What You Will Learn
This Certificate of Achievement is an in-depth credential for the current or aspiring early childhood professional. It is designed to accommodate the new high school graduate as well as those already employed who seek to update their knowledge base or learn a new skillset.
The curriculum is aligned with state and national standards and blends academic and professional preparation in a wide variety of courses such as Early Childhood Development, Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, Effective Preschool Practices and more. Courses are interactive with small class sizes, and offer on campus during the day and evening, plus hybrid and online options.
You may begin this certificate program with the option to also complete your associate degree in at CCM and/or consider transferring to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree in a program such as childhood studies, counseling, education, human development or social work.
Curriculum
This 33-credit certificate meets the educational requirements to be a group teacher in a childcare program and is also a great foundation for other child-related careers. At CCM you will study a variety of topics related to developmentally appropriate practice such as child psychology, guidance, curriculum and instruction.
Careers in the Field
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, childcare workers are responsible for the care, supervision and development of children in various public and private settings like childcare centers, pre-schools, K-8 schools, and personal homes. Careers opportunities include:
- Before and After Care Teacher
- Childcare Center Worker
- Infant/Toddler Teacher
- Private Preschool Teacher
- Tutor
Why Study Childcare Studies at CCM?
The Early Childhood Program at CCM provides outstanding instruction and experiential learning to prepare students for advanced study and child-related careers in a diverse and changing world.
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Aligned with standards – curriculum meets both state and national guidelines
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Flexible learning – small, interactive classes offered on campus, in the evening, hybrid, or online
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Smooth transfer – A.S. graduates benefit from NJ’s Statewide Transfer Agreement *
*General education requirements will be waived at in-state public colleges and universities, allowing students to transfer in with junior standing. In addition, many out-of-state institutions also accept CCM credits.
Find more information on Transfer Services here.
Credits earned are stackable so students may also begin working towards an associate degree in any of the following education pathways at CCM:
- Child and Family Studies
- Early Childhood Education
- Teacher Education
Paying for Your Child and Family Studies Education
Earning a Certificate of Achievement – Childcare Specialist is a powerful investment that will pay off over the course of your life, in both increased earnings and job satisfaction. But what is the upfront cost, and how do you afford it?
There’s good news: Money is available to help you pay for school! Our Financial Aid staff can provide lots of information about the process of finding funds to help pay for your education.
Featured Courses
Early Childhood Development
This course studies the growth and development of the child from birth through age eight. It will cover a variety of factors that influence child development such as diversity, culture, health, economic and family environment. Also, it provides an overview of the major theorists in the field of human development. There will be discussion regarding these theorists’ contributions to understanding how children grow and learn.
Effective Preschool Practices
This course studies effective, practical, research-based methods for developing preschool teachers. Course content is aligned with the national competency standards for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. It will cover the essentials of planning a safe environment, advancing children’s development, building family partnerships, program operations, professional development, authentic assessment, and principles of developmentally appropriate learning. Attention will also be given to current research on brain development in young children, designing the learning environment, professional ethics, and cultural competence.
Child Psychology
The course consists of the interplay of biological, psychological and cultural forces that shape the growing child from prenatal development through adolescence. Students learn to interpret relevant research using a critical-thinking approach.
