Early Care Certificate

Certificate
Online
A woman supervises children playing with blocks
Certificate
Online

Start your career in early care education.

Ready to make a difference in young children’s lives? Monroe Community College’s Early Care certificate program gives you the skills and training to work with preschool and pre-kindergarten children in just one year. You’ll learn about child growth, development, and how to plan a curriculum that supports their learning. After program completion, you’ll be prepared for fulfilling positions like childcare aide, preschool teacher, childcare practitioner, or nanny, in childcare centers, family childcare homes, private preschools, in-home care, and local pre-K programs. 

What You’ll Learn

 In this one-year Early Care certificate program, you will: 

  • Explore how young children grow, learn, and develop from infancy through age 8 
  • Understand children’s basic needs and the milestones that shape early learning 
  • Learn how to plan and implement fun, age-appropriate activities and curriculum 
  • Use developmentally appropriate strategies to guide behavior and support learning 
  • Build strong connections between families, children, and classrooms 
  • Gain skills to support children in a variety of early learning settings 
 

Comprehensive Curriculum

MCC's Early Care certificate program was created in conjunction with the Child Care Council and NYSAEYC, and it meets the education coursework requirements for the Child Development Associate Credential™ (CDA) and Infant-Toddler Care and Education Credential. 

Pursue Further Education

If you’re looking to continue advancing in your career, this program’s credits can be used toward MCC’s Education Studies degree programs:

Ready to Apply?

Applying to MCC is free, with no college essay or test scores required.

Program Details

Discover coursework and skills to start your career in childcare with the Early Care Certificate.
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Early Care Certificate

The Early Care certificate at MCC is designed to provide a foundation in early care and childhood development. You’ll take courses to learn developmentally appropriate strategies to support children in a variety of early learning settings. After completing the program, you’ll feel confident and prepared for a rewarding career working in childcare centers, preschools, or in-home care.

Length

1 year / 31 credit hours
Students typically complete this program in 2 semesters of full time study.

Location

Downtown Campus & Online

Program Requirements

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