Early Childhood Education Certificate Online
Take the Next Step with an Early Childhood Education Certificate
Online
12 Months
15 Credit Hours
$395 per Credit
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Build Your Early Childhood Education Expertise Online
Whether you’re new to the field or a current professional, CSP Global’s online Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education helps you positively impact the lives of young children. In as few as 12 months, the non-licensure program can enhance several roles in early childhood education settings.
CSP Global’s Early Childhood Education Certificate is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), so you’ll receive a high-quality, industry-leading education.
Certificate Details
- Fully online program
- Study part-time or full-time
- Career-focused
- Experienced faculty
- CAEP-accredited
Early Childhood Education Certificate Courses
5 Total Courses
Explore industry-leading research
The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education includes five fully online courses, which you can complete at times and places that work for you. Your courses will focus on theory, philosophy, and leading-edge research. As you learn, expert faculty will help you interpret, evaluate, and apply your knowledge to practices related to all areas of early childhood education.
Because CSP Global’s Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), you can trust that you’ll receive an excellent education with the training you need for success.
Required Early Childhood Education Certificate Courses
This course is a study of the various theoretical foundations of play and their application to young children’s development and learning. Students examine the role of the teacher in children’s play, analyze play environments, and review the issues and research affecting children and curricula.
Along with the presentation of curriculum and instruction theory, this course will explore the development and implementation of early childhood curriculum and instruction. The link between assessment and program evaluation will be made.
The various methods of child study, observation, portfolio development, and other assessment strategies are studied as a way to assess children’s growth and the development of knowledge and skills. In addition, current classroom practices and learning environments are explored to identify changes that benefit children, their families, and communication between program and home.
A study of anti-bias curriculum, reflective education practices that build on cultural awareness, ethical decision-making using the NAEYC Code of Ethics, building partnerships with diverse families, and advocating for equitable learning experiences for young children. Effective leadership skills and professional communication is examined.
Current research is studied in regard to emergent literacy and language development in children with implications for the classroom teacher. Whole language strategies are explored for children from birth through age seven.
Build Skills for Several Early Childhood Education Careers
The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education helps you diversify your education experience and prepare to thrive in early childhood education careers. With this certificate, you can pursue work in childcare centers, daycares, education organizations, non-profit preschools, and more. These positions continually seek those with empathy, adaptability, and advocacy skills—the same values you’ll hone in CSP Global’s Early Childhood Education Certificate online.
Careers in Early Childhood Education
Childcare Director $46,822 average base salary1
Childcare / Daycare Worker $32,057 average base salary2
Value of a Certificate
A Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education online is a convenient option for working professionals looking to expand their expertise without the commitment of a full degree program. You can add a valuable credential to your resume in an accelerated format and show employers your dedication to learning and development.
For those at every stage of their career in early childhood education, a certificate helps to specialize knowledge and can lead to more advanced roles.
If you want to take your education further, your certificate coursework can count toward CSP Global’s online M.A. in Early Childhood Education. Your head start will help you earn your master’s degree faster.*
Early Childhood Education Certificate Outcomes
When you complete the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education, you’ll be able to:
- Exhibit strong communication (written, oral, and listening) and critical thinking skills.
- Evaluate educational research for professional decision-making, leading to school improvement and better student learning.
- Demonstrate awareness of professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities and rights of teachers, knowledge of school/program organizational structure, and the relationship with the social and philosophical foundations of education.
- Demonstrate knowledge of critical issues, including current and future trends in early childhood education.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the teacher’s role in creating supportive family relationships.
- Understand the place of authentic assessment and developmentally appropriate practices in decisions about curriculum and instruction.
Certificate Admissions Requirements
No application fee
No test scores required
Apply for the Early Childhood Education Certificate quickly and easily by following our admissions process. You’ll need to send your official transcripts to CSP Global and fill out a free online application. Test scores are not required for admission.
This certificate program offers four start dates per year, so it’s always a good time to get started.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Transcripts | Submit official transcripts from a regionally accredited institution stating the conferral of a bachelor’s degree or higher with an accreditor that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or a comparable degree from outside the U.S. |
| GPA Requirement | Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 based on a 4.0 system. |
| Work Experience | We prefer that applicants are employed or regularly volunteering in the field, but it is not required. |
Tuition Details
$395 Cost per Credit
15 Total Credits
All CSP Global online students receive a discounted tuition rate and can take advantage of federal financial aid, private loans, and non-institutional scholarships. Online students may also qualify for funding through corporate partnerships. Once enrolled in the certificate program, your tuition will not change as long as you remain continuously enrolled.
If you’re military-affiliated, you can explore available benefits and receive one-on-one support through the Veterans Resource Center.
Tuition & AidFrequently Asked Questions
Are you interested in one of CSP Global’s programs? Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about time to completion, accreditation, tuition and fees, admissions, and more. If applicable, you can also learn more about licensure, concentrations, or specializations offered in the program. Get more information about any online program or contact an enrollment counselor at (855) 641-2525 with further questions.
We prefer that applicants are employed or regularly volunteering in the field, but it is not required. To apply, you must complete the online application, have a 3.0 GPA and submit official transcripts. See the Admissions Requirements page for more information.
You must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 based on a 4.0 system.
The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education includes 15 credit hours.
The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education consists of 5 courses.
The program’s 15 credit hours can be completed in 12 months.
This certificate is offered fully online from CSP Global.
Sources and Disclaimer
- Payscale. “Average Director, Childcare Salary.” September 13, 2024. Retrieved April 7, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Director%2C_Child_Care/Salary.
- Payscale. “Average Childcare / Daycare Worker Hourly Pay.” January 27, 2025. Retrieved April 7, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Child_Care_%2F_Day_Care_Worker/Hourly_Rate.
* Students may earn a certificate or a master’s degree, but not both.