Child Development - Certificate of Specialization

ECC’s Early Childhood Development Program-AAS equips students for careers in early childhood education or related fields, emphasizing the crucial role of quality care in children’s development. Students gain hands-on experience at local early care providers. Graduates/Students typically take on various roles as; teaching assistants, certified paraprofessionals, certified substitute teachers, directors, or parent educators, or even pursuing further education at our four-year partners. Classes are offered in an online setting to accommodate working students, and the program offers certificates and credentials to help students towards the Child Development Associate (CDA). The program is aligned with NAEYC Professional Standards and Missouri’s Early Childhood Workforce initiatives for those seeking ECE II qualification levels aligned with the NAEYC Unifying Framework Model. 

Typical work settings for students/graduates; Child Care Centers, Family Child Care Homes, Head Start/Early Head Start, Preschools, Recreational Centers, Aftercare Programs

Extra-curricular/Cocurricular Opportunities at ECC: Students are encouraged to be active in NAEYC and East Central College has an active SMSTA Chapter on campus that participates and hosts numerous cocurricular activities throughout the year including Annual Messy Play event held in the spring semester during the Week of the Young Child.