State Early Childhood Education, Short Certificate of Specialization - School Age Care, Certificate of Completion

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Program Admission Dates: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

The State Early Childhood Education Short Certificates of Specialization provide early childhood educators with the option to choose out of five focused areas of study. Each certificate consists of the State Early Childhood Education Initial Certificate, the Child Development course, and the specialized area of interest. The Short Certificates of Specialization align with the general staff qualification education requirements for staff interested in lead teacher positions in childcare centers or for leading a family home childcare facility.

The State Early Childhood Education, Short Certificate of Specialization - School Age Care prepares early childhood educators to focus on care of children ages 5 to 12 years. This certificate prepares early childhood educators to create appropriate curriculum, prepare environments, maintain relationships, provide guidance, and find community resources. All of the classes in this certificate apply towards the AAS in Early Childhood Education at LWTech.

School Age Care Certificate graduates will:

• be prepared to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children
• be prepared to monitor and make appropriate changes for safety in both the indoor and outdoor learning environment
• be able to plan and monitor a children’s menu following DCYF guidelines
• be prepared to apply learning theory as it relates to children’s play in the learning environment
• be prepared to work as an entry level staff member in an early childhood setting
• be prepared to apply best practices in all interactions with children
• be prepared to follow all guidelines for their area of specialization as outlined by DCYF