Early Childhood Development 1 Microcredential

Designed to be meaningful, high-quality education programs to verify, validate and attest to specific skill sets and competencies of an individual, microcredential programs differ from degree and certificate programs in that they are generally offered in shorter or more flexible time spans with a narrow focus.

The microcredential in Early Childhood Development will enable students to demonstrate competency in several key areas including understanding child development in the four domains, philosophy and ethics of early childhood education, and the importance of interpersonal communication skills.

Childcare professionals may work in group childcare centers, Head Start programs, Fort Drum Developmental Centers, family daycare, and other human service settings.  The Early Childhood Development 1 microcredential provides training to increase the potential for advancement within these organizations. 

Students who complete the Early Childhood Development 1 microcredential earn nine college credit hours that may later be transferred to one of Jefferson's certificate or degree programs. Early Childhood Development course requirements are a perfect fit for JCC's Early Childhood AAS or AS degree programs.

When you complete the Early Childhood Development 1 microcredential, you will be able to: 

• Demonstrate knowledge of the history, philosophy, theories and ethics of early childhood care and education,
• Apply knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practice and child development in the four domains of physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional,
• Demonstrate an awareness of diversity in ability, family structure, race, culture and class among young children and families,
• Use and identify effective observation and assessment tools,
• Recognize appropriate use of routines, schedule, transitions, and teaching and classroom management strategies during classroom observations,
• Examine regulatory standards as defined by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services,
• Increase communication skills-verbally and nonverbally,
• Increase communication competence by recognizing communication options.