Early Childhood Credential

Upon satisfactorily completing the Early Childhood Credential program, students should be able to:

• Define and apply the basic principles of child growth and development
• Identify important milestones of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development during early childhood
• List the requirements for a safe, healthy environment for young children
• Demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment for young children
• Apply positive guidance techniques that support appropriate social and emotional development of young children
• Demonstrate the ability to implement effective assessment methods in the early childhood education setting
• Identify elements of a developmentally appropriate curriculum and overall learning environment in the early childhood education setting
• Apply the recommended strategies for building and maintaining positive relationships with families
• Formulate strategies to develop and maintain a successful program operation
• Identify the requirements for maintaining a commitment to professionalism and ethical conduct
• List the required components to document professional growth

• Competency based multiple choice questions
• Student written essays with written feedback
• Student activity and/or observations with written feedback
• End of course quizzes in multiple choice format
• Oral Interview
• Cumulative Final Exam in multiple choice format

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must possess a high school diploma or GED obtained from institutions accredited and recognized by U. S. Department of Education and submit documentation as proof. Diplomas earned outside the U. S. or presented in a language other than English must be translated to English by a member of the American Translators Association, an approved credential evaluation agency approved by the Bureau of Educators Certification, or an accredited college/university.
• Must have access to a computer and printer
• Must have a valid email address
• Must have access to the Internet through a CCEI supported JavaScript enabled web browser (i.e. Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, etc.)
• Must be able to speak, read, and write well enough in English to understand and complete the course material
• Must submit proof of 480 clock hours, in the last five (5) years, of working with children in an early childhood care setting. Of the 480 clock-hour requirement, 80 clock hours must be completed while enrolled in the program.

Textbook Information:  A textbook is required and must be purchased at the student’s expense.

Working With Young Children by Judy Herr; 8th Edition; Goodheart-Willcox Publishing; ISBN – 978-1-63126-024-7; Approximate Cost: $80

Prospective students of the Early Childhood Credential program are strongly encouraged to check with their licensing representatives to determine each program’s applicability toward state requirements.