Early Childhood Education

Certificate program at Bay College

Group of elementary age children in art class with teacher using crayons drawing

Why Early Childhood Education?

This Early Childhood Education certificate program at Bay College is designed to introduce students to the field of early childhood care and education including health, safety, nutrition, child development, guidance, and curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschool children. Ninety hours of practicum experience are required. All credits earned in this certificate apply toward the AAS degree in Early Childhood Education.

CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

PROGRAM SHEET

Why Bay College?

The Early Childhood Education certificate program at Bay College utilizes a mix of 7-week and full-semester long courses. Due to the specific sequence of courses required to complete an AAS degree in ECE, special approval from the Program Coordinator is needed for enrollment. In order to most efficiently serve the unique needs of students, every candidate entering the program will now have an opportunity to confer with the ECE lead advisor regarding placement scores, previous coursework, employment goals, transfer options and possible remote access needs.

Upon your attempt to enroll, you will be automatically referred to the ECE Program Coordinator. For more information, email Tammra%20Houseman or call 906-217-4158.

Early Childhood Education Instructional Delivery

All Early Childhood Ed courses have been made available in either online-only or online hybrid format. Hybrid courses have required seminar sessions, either weekly or bi-weekly. Zoom has opened a convenient option for student and instructors to meet virtually. In addition, seminars are offered during evening hours to accommodate those working full-time in the field. We recognize there are barriers for some students, such as, the lack of substitute teachers in the field, and students living too far from campus to feasibly travel over for seminars.

Some of the non-ECE courses in the program may be more difficult to find with online-only or remote option. (Ex. Human Biology) It is our aim to see these barriers removed for students and we will continue to make program changes and advocate on student’s behalf.

  • Online-only: Courses taught entirely online through Blackboard with specific assignment deadlines but no required seminar sessions.
  • Online-hybrid: Courses taught mainly on Blackboard with required Zoom seminar sessions.
CDA-Advanced Standing Credit

Enrollees who can provide proof of a valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, (within 6 months of expiration) can receive advanced standing credit for the following (2) courses:

  • CHLD 101 Foundations in Early Childhood Care and Education (3)
  • CHLD 110 Health, Safety and Nutrition (3)
Certificate Options
Certificate/DegreeCompletion CreditsContact Hours
Early Childhood Education (Certificate)30.00

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