Early Childhood Social Advocacy Certificate
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Early Childhood Social Advocacy Certificate
Degree:
Early Childhood Social Advocacy Certificate
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
The Early Childhood Social Advocacy Certificate consists of eight courses to help you advocate for students. Throughout the courses, you’ll understand early, emergent literacy and the profound impact of poverty on young children, their families, and learning. The Early Childhood Social Advocacy Certificate is the second of five certificates required to earn a BA in Early Childhood Education.
NU — in collaboration with the National Head Start Agency (NHSA) — has created a pathway that integrates the BA in ECE degree requirements with General Education (GE) requirements to provide a more efficient and engaging path to an early childhood education degree. Pathway certificates have themes: “Building Bridges,” “Advocate, Connect, Engage,” and “Moving Up.” Each focuses on specific content paired with GE courses to provide a more meaningful student experience.
Early childhood education certificates consist of eight courses, usually completed in eight months. NHSA students with the CDA Credential will be eligible for credit for the following courses: ECE 201, ECE 210, and HED 220 (on the “Building Bridges” certificate). There may be other opportunities for prior learning credit in the “Moving Up” certificate.
National Head Start Agency (NHSA) students may ONLY participate in a certificate pathway to the BA ECE. See the “Certificate” section of the catalog for more detailed information.
Degree Requirements
- 8 courses; 4.5 credits per course
- Total: 36 Credits
Requirements for the Certificate
8 Courses
Effective College English
4.5 Quarter Units
An introductory course on the written academic discourse patterns required for college-level writing. Emphasizing essay-length compositions, the course covers critical reading, thesis formation, essay organization, and basic revision techniques.
Early Language and Literacy
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ECE 330
Focus on acquisition and developmental aspects of language related to emergent literacy skills. Emphasis on current research regarding language experiences that contributes to literacy acquisitions, including assessment and instruction.
Principles of Sociology
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Critical introduction to basic sociology concepts. Examination of major theoretical perspectives and research methods. Topics include: economic stratification, race, gender, family, deviance, complex organizations.
Literature and Young Children
4.5 Quarter Units
A survey of literature for young children in preschool through first grade. Emphasis on effective read aloud and story telling strategies for the developing language and listening skills, for developing concepts of print and vocabulary and for fostering a love of reading and early literacy skills.
Beginning Spanish I
4.5 Quarter Units
Introduction to Spanish and to the culture of its speakers. Facilitation of the application of the language in both oral and written modes. Activities include chat live discussions, links to cultural sites, and exposure to daily life situations through assignments corresponding to each unit.
Beginning Spanish II
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: SPN 100
Sequel to beginning Spanish I. Further application of the language in both oral and written modes. Activities include chat live discussions, links to cultural sites, and exposure to daily life situations through assignments corresponding to each unit.
Children Experiencing Poverty
4.5 Quarter Units
Examine the short- and long-term impact of poverty and subsequent needs required to support young children and their families. Emphasis on the role, resources and responsibilities of Early Childhood Programs to best support young children in the classroom and community.
Head Start History
4.5 Quarter Units
Understand the purpose, structure, and importance of Head Start through its historical support of children, families, and research. Examines the impact of Head Start over time, to include current challenges and opportunities. Examine the impact of Head Start sponsorship and participation in Early Childhood Education research on the practice of all Early Childhood Programs and outcomes.
Program Learning Outcomes
Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.
- Identify essential concepts, inquiry tools, and structure of content areas and resources for early childhood education
- Develop oral, written, and technological skills for communicating with families and very young children
- Create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for young children
- Use systematic observations, documentation, and other assessment strategies — in partnership with families and professionals — to positively influence children’s development and learning
- Implement a curriculum that promotes development and learning outcomes for diverse young children
- Demonstrate ethical, legal, and professional standards in early childhood education
- Foster positive relationships and supportive interactions with young children
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