Early Childhood Education

Post-Master's Certificate

In this post-master’s certificate, you will discuss theory and research related to the education of young children. You will explore curriculum development, materials, strategies, evaluation, budgets and hiring procedures of early childhood educators. You will also be introduced to the critical development of partnership between early childhood educators, families and communities.

Basis of Admission

A completed master's-level or higher degree from an accredited institution or university.

Scope

Six Courses (18 credit hours) must be completed from the coursework outlined within the corresponding Post-Master's Certificate.

At the end of each Post-Master's Certificate (except where noted), students will complete a final written research project, demonstrating the ability to conduct an investigation on a workplace problem, identify an area for intervention, critique, justify, and recommend a plan of preventative action.

Course Length

All courses are 8 weeks in length. Northcentral University allows 2 years to complete all Post-Master's Certificates.

Specialization Courses - 18 credit hours

Course Code

Name

Course Description

ECE7001-8

Topics in Early Childhood Education

This course presents an overview of early childhood education in American society, including currently respected theories and practical applications for educating the young child. Specifically, students will explore basic educational concepts and developmentally appropriate practices for children, pre-k - grade three, including children with exceptional needs. Historical and contemporary models and delivery systems are presented and innovations in instruction are discussed. It is suggested that students pursuing a specialization in ECE should take this as their first specialization course.

ECE7002-8

Topics in Early Childhood Growth, Development, and Educational Programs

This Doctoral level course discusses theory and research related to the education of young children. The intellectual, social, emotional and physical development of infants, toddlers, and young children will be examined, and the impact of these factors on the development of quality early childhood education instructional programs will be explored. Societal changes and their influence on early childhood programs will also be examined.

ECE7003-8

Topics in Early Childhood Program Administration

This doctoral course focuses on the development and implementation of early childhood programs for a variety of age groups and purposes. Specifically, curriculum development, materials, teaching strategies, evaluation, budgets, hiring procedures and state guidelines/regulations are addressed. Skills and competencies to implement the aforementioned concepts will also be addressed.

ECE7005-8

Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment

This course discusses theory, research, and trends related to the curriculum and assessment of young children enrolled in early childhood education programs. Developmentally appropriate early childhood lesson plans and activities will be explored, analyzed, and created. Standardized and classroom assessments will be researched and evaluated.

ECE7007-8

Early Childhood Literacy and Literature

This course discusses literacy development in early childhood education. Balanced literacy instruction including a comprehensive set of strategies designed to meet individual needs will be explored. Methods for developing reading and writing skills that are developmentally appropriate will also be investigated. Since knowledge of children's literature is essential for any early childhood educator, students will determine ways to select appropriate and motivating materials to enhance an early childhood literacy program.

ECE7009-8

Families, Communities, and Schools as Partners in Early Childhood Education

This course focuses on the development of partnerships between early childhood educators, families, and communities. Encouraging involvement and communicating with families and communities in early childhood education programs will be researched and analyzed. Societal trends and issues specific to diversity will be explored. Special topics in the course include child abuse, child advocacy, and formulating effective strategies for working with families of special needs children.

At Northcentral University, we pride ourselves in being completely transparent when it comes to tuition and fees. We have adopted an all-inclusive tuition model that gives you the cost of your Post-Master's Certificate in Education tuition and fees in one flat program rate*. The only additional cost above your post-master's certificate program rate is books. Learn more about the NCU’s post-master's certificate costs below:

  • Per credit cost: $857
  • Per 3 credit course cost: $2,570
  • Program cost: $15,420 
  • Average book cost per course: $150
  • Application Fee: $0
  • Technology Fee: $0
  • Registration Fee: $0

Click here to learn more about payment and financing options.

*Program rates are subject to change and generally increase at the start of each calendar year.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned about our students, it’s that they are motivated and ambitious—but they are also busy! At Northcentral University, we’ve designed our education experience to work with you, not against you, so you can achieve your academic goals without sacrificing the quality, flexibility and support you need to be successful.

To learn more, request information or call 1-866-776-0331 or start a live chat to speak with an enrollment advisor today. We offer new courses every Monday of the year so you can get started when it’s best for you.