Certificate in Early Childhood Education Foundational
Degree & Certificate Programs
Program Details
The Foundational Certificate in Early Childhood Education prepares students with the essential knowledge and practical experience for working with children from birth through Pre-K. Through 16 credits of coursework in child development, curriculum, positive guidance, and supervised field experience, students connect early childhood theory with effective classroom practice and family engagement. Designed to align with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) requirements, the certificate provides a pathway toward Lead Teacher certification, employment in the early childhood field, and continued study toward an associate degree.
This program requires that the five courses listed below for a total of 16 credits be taken in order to earn the certificate.
- Child Growth and Development
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- Early Childhood Curriculum or Infant/Toddler Curriculum
- Guiding Children's Behavior
- Practicum in Early Childhood Education
There is a supervised and required Practicum placement in a license child care setting where students can demonstrate competency.* A minimum grade of B- or higher is required in the Practicum setting. An overall average of C must be earned in all pre-requisite courses.
Earn your certificate and transfer your credits towards an associate degree in early childhood or to work in the field.
*A CORI/SORI is required before Practicum placement. There is no guarantee of Practicum placement.
Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the program will be able to:
- Explain and demonstrate an understanding of how cultural, economic, political, and historical factors influence theories of child development.
- Use knowledge of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development to practice assessment of children from birth to age eight (8).
- Explain the main theories, models, job roles, and responsibilities in early childhood education for creating safe and inclusive learning environments.
- Follow ethical, legal, and practical considerations for supporting children with diverse needs and backgrounds in an unbiased way.
- Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum plans that align with ECE guidelines and support child development across domains.
- Demonstrate positive and supportive interactions with children, families, and colleagues.
Academic Map
Certificate in Early Childhood Education Founadtional
A minimum of 5 classes and 16 credits is required At least 8 credits of your program must be taken at Massasoit. Note: Each course completed and passed can only fulfill one program requirement. The same course cannot be used to satisfy multiple program requirements.
Required Courses
3 Credits in ECED 102
Development in Early Childhood
3 Credits in ECED 105
Introduction to Early Childhood Education
3 Credits in ECED 111 or ECED 231
(Early Childhood Curriculum: A Multi-Cultural Perspectives or Infant/Toddler Curriculum)
3 Credits in ECED 101
Positive Guidance
4 Credits in ECED 290
Practicum II in Early Childhood Eduation
This academic map is a suggested semester-by-semester guide to keep you on a clear path to program completion. Please note that some classes are offered only in certain semesters, have prerequisites, or minimum passing grades. Winter and/or Summer Session classes may be available for some classes. Your academic advisor will provide you with clear direction needed to stay on course and discuss scheduling options with you. Taking courses not reflected on this map may result in courses not counting toward the completion of your requirements.