Âé¶¹Íø

Early Childhood Education Certificate

Shape Young Lives

You use age-appropriate learning activities to support children's development. You understand how to keep a safe and healthy environment, and communicate well with children and their families.

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Early Childhood Education Certificate At a Glance

Award
Certificate
Length of Study
4 months
Course Format
Face-to-Face, Online
Classes Meet
Face-to-face during the day, online, or a combination. Field experience is in person.
Program Start
Fall, Spring

See all Education options at Âé¶¹Íø

Your Early Childhood Education Career

Graduates of the certificate program can work in entry-level positions in:

  • Childcare centers
  • Private preschools
  • Child development homes

Succeed at Âé¶¹Íø

Program Overview

Semester 1

  • Child Health, Safety, and Nutrition
  • Early Childhood Curriculum I or
    Early Childhood Curriculum II or
    Infant/Toddler Care and Education
  • Early Childhood Guidance
  • Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Explore Courses, Details, and Costs

Throughout your coursework, you gain the knowledge and skills you need to work effectively and safely with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.

Field-specific knowledge areas you’ll focus on include:

  • Child growth and development
  • Health, safety and nutrition
  • Infant and toddler care
  • Early childhood guidance and curriculum

As part of this program, you may receive the following certifications:

  • First Aid
  • CPR
  • Blood Borne Pathogens/Universal Precautions
  • Mandatory Reporter

This is a partial list of employers that hire graduates of this program.

  • Community United Child Care Centers, Waterloo and Cedar Falls, IA
  • Dike New Hartford Elementary School, Dike, IA
  • Discoveries Learning Center, Denver, IA
  • Exceptional Persons, Inc., Waterloo, IA
  • Âé¶¹Íø Child Development Center, Waterloo, IA
  • Purple Bloom School, Coralville, IA
  • The Goddard School, Waukee, IA
  • Tri-County Child & Family Development Council, Inc., Waterloo, IA
  • Trinity Preschool and Child Care, Waterloo, IA
  • Vinton Shellsburg Community Schools, Vinton, IA
  • Waterloo Community School District, Waterloo, IA
  • Waverly Child Care and Preschool, Waverly, IA
" The instructors you have are people who worked in the field, so they have their own experience. "
  • Ashlyn Ciesielski
  • Early Childhood Education '21

How to Get Started

It's simple! Complete these steps:

  1. Apply for admission at Âé¶¹Íø.
  2. Send official transcripts to Admissions.
  3. Demonstrate college readiness.

Check the status of your application at any time by logging into your admissions account.

Program Contacts

Admissions

Main Campus
Âé¶¹Íø Center 134
319-296-4000
Email Admissions

Academic Advisor

Lisa Curry
Main Campus
Âé¶¹Íø Center 208
319-296-4433
Email Lisa Curry

Faculty Advisor

Last Names A–M

Jane Even
Main Campus
Black Hawk Hall 236
319-296-2320 ext.1431
Email Jane Even

Faculty Advisor

Last Names N—Z

Emily Knutson
Main Campus
Black Hawk Hall 236
319-296-2320 ext.1558
Email Emily Knutson

Regular Hours — Summer 2026

Monday – Thursday 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday 8 AM – 12 PM