Contact Information
Program Requirements
Typical Program
Degree/Certificate: Certificate
HEGIS Code: 5503
SUNY Code: 2067
Major Code: ECSC
The Career
This 31-credit hour certificate has been designed to prepare students with a strong foundation in early childhood values and knowledge. Early childhood workers with a certificate are more likely to remain in the field, which is essential to providing a secure learning environment for young children. Their understanding of children’s behavior and family dynamics allows them to interact in ways that are more supportive of children and families.
The certificate in Early Childhood Studies is structured to provide a solid understanding of child development and how children learn in the context of diverse families and communities through course assignments and observations in the field. Coursework provides a balance of skills in writing, communication and mathematics. In completing this certificate, students fulfill the state requirement for Child Abuse Identification and Reporting, Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE).
SUNY Niagara’s Early Childhood Studies Certificate is recognized by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Division of Child Care Services to satisfy the education requirement for the group teacher position for Center-Based Infant-Toddler and Center-Based Preschool classes for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Students pursuing the Child Development Associate credential will be required to document their learning in their CDA® professional portfolio.
The SUNY Niagara Approach
The certificate offers seamless transfer into the Human Services associate in arts degree program, the Liberal Arts and Sciences associate in arts degree program and the Liberal Arts and Sciences: Humanities and Social Sciences associate in arts degree program. Students in this program will receive individual advisement by faculty which have a special interest and expertise in early childhood education.
Graduates of the Human Services A.A. degree program typically continue their education at local colleges in human services and social work with an emphasis in child and family issues. Graduates of the Liberal Arts and Sciences associate in arts degree program and the Liberal Arts and Sciences: Humanities and Social Sciences associate in arts degree program typically continue their education at local colleges in Early Childhood Education.
The mission of SUNY Niagara is to provide the people of the Niagara Region with a teaching and learning environment dedicated to excellence. Offering a Certificate in Early Childhood Studies is congruent with our hallmarks of being student centered, being a comprehensive community college and fostering community partnerships by providing an educational opportunity in the field of early childhood.
Admission
Students are admitted in fall, spring and summer.
Because of the sequencing of courses, it may take more than two semesters of full-time study if a student begins this program in a spring semester.
Program Goals and Objectives
- To prepare graduates to be effective early childhood-care providers
Program Learning Outcomes
- Promote child development and learning
- Build family and community relationships
