Preschool Specialization Certificate
EFSC's Preschool Specialization certificate program consists of coursework in preschool curriculum, environments, and areas of child development associated with young children, infants, and toddlers. Preschool age typically refers to children who are four to five years old.
Training to work with preschoolers involves many different forms of observation as you document a single child and create learning prescriptions based on their needs. This program places emphasis on skills, looking for developmental milestones, and identifying gifted children. You'll also learn about a variety of different preschool activities, including how to create worksheets for preschool.
This certificate will prepare you to:
- Enter the workforce as a teacher's assistant at a preschool or VPK
- Earn state-approved, professional certification to enhance your existing career (FCCPC/Staff Credential)
Preschool Specialization COURSE CURRICULUM
The Preschool Specialization certificate includes a total of four courses that require a combination of theoretical and practical study.
Preschool Specialization Certificate
Program Overview
- Certificate Type
- College Credit Certificate (CCC)
- Delivery Method
- On-Campus
- Locations
- Cocoa, Melbourne
- Total Credit Hours
- 12
- Academic Community
- Education
- Contact Information
-
Email Program Advisor
321-632-1111Advising Appointments
Preschool Specialization Admissions Information
The Preschool Specialization certificate is an open-access program with rolling admissions, with no placement testing required. You can submit your application via Eastern Florida's standard enrollment process. Contact an the EFSC program advisor for help with enrollment questions. You can also contact the program manager Kelly Shaver, Associate Professor, at shaverk@easternflorida.edu or 321-433-5728.
Background screening and fingerprinting is a DCF requirement for working and obtaining licensure in this field. If you are interested in working in early childhood education, you should view the background screening requirements, which preclude individuals with misdemeanor or felony charges or convictions from participation.
How Much Does a Preschool Certificate Cost?
In-state tuition for this program is approximately $1,250 (plus additional fees for labs and course materials). This program is not eligible for federal financial aid due to only being 12 credit hours. However, students can use Florida Bright Futures Scholarships, Florida Prepaid, or the Nelnet Payment Plan toward the tuition and can also apply for Veterans Educational Benefits, Titan Scholarships and outside scholarships, including the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship Program.
Courses You'll Take
The Preschool Specialization curriculum consists of four courses, which will also meet the course requirements for obtaining your FCCPC/Staff Credential. You must complete EEC 1200: Early Childhood Curriculum and EEC 2710: Conflict Resolution in Early Childhood before enrolling in EEC 1942: Early Childhood Practicum.
Learn to choose and construct learning materials, and present music, art, math, science, literacy, and motor skills curriculums to children.
Create safe, caring, and respectful environments for young children using reflective listening, trust-building, problem-solving, and more.
Plan, implement, and evaluate lesson plans for young children as you gain experience observing/interpreting behavior while student-teaching.
Gain an overview of the importance of observation and assessment in planning developmentally
appropriate programs for young children.
Why Specialize in Preschool Education at EFSC?
Hands-On Experience
As part of the certificate courses you'll spend 80 hours doing activities with young children outside of scheduled course time. When applicable, this experience can occur in your place of employment, but there also also several opportunities to volunteer in licensed child care centers throughout Brevard County. EFSC faculty can assist you with finding a convenient placement in your area.
Professional Development Opportunities
This certificate includes all the required training courses for the Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC/Staff Credential), as well as courses that are eligible to meet the Director’s Renewal requirement. Learn more about this option.
Related Programs
All of the courses for the Preschool Certificate also apply to Eastern Florida's Early Childhood Education associate degree. You can start with the certificate and apply its courses to complete the A.S. later, or you can earn both credentials at the same time. EFSC also offers a variety of other education programs to explore: