 |
| SDV 100 | College Success | 1 |
| CHD 165 | Observation and Participation in Early Childhood/Primary Settings | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 16 | |
Infant Toddler
Purpose
This program is designed as an introduction to the field. The curriculum designed to provide entry-level competencies documented by Virginia’s Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals. These competencies include health, safety and nutrition, understanding child growth and development, appropriate child observation and assessment, partnering with families and community, learning environment, effective interactions, program management, teacher qualifications and professional development curriculum.
Occupational Objectives
Upon completion of the Infant Toddler Career Studies Certificate graduates possess the knowledge and skills required for entry into Early Childhood Educational facilities such as, Early Head Start programs, family day care homes, and early childhood programs.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Infant Toddler Career Studies Certificate, students will be able to:
- Recognize the stages of early childhood development.
- Utilize the arts and other creative developmentally appropriate activities for young children.
- Use developmentally appropriate practices to plan activities to stimulate the logical thinking skills in children.
Admission Requirements: General admission to the college is required.
Program Requirements: The Code of Virginia restricts who may legally provide child care in Virginia. Most agencies require a criminal background check through the Virginia State Police Department and a child abuse or neglect check through the Virginia Department of Social Services before employment involving contact with young children. In addition, some child care facilities and schools may require proof of specific vaccinations and health related tests for students to complete their supervised workplace experiences.
| Course | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHD 120 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| CHD 166 | Infant and Toddler Programs | 3 |
| CHD 164 | Working with Infants and Toddlers in Inclusive Settings | 3 |
| EDU 235 | Health, Safety and Nutrition Education | 3 |
| SDV 100 | College Success | 1 |
| CHD 165 | Observation and Participation in Early Childhood/Primary Settings | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 16 | |