Certificate ProgramsCertificate Programs



Early Childhood Studies Certificate, Phase I


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There is a nonrefundable application fee of $50 to declare candidacy in this program.

Contact Information

Learn more about the Early Childhood Studies Phase I Certificate Program

Early Childhood Studies Certificate, Phase I

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Unquestionably, the experiences in the early years of a child's life are fundamental in setting the pace for their future. As a child makes his way through those crucial developmental stepping stones, he will seek out the guidance and instruction of those who surround him, to aide in his understanding and learning.

Whether you are preparing to become a teacher or a director of a child care center, or are a parent with a personal interest in early childhood development, the Professional Certificate in Early Childhood Studies Phase I provides a range of coursework designed to help you meet your specific goals. This program delivers a comprehensive overview of child growth and development, strategies for effective classroom teaching, developmentally-based curriculum, and current research trends.

Advance your knowledge and provide a sound, well-structured early beginning for children by pursuing a Professional Certificate in Early Childhood Studies Phase I.

Who Can Benefit?

This program is designed for individuals interested in early childhood development and working with children ages 0 to 8, who:

  • have little to no background in early childhood education.
  • are seeking to fulfill Title 22 requirements (private child care centers).
  • are working towards completion of Title V requirements (child development permits).
  • are teachers completing fifth-year credential requirements.
  • are parents with a personal or professional interest in early childhood education.

Course Schedule

Required Courses (19 units)UnitsFallWinterSpringSummer
An Introduction to Early Childhood Studies -- Child Growth and Development4.5 Offered Offered
Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum in Early Childhood Education #*4.5 OfferedOffered 
Observation and Assessment of Children's Behavior #4.5Offered Offered 
Role of Home, School and Community in Early Childhood Education #*4.5Offered Offered 
Strategies for Reporting Child Abuse in Early Childhood Education #*1.0Offered Offered 
Elective Courses (5 units)UnitsFallWinterSpringSummer
Advanced Child Growth and Development (Age 8 Through Adolescence) *3.0 Offered  
Children at Play: Developmental Changes3.0Offered   
Education and Care of the Infant *5.0   Offered
Overview of Early Childhood Education Programs: Different Approaches in Different Environments *5.0Offered Offered 
Understanding Children of Crisis, Violence and Loss in Home and Educational Settings *3.0   Offered
Supervised Field Experience in Early Childhood Studies5.0 Offered Offered
Creative Music and Movement2.0Offered Offered 
Parent (Family) Involvement in Early Childhood Education #*3.0OfferedOffered  
Seminar in Administration and Supervision of Early Childhood Centers, Part A #*4.5 Offered Offered
Seminar in Administration and Supervision of Early Childhood Education Centers, Part B #*4.5Offered Offered 
Supervising Adults Within Early Childhood Educational Settings #*3.0 Offered Offered
Health, Nutrition and Safety in Early Childhood #4.5Offered Offered 
Teaching Social Skills to Preschoolers3.0  Offered 
Assessment and Intervention/Instructional Strategies: Birth through Pre-Kindergarten4.5    
Characteristics of Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers with IFSP and IEP's4.5 Offered  
Cultural Diversity1.0Offered   
Introduction to Autism: Understanding and Meeting the Needs of Students with Autism2.0   Offered
Role of the Family in Early Childhood Special Education4.5    
#Core course for Early Childhood Education, Phase II. Students may apply up to 3 units of Phase II core courses towards Phase I electives.
*Students may take either the undergraduate or professional growth level of this course. The number of units may vary slightly for elective substitutes.

Completion Information

Completion Requirements

To earn the Professional Certificate in Early Childhood Studies Phase I, individuals must successfully complete, with a grade of C or better, a total of 24 quarter units (19 units of core coursework; 5 units of elective coursework).

Completion Time

This program can typically be completed within one year.

Cost

The cost to complete this program is approximately between $1,700 and $2,100. This does not include textbooks or materials unless otherwise noted.

Instructors

Instructor Opportunities

Interested in becoming an instructor at UCR Extension? Find out how.

Additional Information

Textbook Information

If a textbook is required, information is provided in the course listing when scheduled, on the confirmation you receive after enrolling, or by e-mail for an online class.

Delivery Method

Courses in this program are designed for the working professional and are offered throughout the year, on evenings and weekends. Classes are offered on campus, online, and in a hybrid format (a combination of online and in the classroom).

Transfer Credit


Students may transfer up to six quarter units of credit into this certificate, provided the coursework is equivalent in level and content, and has been completed within the last five years from an accredited college or university.

Contact Information

Dr. Margi Wild
(951) 827-5995
ecfs@ucx.ucr.edu

 

More Information 

General Campus Information

University of California, Riverside
900 University Ave.
Riverside, CA 92521
Tel: (951) 827-1012

Contact Information

UC Riverside Extension Center
1200 University Ave.
Riverside, CA 92507-4596

UCR Extension Center

Tel: Work(951) 827-4105 or Toll-Free(800) 442-4990 toll-free
Fax: Fax(951) 827-7273
E-mail:

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