If you’re interested in a career teaching young children, the Early Childhood Education certificate program at Northwest Technical College will prepare you for a variety of opportunities.
You’ll learn how to provide a safe, healthy, developmentally and culturally appropriate educational environment for children from birth through age 8.
This 18-credit certificate provides an essential foundation for students preparing to work in a variety of child care settings. Courses focus on the elements of a healthy, developmentally appropriate learning environment for children, working with parents and fellow professionals, understanding and promoting the stages of child development and learning, introducing basic child guidance and gaining hands-on experience in the field.
Early Childhood Education Overview
| Program | Degree | Length of Program | Delivery Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | Certificate | One year | Online & on-campus |
Employment
Childcare is the third largest industry in Minnesota, and the opportunities are vast across the nation as well. Graduates primarily work in family childcare, work as an aide in a childcare center or continue their education to obtain an additional credential.
- Job Placement Rate:
100% - Average Salary in MN
$25,542/yr (1) - Job Openings in MN, Next Decade
48,284+ (1)
data from: NTC Career Services; Minnesota DEED. (1) for job category Childcare Workers
Next Steps
The 18 credits of this certificate can be applied toward either NTC’s associate of applied science degree or associate of science degree in child development. The AAS includes an advanced field experience as well as courses that focus on strategies for children with special needs, promoting infant/toddler learning in a variety of settings and how to plan and present literature/literacy experiences for children. The AS includes a variety of general education credits that will fulfill your transfer obligations to a four-year institution.
Degree Requirements
| Course # | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ECED 1101 | Health, Wellness, and Nutrition | 3.00 |
| ECED 1104 | Child Growth and Development | 3.00 |
| ECED 1114 | Diverse Children and Family Relations | 3.00 |
| ECED 1116 | Behavior Guidance | 3.00 |
| ECED 1135 | Creative Activities and Environments | 3.00 |
| ECED 1138 | Observing & Assessing | 3.00 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Program Skills
- Examine and demonstrate an understanding of developmental stages of children, ages prenatal through eight
- Demonstrate knowledge of health, safety and nutrition requirements in child care programs
- Establish and maintain supportive collaborative relationships with children, families, professionals and the community
- Communicate effectively with children, families and coworkers
- Create and/or implement developmentally and culturally appropriate learning experiences for children based on age/developmental stage
- Recognize and demonstrate understanding of diverse family situations and identify appropriate resources
- Apply appropriate guidance strategies for children based on knowledge of developmental stages
- Demonstrate understanding of indicator and reporting procedures of abuse and neglect
- Demonstrate appropriate relationships with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school age children, birth through age eight
- Plan and implement an appropriate program for identified age/developmental level
- Apply observation skills to develop an appropriate assessment
- Demonstrate understanding of underlying causes of and develop appropriate strategies for challenging behaviors
Faculty
Heather Sutherland
Early Childhood Education Faculty
Office: BMD 217
(218) 333-6672
Email: heather.sutherland@ntcmn.edu