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. 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
Completing the Childcare Specialist Certificate of Achievement at CCM is the first step toward a career as an early childhood professional as well as many other child-related careers. In addition to supporting you in coursework, faculty are available to guide you in your additional education and career goals.
Students in this program have found careers in the private and public sectors of education relating to children aged from birth through eight. Many are teaching in childcare centers and preschool settings.
Additional career pathways include:
- Before and After Care Teacher
- Childcare Teacher
- Infant/Toddler Teacher
- Preschool Teacher
Why Study Childcare Studies at CCM?
- Outstanding instruction and experiential learning prepare you for advanced study and child-related careers in a diverse and changing world.
- A 33-credit curriculum aligns with state and national standards and blends academic and professional preparation in a wide variety of courses from the areas of early childhood education, English, psychology, sociology and music.
- Courses are interactive with small class size, offering face-to-face, day, evening, hybrid and online options.
- Faculty are affiliated with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), New Jersey Association for Early Childhood Teacher Educators, and the National Association for Teacher Educators at an Associate Level (ACCESS).
- Credits are Stackable so you may begin this certificate program with the option to also complete your associate degree in any of the following programs at CCM:
- Child and Family Studies
- Early Childhood Education
- Teacher Education
- Opportunity to Transfer: The Early Childhood Program at CCM has excellent relationships with many four-year institutions for graduates to transfer credits towards a bachelor’s degree.
Paying for Your Child and Family Studies Education
Earning 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.
Your Childcare Specialist Faculty Advisor
Associate Professor, Assistant Chair
