About the Program

The Early Childhood Education four-term certificate program prepares students to work with young children from birth through 8 years of age and their families in a variety of settings including child-care centers, family child-care, preschools, Head Start, school age programs, home visiting, and parent education. It is planned to accommodate both full- and part-time students, including those currently employed in the field.

The program has as its basis preparation for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Students may choose to complete the CDA assessment process and be eligible for entry-level jobs at that point. The CDA preparation courses serve as the foundation of the core coursework for the Early Childhood Education certificate, a one-year certificate which prepares students to work as teacher assistants or teachers in child-care programs, Head Start, or other early childhood settings.

For the corresponding relationship of the Early Childhood Education coursework to the Oregon Registry: Pathways to Professional Recognition in Childhood Care and Education, go to www.pdx.edu/occd/steps-credentials-oro/#Community%20Colleges and click on Rogue Community College.

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Program learning outcomes for the Early Childhood Education Certificate of Completion are:

Design strategies that promote child development for ages birth through age 8 across developmental domains relevant to the child’s relational and cultural environments.

Generate strategies that build and sustain family and community partnerships, reflecting the complex characteristics of children’s families and communities to support successful early childhood outcomes.

Describe developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate teaching practices for children ages birth through age 8.

Utilize child observation to assess and plan for individual developmental strengths and needs.

Participate in and examine one’s role as a professional in the early childhood field.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading, and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process.

Many courses in this department require participation in community schools, programs, and agencies for observation and practicum experiences. Practicum placement and classroom observations will require proof of measles immunization status, RCC Student ID, and may require proof of COVID vaccination status or criminal history background check. More information is available from the Early Childhood and Elementary Education Department.

Advanced Standing

Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college registration policies and the Early Childhood and Elementary Education Department Chair’s approval. In order to ensure that coursework is current, program courses over 10 years old must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate department chair before being accepted toward core requirements. Each College Now credit student must meet with the department chair to determine placement.

Credits earned in the successful completion of Career Pathways Certificates can be applied to other certificates and degrees in the Career Pathway. For more information, speak to a program advisor.

Graduation Requirements

Students completing the required credits in this program with a grade of “C-” or better will receive their certificates. Certain required courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis only. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C-” or better grade.

This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate. Where zero credits are listed in the prerequisites, students may place into a higher level(s) based on designated placement. Note: some prerequisites may be required for graduation. Please consult an advisor with any program completion questions.