Infant/Toddler and/or Preschool Certificate

CONTACT

Charlene Cross, 413-552-2868, ccross @hcc.edu

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Infant/Toddler and/or Preschool Certificate program prepares students for entry level work in early education and care settings including family childcare and center-based programs. Students will develop knowledge of child development, an understanding of theories and philosophies of the field as well as familiarization with program types. Students will experience academic study, field based observations, practical application and service learning opportunities.

This certificate provides the necessary course work leading to Teacher certification by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC). Participants will need to comply with work experience requirements before actual DEEC certification is granted.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

demonstrate knowledge of child development
provide a nurturing environment for young children and families
understand the historical theories related to early education and care
provide a safe and healthly early childhood setting that exceeds current EEC standards
develop age-appropriate lesson plans and materials
demonstrate competent and professional oral and written communication skills
apply critical thinking and problem solving skills
recognize risk factors for children and families and research appropriate preventions/interventions
examine their attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and skills to work effectively with children and families
research current events and topics that impact children and families
discover and assess community programs and resources for children and families

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: 24 CREDITS

ENG 101(A) - Composition I Credit(s): 3
or

Any ASL course Credit(s): 3

or

Any SPA course Credit(s): 3
EDU 101 - Introduction to Early Childhood Credit(s): 3
EDU 104(B) - Child Growth and Development Credit(s): 3
EDU 113(B) - Children, Families, Schools, and Communities Credit(s): 3
EDU 203 - Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children Credit(s): 3
EDU 208 - Inclusionary Practice in Education Credit(s): 3
or
EDU 209 - Early Intervention and Inclusion: Birth to age 5 Credit(s): 3
EDU 210 - Curriculum in Early Education Credit(s): 3
or
EDU 217 - Infant and Toddler Development, Learning, and Care Credit(s): 3
HSV 141 - Foundations of Trauma and Trauma Informed Care/Services Credit(s): 3

TOTAL: 24 CREDITS

NOTES

Field-based observations are required in some courses.

****Criminal Offense Record Act (CORI), and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI)****

Students enrolled in EDU courses may be subject to CORI/SORI background checks and review pursuant to the Criminal Record Information Act, Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 6, Section 172-178, and Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 18a, Section 1, et seq., and regulations promulgated pursuant to such statutes. Applicants with a court record/past conviction may be unable to participate in student teaching. If a student is ineligible to do student teaching due to a criminal record, the student will not be able to graduate from the Education Program. The College policy can be found in the Student Handbook.

Depending on course selection, 80% of this program can be completed online. Go to Online Learning for more information.

Professional licensure and certification requirements vary from state to state. Licensure and certification in one state does not guarantee automatic licensure in another state. Holyoke Community College offers courses and programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification in states outside of Massachusetts. Holyoke Community College has not made a determination that its curriculum meets State educational requirements for licensure or certification in states outside of Massachusetts.

The Infant/Toddler and/or Preschool Certificate provides the necessary coursework leading to Teacher certification by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC). Participants will need to comply with work experience requirements before actual DEEC certification is granted.

For Infant/Toddler and/or Preschool Certificate professional licensure in states other than Massachusetts, please contact the licensing board in your state to determine whether Holyoke Community College’s program meets your state’s requirements for licensure.

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