Program Overview
Program Overview:
The Early Childhood Certificate Program prepares individuals to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in a variety of early childhood settings, including infant toddler programs, preschool programs, preschools and childcare centers, family child care homes, Head Start, and Early Head Start. Ojibwe culture, values, and language are integrated throughout the curriculum. This Early Childhood Education Certificate Program prepares students to meet the requirements for the CDA (Child Development Associate) License, with a focus on working with children from birth to age 8. The program is designed to provide foundational knowledge in child development, curriculum planning, and cultural responsiveness, emphasizing Ojibwe values and practices.
All courses including field experiences require a background check under the Caregiver Law §48.685 and 50.065 Stats. Students with certain legal convictions may not be able to work in the field of Education.
Program Outcomes
Program Outcomes:
Demonstrate understanding of how family structures, cultural values, community contexts, and Indigenous pedagogies influence children’s development and learning by incorporating these perspectives to create meaningful, culturally grounded learning experiences. (NAEYC Standard 1: Relationships)
Build practices that affirm the diverse identities and home languages of children and their families, including those rooted in Indigenous epistemologies and worldviews. (NAEYC Standard 2: Families and Community)
Develop learning environments that are physically and emotionally safe, culturally affirming by integrating indigenous and other culturally responsive practices to support the holistic development and well-being of all children. (NAEYC Standard 7: Physical Environment, Standard 6: Health)
Apply best practices of curriculum and instruction to foster physical and emotional well-being for all children, including indigenous children and staff (NAEYC Standard 4: Teaching).
Develop reciprocal partnerships with children, families, and colleagues that nurtures a sense of belonging, cooperation, and mutual respect across the classroom and broader community, especially indigenous communities (NAEYC Standard 1: Relationships; Standard 2: Families and Community).
Apply research-based theories and developmentally appropriate practices in curriculum planning, instruction, and assessment that show ongoing commitment to professional growth and reflection (NAEYC Standard 3: Curriculum; 4: Teaching; 5: Assessment; 8: Professionalism).
Career Outlook
The demand for Early Childhood professionals continues to increase. The typical careers that are available after graduation include:
- Childcare teacher
- Childcare assistant teacher
- Family childcare provider
- Infant or toddler caregiver
- Head Start educator
- School teacher aide
Curriculum
General Education
Communication
| ENG 108 | College Reading, Writing & Res | 4 |
| ENG 109 | Adv College Writing Research | 4 |
| ENG 112 | Fundamentals of Speech | 3 |
Fine Arts
Humanities
Mathematics
Natural and Physical Sciences
Social Science
Major
| ECE 101 | Early Childhood | 3 |
| EDU 200 | Introduction to Teacher Education | 3 |
| ECE 103 | Creative Activities | 3 |
| ECE 260 | Child Guidance & Self-Concept | 3 |
| ECE 265 | Introduction to Assessment and Instruction | 3 |
| ECE 203 | Health, Nutrition, Safety | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 64