Early Childhood Education

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This program is designed for anyone interested in Child Development and Early Childhood Education. You will identify effective teaching strategies and techniques, and practice these strategies during each course. All courses meet the NJ Division of Youth and Family Services continuing education requirements.

If you enroll in an individual course, you will receive a letter of completion for that single course. To earn an Early Childhood Education certificate from OCC, you must complete eight core courses and three electives. Students interested in pursuing the New Jersey Infant Toddler Credential, see below for requirements. Students interested in pursuing the Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) for Infants & Toddlers (ages 0-3) or Preschool (ages 3-5), must take the course sections related to their age group to earn the Early Childhood Education Certificate and complete the CDA Preparation course. For more information about CDA certification, visit http://www.cdacouncil.org

All Students pursuing the CDA credential are required to purchase the textbook Essentials for Child Development Associates, 2nd Edition from the OCC Bookstore (approx $42). This textbook is used for all of the Early Childhood Education courses.

Requirements for the Infant & Toddler CDA Program :

• Principles of Growth & Development
• Observing and Recording Young Children's Behavior
• Classroom Management
• Positive Parent Relations
• Professionalism
• Early Childhood Curriculum (Infants & Toddlers)
• Nutrition, Health and Safety (Infants and Toddlers)
• Social and Emotional Development (Infants and Toddlers)
• 3 additional electives
• CDA Preparation (when all courses completed or with Instructor approval)

Requirements for the Preschool CDA Program :

• Principles of Growth & Development
• Observing and Recording Young Children's Behavior
• Classroom Management
• Positive Parent Relations
• Professionalism
• Early Childhood Curriculum (Preschool)
• Nutrition, Health and Safety (Preschool)
• Social and Emotional Development (Preschool)
• 3 additional electives
• CDA Preparation (when all courses completed or with Instructor approval)

Click here for list of core and elective courses we offer. Please check our catalog for courses being offered now.