Preschool Certificate Program
Overview
Bethesda University offers programs designed to train teachers and directors of preschools, child care centers, and family child care homes. In order to receive the preschool teacher certificate, students must complete the following courses with an average grade of C or better: EC 101, 102, 103, and 201. Infant and toddler care providers also need to complete EC 320 class. Preschool director certificate requires completion of the courses for the teacher certificate and EC 202.
What can I do with this degree?
With a Preschool Certificate Program, you will be able to work as, but not limited to:
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Center Director (only when you finish director's certificate program)
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Preschool Teacher
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Lead Teacher
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Own your own preschool( only when you finish director's certificate program)
What skills will I develop?
With this certificate, you will be able to work as, but not limited to:
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Center Director
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Preschool Teacher
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Lead Teacher
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Own your own preschool
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Faith-based preschools
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Secular preschools
What are the degree outcomes?
Upon completing this program, students will:
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Understand children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
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Demonstrate the principles of curriculum development, analysis of learning environment, and instructional strategies.
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Identify the value of play in Early Childhood education.
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Understand changing family patterns such as single-parent family, blended family, etc.
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Have classroom management skills including discipline.
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Develop learning centers.
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Have staff management skills such as hiring, evaluation, and supervision.
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Design operating policies such as contracts and job description.
Why Major in Early Childhood Education? If this describes you, this program is a perfect fit
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A passion for young children
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A desire to teach and continue learning
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Enjoy working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers
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A desire to support children’s learning and development
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Desire to work directly with families and communicates to support an optimal environment for children’s development
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Desire to advocate and use knowledge of child development and your relationships with children and their families to help support their needs.
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Want to promote children’s cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and linguistic development by organizing and orchestrating an optimal environment in ways that best facilitate development and learning.
What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?
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One on one ongoing academic advisory
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Learn from expert professors who are in the field of Early Childhood
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Compassionate peers and professors
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Internships and job referrals
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Hands on experiences
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In person and online classes
What kind of courses will I take?
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EC 101 Development in Early Childhood
A study of the basic principles of development and learning including the young child's cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical development. 15 hours of field experience is required. -
EC 102 Child and Relations with Home, School and Community
An investigation of methods to bring about understanding, appreciation, and cooperation between the home, school, and community. -
EC 103 Child Creative Experience
A study of values of creative experience for children. Dramatic play, art, blocks, and music activities are explored, as well as, skills in curriculum planning, class organization, language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science. -
EC 201 Curriculum and Teaching in Early Childhood
A study of curriculum development and principles, analysis of learning environment, instructional strategies, organization, and evaluation of programs for childhood education. -
EC 202 Organization and Management of the Child Care Center
A study of the procedures in organizing child care centers, understanding legal requirements, and learning administrative skills in human relations. -
EC 320 Educational Programs for Infants and Toddlers
This course discusses the principles and characteristics of developmentally-appropriate education of infants and toddlers in a child care setting. Various topics related to the development of infants and toddlers are investigated such as attachment, perception, cognition, motor skills, language, emotions, and social skills.
Course Catalogs
For course descriptions, requirements, focus areas, options, and other program details see our full course catalog.
1 Years
Standard Duration
This indicates the standard duration of this program. Completion time may vary depending on transferred coursework and preferred courseload.
18
Total Program Credits
This indicates the standard duration of this program. Completion time may vary depending on transferred coursework and preferred courseload.
TRACS/ABHE
ACCREDATION
Bethesda University is accredited by TRACS and ABHE
Prof. Mary De La Rosa
Chair of Early Childhoold Department
Welcome to Bethesda University, Early Childhood Education Department. My name is Mary De La Rosa and I service as both this departments Academic Advisor and Instructor. With over 20 years of working with young children I am committed to help support you in a field that is vastly growing and so joyfully rewarding. I’m committed to supporting your journey as you discover what the future has in store for you. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. Can’t wait to hear from you.
Phone: (714)-683-1214
Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1pm-5pm
Sharon,
B.A. In Early Childhood
"Ever since I was a kid, I have wanted to be a teacher and make a difference in children's life. My experiences here at Bethesda have been amazing. I got to meet great professors whom I am still in contact with. They have helped me throughout my journey in the field that I'm working on at the moment. The program is very flexible and allowed me to work and study at the same time. "