Early Childhood Education
Graduate Certificate
Early childhood education is a broad term that encompasses any type of educational program that serves children in their preschool years from birth to age 8. It includes a range of activities designed to aid in the cognitive, physical, language, and social development of children before they enter elementary school.
The IU Online Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Development is open to students from numerous professional or academic backgrounds who desire to gain a documented concentration in teaching in early childhood environments. The curriculum is designed to examine the components essential to effective early childhood programs, and to explore practical, research-based strategies for creating environments where all children and families can thrive and grow.
Your IU Online Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Development prepares you for such careers as:
- Childcare staff
- Childcare teacher
- Family childcare provider
- Preschool teacher
- Head start and early head start staff
- Program director
- Special educator
- Early intervention specialist
- Child development associate
Certificate Requirements
To earn the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education, you must complete a minimum of 21 credit hours.
Requirements are broken down as follows:
- Early childhood education core courses (18 credit hours)
- Internship in elementary/early childhood education (3-6 credit hours)
NOTE: This program does not lead to an initial teacher license. This program only adds early childhood to an existing teaching license.