Early Childhood Education ,Certificate
Early Childhood, Education, Head Start, Kindergarten, Pre-K, Preschool, Teacher, children, elementary, youth
Make a profound difference in the lives of young children by helping to build a solid foundation for future learning.
The certificate program in early childhood education prepares you to support the cognitive and social-emotional development of young children from birth to age 8.
When you complete this certificate program, you're eligible for dual teaching certificates upon completion of an undergraduate degree or to meet requirements for an Early Childhood endorsement. This certificate can be added only to the Bachelor of Arts in Education program in special education.
You develop skills in understanding and applying evidence-based practices in early childhood education. The innovative coursework is centered on child development theory, development of young children, assessment practices and instructional pedagogy. You explore techniques and approaches to engage family members in the growth and development of their young children.
When added to the special education bachelor's degree program, you earn an institutional recommendation for teacher certification in Early Childhood Education, Birth-Grade 3, or an endorsement in Early Childhood Education, Birth-Grade 3, through the Arizona Department of Education. If you wish to teach in public schools, you must also pass the appropriate Arizona educator exams (National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments) to be certified to teach in the state of Arizona.
Format option
This program is also offered via ASU Sync. ASU Sync enables you to attend live classes remotely via Zoom. Classes are designed to foster active collaboration and discussion in real time with faculty and peers. As an ASU Sync student, you must reside in Arizona throughout the duration of the program. If you have F-1 or J-1 immigration status, you should speak with an advisor about other options to complete this program. Students with F-1 or J-1 immigration status are not permitted to complete courses via Sync.
If you are seeking to use GI Bill® benefits for ASU Sync programs, you should contact the Pat Tillman Veterans Center regarding certain limitations.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
- College/school:
Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation
- Location: Tempe, ASU Sync
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The certificate in early childhood education requires 20 credit hours. |
||
| Required Courses | ||
|
ECD 321 Foundations in Language, Literacy and Culture in Early Childhood
(SOBE)
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
ECD 417 Arts Integration for Young Children
4 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 4 |
|
ECS 310 Foundations in Typical / Atypical Child Development
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
ECS 312 Social and Emotional Development of the Young Child
(SOBE)
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
ECS 411 Instructional Methodologies for Young Children: STEM
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
ECS 412 Mathematics Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
4 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 4 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
|
This certificate is open only to students in the special education undergraduate teacher preparation program in the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
Students are required to have a valid Arizona DPS Identity Verified Prints fingerprint clearance card.
A GPA of 2.00 is required for continued good standing. Students should contact MLFC for more information.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student but may not be eligible for an institutional recommendation for Arizona teaching licensure without additional preparation beyond the certificate.
There is a strong demand for early childhood educators in Arizona and nationwide. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings, such as preschools, with childcare providers and in after-school care. Many graduates with early childhood education credentials hold leadership positions in Head Start, private nonprofit and private for-profit center-based programs, and public school early childhood environments.
ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.
In addition to completing this certificate and a teacher certification program major, students are required to earn a passing score on the professional knowledge portion of the AEPA/NES exam and a passing score on the subject knowledge portion of the AEPA/NES exam in each area an Arizona teaching credential is sought. Subject knowledge exam waiver may apply. Students should contact MLFC for more information.
Division for Advancing Educator Preparation
|
ED 118
ASUeducation@asu.edu
480-965-5555
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
