Early Childhood Education
Program description
The certificate program in early childhood education prepares students to support the cognitive and social-emotional development of young children.
This certificate program allows students to be eligible for dual-teaching certificates upon the completion of an undergraduate degree or to allow students to meet requirements for an Early Childhood endorsement. This certificate can be added to the following degree programs:
- BAE in elementary education
- BAE in elementary multilingual education
- BAE in special education
Students develop skills in understanding and applying evidence-based practices in early childhood education. The innovative coursework is centered on child development theory, development of young children, assessment practices and instructional pedagogy. Students explore techniques and approaches to engage children's family members in the growth and development of young children.
Graduates earn an institutional recommendation for teacher certification in Early Childhood Education, Birth--Age 8 or Grade 3, or an endorsement in Early Childhood Education, Birth--Age 8 or Grade 3, through the Arizona Department of Education. Those desiring to teach in public schools must pass the appropriate Arizona educator exams (National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments) to be certified to teach in the state of Arizona.
At a glance: program locations
Enrollment requirements
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a non degree-seeking graduate student.
Career outlook
There is a strong demand for early childhood educators in Arizona and nationwide. Many graduates with early childhood education credentials hold leadership positions in Head Start, private nonprofit and private for-profit center-based programs, and public school early childhood environments
Program contact information
If you have questions related to admission, please fill out the request information form and an admission specialist will contact you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.