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. The certificate 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. Students gain a deep understanding of how children grow and develop (birth through early childhood); developmental milestones; social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development; and how children learn in different environments.
Practical field placement allows for observations and field assignments that apply theory to real-world settings; develop professional judgment skills; practice documentation and reflection skills; and build confidence working directly with young children. This is essential for educators, healthcare workers, and social service professionals. Also, in completing this certificate, students fulfill the state requirement for Child Abuse Identification and Reporting and 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, Center-Based Preschool, and Center-Based Birth to Five 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.
This certificate is valuable for professionals in healthcare, social services, early intervention, and community-based youth programs seeking deeper knowledge of child development and family engagement. Other related professions include pediatric medical assistants & nurses, speech-language pathology aides, occupational therapy assistants, social workers & family support workers, school paraprofessionals, behavioral technicians (ABA), recreation/youth program staff, nonprofit family center staff, and faith-based childcare staff. Flexible scheduling options and stackable pathways allow working professionals to advance their credentials while maintaining employment. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for experienced professionals is available through portfolio development.
The SUNY Niagara Approach
The certificate offers seamless transfer into the Human Services Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, the liberal arts degrees, and may apply to electives in other programs. Students in this program will receive individual advisement by faculty who have a special interest and expertise in early childhood development.
Graduates of the Human Services AAS program typically continue their education at SUNY and other colleges in human services, social work, education, and counseling.
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
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