The NWCCD Early Childhood Education (ECE) Certificate program is designed to enhance prospective and current early childhood teachers’ knowledge, experience, and competence in the early childhood education field.
The program aligns with the national Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and the WY Early Childhood Apprentice Program.
This program provides theoretical foundations, practical applications, and field experiences in child care, preschool, and early elementary school settings, as well as certification in basic emergency care and CPR.
This program prepares professionals to successfully work with diverse children and families and promote high quality programming for children from birth through eight years.
Recognizing that many of our students work full-time, this program is designed specifically for the working professional. The classes are offered on a part-time basis. Students will be able to continue in their current jobs while taking classes; in some classes students will earn credit for working their regular jobs. Students who complete the program will meet the state Department of Family Services licensing requirements.
Program Completion Benefits: Completion of the NWCCD Early Childhood Education Certificate Program provides students with an increased potential for promotion and increased salary, skill sets and competence, and advanced preparation for any state legislative changes which raise qualification requirements for ECE providers. Students will have access to state-funded scholarship opportunities and will be qualified to continue their education to an Associate of Applied Science degree in ECE. Many of these courses are also appropriate transfer courses, depending on the specific transfer institution. Individual advising is recommended to explore the potential and limits of transfer.
Local Access to ECE Program: Since this program is now available locally, students will spend more time on the job or in classes and less money on tuition and traveling expenses.