Early Childhood Education Certificate

The Early Childhood Education certificate upgrades the level of training and opportunities for employment, offering four of the courses required for the Child Development Associate (CDA). This certificate provides an interim step between the CDA and the degree, giving students the confidence and motivation to continue on toward earning the Early Childhood Education (A.A.S.)  degree. Professional development beyond the educational requirements for the CDA is needed to continue to improve the quality of child care and early childhood education in Tennessee. Additionally, certificates of 18 or more hours are recognized by the three star rating through the Tennessee Stars Licensing System for Childcare Centers. The certificate will, therefore, make individuals more hirable by those childcare centers with or aspiring to earn the three star rating.

Courses in each level (Foundation and Core) must be completed prior to advancing to the next level. Where more than one course is offered within a level, courses may be taken in any sequence.