The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood and Family Policy (Online)
Certificate Description
The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood and Family Policy (Online) is designed for those who are committed to working on behalf of young children and their families domestically and internationally. This innovative curriculum provides optimum flexibility through online courses offered in 8-week sessions so you only have to focus on one course at a time.
In just four courses, students develop essential policy skills and understand the interrelationship of early childhood and family policies from a range of systems such as health care, education, family leave, mental health, child abuse and neglect, incarceration of parents, and minimum wage.
Society and its policymakers are becoming more and more focused on the importance of the early years and the need for quality services that are distributed equitably and sustainably over time. This graduate certificate places individuals at the helm of framing a new era for early childhood policy.
Who is this Certificate Designed for?
You do not need extensive experience or background knowledge about policy or early childhood education. You simply need to be passionate about advocating for social change and have a desire to improve the quality of life for all young children and their families.
This graduate certificate is ideal for those working in early childhood centers, elementary schools, social work, public health, public affairs, or political science. Whether you have a home daycare or are an administrator in a school district, this curriculum will teach you how education and family policies are organized and constructed, and how you can become an influencer at the local, state, or federal level.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must meet these requirements:
- Have a completed bachelor's degree
- Complete a personal statement about goals or professional experience.
Complete the online Application for Graduate Admission to apply to The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood and Family Policy, which can be found under the Teacher Education heading.
Required Coursework
- EDEC 610: Early Childhood Education and Care: History, Child Development, and Equity
- EDEC 611: Early Childhood Education and Care Today: Examining Practices, Policies, and Key Issues
- EDEC 612: Early Childhood Education and Care Policy: Theory, Analysis, and Research
- EDEC 613: Early Childhood Education and Care Today: Policy, Leadership and Policy Advocacy
The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood and Family Policy Format
The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood and Family Policy is an innovative 12-credit program sequenced in four 8-week courses that can be completed in two semesters. Courses are taught online with occasional opportunities to enhance engagement through virtual networking events, guest speakers, or participation in formal debates. Experiential learning opportunities are embedded into each course to promote hands-on learning that helps translate coursework to your career.
The certificate includes 12 hours of coursework offered online. If you wish to pursue a M.Ed. or an Ed.S. these 12 hours can be applied to the degree with permissions from your advisor.
The four courses are offered in the following order (but do not have to be taken sequentially), starting in the fall semester.
Collaborate with Expert Faculty
Great Plains IDEA's ECFP faculty come from six different home universities, providing a range of perspectives and experiences. They are dedicated to your success and collaborate to bring you a unique, dynamic curriculum. Faculty are experts in online instruction and premier researchers in early childhood and family policy. Many serve as consultants or elected leaders for national and state organizations informing and designing policy. Study with students like you from across the country.
For More Information
Program Contact
Kenya Wolff
325 Guyton Hall
(662) 915-5037
kewolff@olemiss.edu
