Certificate in Early Childhood and Family Policy (Online)
Learn to help young children and their families.
About this Program
The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood and Family Policy (Online) is designed for those committed to working on behalf of young children and their families domestically and internationally.
The four courses are offered in the following order (but do not have to be taken sequentially), starting in the fall semester.
- 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.
- 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.
Society and its policymakers are becoming more focused on the importance of the early years and the need for quality services distributed equitably and sustainable over time.
- This graduate certificate places individuals at the helm of framing a new era for early childhood policy.
Who is the Certificate in Early Childhood and Family Policy designed for?
If you're interested in apply for the Certificate in Early Childhood and Family Policy, there's good news. Successful candidates don't need extensive experience or background knowledge about policy or early childhood education.
- If you're passionate about advocating for social change and want to improve the quality of life for all young children and their families, this certificate is perfect for you.
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.
This graduate certificate is ideal for those working in early childhood centers, elementary schools, social work, public health, public affairs, or political science.
On this Page…
Program Information
Program Type
Area of Study
Education
School
Duration
Two semesters
Degree
Program Location
Required Credit Hours
12 hours
Early Childhood & Family Policy
The Certificate in Early Childhood & Family Policy requires the following courses for a total of 12 credit hours.
To complete the Certificate in Early Childhood & Family Policy, students must complete:
- 12 Hours of Professional Core courses
Professional Core Courses (12):
- 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
If you wish to pursue an M.Ed. or an Ed.S., these 12 hours can be applied to the degree with permission from your advisor.
Students applying to the Certificate in Early Childhood & Family Policy must meet the following requirements. Students must have:
- A completed bachelor's degree
- A personal statement about goals or professional experience.
We're here to help!
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch!
Kenya Elizabeth Wolff
Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education
Next Steps
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