The Early Childhood Development Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) is a 52-credit option that offers early childhood education to prepare students for careers including private childcare provider, teacher’s assistant, or classroom aide.  The program emphasizes observing, assessing and planning curriculum for the areas of cognitive development, fine/gross motor physical development, social and emotional development, language and literacy development, and self-help skills of children birth through age eight. Credits earned while completing the educational requirements for the ATC articulate directly into the LC State Early Childhood Associate of Applied Science Degree. 

Entry into the ATC degree option requires students to work with children in approved internship settings. Students enrolling in this program must complete an application packet including: 

• ECD Program Application
• Criminal Background Check and Fingerprinting
• Current Certification in Pediatric CPR/First Aid
• TB Clearance
• Proof of a Physical Exam

Students will not be allowed to register for ​Early Childhood Development Program courses beyond the first semester without a completed application packet. Instructions for completing the application packet will be provided by the program advisor. 

Upon completion of this certificate students will be able to:

• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment
• Assess children’s growth and development, and plan curriculum activities to advance physical, intellectual, and linguistic competence
• Support social and emotional development and provide positive guidance for young children
• Foster positive and productive relations with families and the community
• Ensure well-run, purposeful programs responsive to participant needs
• Maintain professionalism and ethical conduct

General Education Core

Program Requirements