Infant and Toddler Specialization Certificate
EFSC's Infant and Toddler Specialization certificate program consists of coursework in curriculum design and the developmental stages of newborn infants, babies, and toddlers (children ages three and under). It's an excellent choice if you'd like to gain more of an understanding of child development while getting career-ready.
This certificate will prepare you to:
- Land a part- or full-time position working with young children in a child development center or early childhood center
- Earn state-approved, professional certification to enhance your existing career (FCCPC/Staff Renewal)
Infant and Toddler Specialization COURSE CURRICULUM
The curriculum for the Infant and Toddler Specialization certificate includes a total of four courses that require a combination of theoretical and practical study. You may also be eligible to earn transfer credit toward your certificate through:
- Previously earned credentials, such as the Child Development Associate (CDA), Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC)/Staff Credential, Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC), or Child Care Apprenticeship Certificate (CACC); or
- Education courses completed at a Brevard County public high school.
Infant and Toddler 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
Infant and Toddler Specialization Admissions Information
The Infant and Toddler Specialization certificate is an open-access program with rolling admissions and does not require placement testing. You can submit your application via Eastern Florida's standard enrollment process. Contact the EFSC advisor for help with planning and enrollment questions and to discuss how this certificate can be part of the Early Childhood Education A.S. degree. You can also contact the program's manager Kelly Shaver 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 explore the background screening requirements, which exclude individuals with misdemeanor or felony charges or convictions.
How Much Does the Infant and Toddler Certificate Cost?
In-state tuition for this program is approximately $1,250 (plus additional fees for labs and course materials). Because the program is just 12 credit hours, it is not eligible for federal financial aid. 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 such as the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship Program.
Courses You'll Take
The Infant and Toddler Specialization curriculum consists of four courses, which are the same courses required to obtain 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.
Explore and learn strategies for promoting the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of babies and toddlers.
Plan, implement, and evaluate lesson plans for young children as you gain experience observing/interpreting behavior while student-teaching.
Why Focus on Infant and Toddler Education at EFSC?
HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
Throughout the program, you'll spend 80 hours doing activities with young children outside of your 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.
Related Programs
All of the courses for the Infant and Toddler Certificate also apply to Eastern Florida's Early Childhood Education associate degree. If you're interested in both programs, you can start with the certificate and opt to complete the A.S. later, or you can earn both at the same time! EFSC also offers a variety of other education programs to explore: