Early Childhood Education Technical Certificate

Technical Certificate
Contact Information: Program Office 615-353-3400, Program Site

The Technical Certificate in Early Childhood Education prepares the student for employment in the field of early childhood education.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Promoting child development and learning
Building family/teacher and community connections
Using developmentally appropriate practices
Becoming a professional

Admission Requirements

Students must meet regular technical certificate admission requirements.

Career Opportunities

The Technical Certificate in Early Childhood Education prepares the student for employment in the early childhood field, serving children birth to age 8. Working in early childhood settings requires a background check. Students pursuing a career in early childhood education will complete a background check prior to employment.

Practicum Courses

All courses are available online except for Initial Practicum. Students who wish to register for the practicum course (ECED 2335) should contact an advisor for information about fieldwork requirements prior to enrolling.

Grading Policy

A grade of “C” or above must be earned in all Early Childhood courses prior to graduation. The student majoring in Early Childhood Education must receive a “C” or above in each course in order to meet prerequisite requirements for subsequent courses.

Background Check

Students who wish to become employed in early childhood programs licensed by the Department of Human Services, State of Tennessee must undergo a criminal history and abuse registry background check. Tennessee law requires a satisfactory background check prior to employment. This is initiated by the employer, and may be required prior to placement for practicum course

Transfer/Advising

All of the courses in this certificate apply toward Nashville State’s A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education.

Course Requirements

Technical Specialty

ECED 1310 - Intro to Early Childhood Educ 3 Credits
ECED 2310 - Safe, Healthy, Learning Env 3 Credits
ECED 2315 - Early Childhood Curriculum 3 Credits
ECED 2335 - Initial Practicum 3 Credits
ECED 2340 - Fam Dynamics & Comm Involve 3 Credits
ECED 2380 - Language & Literacy in ECE 3 Credits
ECED 2385 - Math and Science in ECE 3 Credits

ECED Elective (choose one course below)

ECED 2312 - Admin of ECE Programs 3 Credits
ECED 2330 - Infant and Toddler Care 3 Credits
ECED 2375 - Social-Emotional Development 3 Credits
ECED 2390 - Creative Development 3 Credits

Total Certificate Requirements: 24 Credits

Note:

Prior Learning Credits are available for ECED 1310 and ECED 2310, see program website https://www.nscc.edu/academics/programs/early-childhood-education.php for more information.

Additional course requirements: The Tennessee Board of Regents requires that students either demonstrate the appropriate skill levels in math, reading, and/or writing before enrolling in college-level courses or enroll in appropriate co-requisite experiences with college-level courses to develop competency in those skills while performing college-level work. ACT/SAT scores, classic ACCUPLACER test scores, next-generation ACCUPLACER test scores, or other relevant information determine whether a student needs to enroll in co-requisite courses in math, reading, and/or writing (English).