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Early Childhood Education student working with young children

Early Childhood EducationCertificates

Gain Foundational Teaching and Administrative Skills with an Early Childhood Education Certificate

Certificates offer the chance to explore a subject and build skills in less time than it takes to complete a degree program. You can also study a specific technique to build new career skills.

Aims offers four early childhood education certificates that cover different aspects of working with young children in a classroom or child care center. These certificate programs can also serve as a starting point to begin an early childhood education degree program at Aims.

If you earn the child care director or early childhood teacher certificates, you will meet the educational requirements for state of Colorado certification in those areas. However, after earning these certificates, additional work hours are also required to become certified as either a child care director or early childhood teacher.

Early Childhood Education Entry Certificate

Learn the eight key areas of professional knowledge working with children from birth to age eight (and their families) in early care and education settings. Continue with an exploration of classroom management and pro-social skills development of young children in an ECE program.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Provides an introduction to the profession of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Course content includes eight key areas of professional knowledge related to working with young children and their families in early care and education settings: child growth and development; health, nutrition and safety; developmentally appropriate practices; guidance; family and community relationships; diversity and inclusion; professionalism; and administration and supervision. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Explores guidance theories, applications, goals, and techniques, as well as factors that influence behavioral expectations of children. This course includes classroom management and pro-social skills development of young children in early childhood (EC) program settings. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Credits 6

Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Gain the skills to become an early childhood assistant teacher. Study early childhood education foundations and techniques, and learn guidance strategies for young children.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Provides an introduction to the profession of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Course content includes eight key areas of professional knowledge related to working with young children and their families in early care and education settings: child growth and development; health, nutrition and safety; developmentally appropriate practices; guidance; family and community relationships; diversity and inclusion; professionalism; and administration and supervision. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Focuses on a classroom seminar and placement in a child care setting. The supervised placement provides the student with the opportunity to observe children, to practice appropriate interactions, and to develop effective guidance and management techniques. Addresses ages birth through age 8. Students are required to have a background screening for this course. Aims Community College will provide background check information for all students enrolled in lab classes. Enrolling in this class indicates your implied consent for Aims to complete a background check, which is in effect for one calendar year.  Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

ECE 1011 and ECE 1031 with grades of "C" or better

3
required

Explores guidance theories, applications, goals, and techniques, as well as factors that influence behavioral expectations of children. This course includes classroom management and pro-social skills development of young children in early childhood (EC) program settings. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Credits for Certificate 9

Early Childhood Teacher Certificate

Expand your knowledge and skills gained in the basic early childhood teacher certificate, and with additional work experience, you’ll have the chance to meet state certification requirements to become an Early Childhood Teacher in Colorado. Study early childhood education techniques, guidance strategies, curriculum development and more.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Provides an introduction to the profession of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Course content includes eight key areas of professional knowledge related to working with young children and their families in early care and education settings: child growth and development; health, nutrition and safety; developmentally appropriate practices; guidance; family and community relationships; diversity and inclusion; professionalism; and administration and supervision. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Focuses on a classroom seminar and placement in a child care setting. The supervised placement provides the student with the opportunity to observe children, to practice appropriate interactions, and to develop effective guidance and management techniques. Addresses ages birth through age 8. Students are required to have a background screening for this course. Aims Community College will provide background check information for all students enrolled in lab classes. Enrolling in this class indicates your implied consent for Aims to complete a background check, which is in effect for one calendar year.  Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

ECE 1011 and ECE 1031 with grades of "C" or better

3
required

Explores guidance theories, applications, goals, and techniques, as well as factors that influence behavioral expectations of children. This course includes classroom management and pro-social skills development of young children in early childhood (EC) program settings. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Provides an overview of early childhood curriculum development. This course includes processes for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate environments, materials, and experiences that represent best practices in early childhood (EC) program settings. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years.  Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

ECE 1011 with a grade of "C" or better

3
required

Covers the growth and development of the child from conception through the elementary school years. This course emphasizes physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional domains of development as they pertain to the concept of the whole child. It also includes ways adults can provide a supportive early childhood care and educational environment through teamwork and collaboration. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Examines professional attitudes related to working with diverse families and how unconscious bias may affect family-professional partnerships in early care and education settings. This course covers theoretical perspectives of families and communities, communication strategies, and an exploration of activities and resources to support family engagement in their children's education. Supporting equity and inclusion of all family cultures in early care and education settings for children ages birth through eight. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Credits for Certificate 18

Early Childhood Director Certificate

This early childhood education certificate program meets the academic requirements to become a Colorado Early Childhood Director, and with additional work experience you’ll have the chance to meet state certification requirements. Gain skills in curriculum development, child growth and development and administration.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Provides an introduction to the profession of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Course content includes eight key areas of professional knowledge related to working with young children and their families in early care and education settings: child growth and development; health, nutrition and safety; developmentally appropriate practices; guidance; family and community relationships; diversity and inclusion; professionalism; and administration and supervision. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Focuses on a classroom seminar and placement in a child care setting. The supervised placement provides the student with the opportunity to observe children, to practice appropriate interactions, and to develop effective guidance and management techniques. Addresses ages birth through age 8. Students are required to have a background screening for this course. Aims Community College will provide background check information for all students enrolled in lab classes. Enrolling in this class indicates your implied consent for Aims to complete a background check, which is in effect for one calendar year.  Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

ECE 1011 and ECE 1031 with grades of "C" or better

3
required

Explores guidance theories, applications, goals, and techniques, as well as factors that influence behavioral expectations of children. This course includes classroom management and pro-social skills development of young children in early childhood (EC) program settings. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Presents an overview of theories, applications (including observations), and issues pertinent to infant and toddler development in group and/or family settings. Includes state requirements for licensing, health, safety and nutrition. Focuses on birth through age three. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Focuses on nutrition, health, and safety as key factors for optimal growth and development of young children. This course includes nutrition knowledge, menu planning, food program participation, health practices, management and safety, appropriate activities, and communication with families for early childhood educators. This course addresses children ages birth through 12 years. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Provides an overview of early childhood curriculum development. This course includes processes for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate environments, materials, and experiences that represent best practices in early childhood (EC) program settings. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years.  Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

ECE 1011 with a grade of "C" or better

3
required

Covers the growth and development of the child from conception through the elementary school years. This course emphasizes physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional domains of development as they pertain to the concept of the whole child. It also includes ways adults can provide a supportive early childhood care and educational environment through teamwork and collaboration. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Provides foundational knowledge in early childhood program business operations, program development, and evaluation. This course covers administrative skills, ethical decision making, risk and resource management, and components of quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs serving children ages birth through 12 years. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Focuses on the human relations component of an early childhood professional's responsibilities. This course includes director-staff relationships, staff development, leadership strategies, family-professional partnerships, and community interaction. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Presents an overview of critical elements related to educating young children with disabilities or special needs in the early childhood setting. Topics include: typical and atypical development; legal requirements; research-based practices related to inclusion; teaming and collaboration; and accommodations and adaptations. This course examines how a disability or special need may impact a young child's learning process. This course addresses children ages birth through 8 years. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

ECE 1031 and ECE 2381 with grades of "C"or better.

3
Total Credits for Certificate 30