Program Goals:
The Early Childhood Education Foundational Certificate provides students with foundational knowledge for all early educators. This program aligns with the MA Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) requirements, contains foundational courses required as part of the Early Childhood Education MA transfer pathways, and contains an experiential learning component. This certificate was intentionally designed to align with the current certification requirements, and to fit within the new credentialing system, considering both current and future needs of the early education workforce.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Explain and demonstrate an understanding of how cultural, economic, political, and historical factors influence theories of child development.
- Use knowledge of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development to practice assessment of children from birth to age eight (8).
- Explain the main theories, models, job roles, and responsibilities in early childhood education for creating safe and inclusive learning environments.
- Follow ethical, legal, and practical considerations for supporting children with diverse needs and backgrounds in an unbiased way.
- Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum plans that align with ECE guidelines and support child development across domains.
- Demonstrate positive and supportive interactions with children, families, and colleagues.
Admissions Process:
Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.
Program Admissions Requirements:
Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.
- High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.
CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:
Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI), Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI), Department of Children & Families (DCF) background checks and/or fingerprinting are required for certain mandatory courses. Drug testing is not required. Depending on the contents of these criminal background check(s), a student’s participation in an academic program that involves working with children, the disabled, or the elderly, or which includes an observation, practicum, or field placement, may not be allowed, and therefore may impact a student’s ability to complete program requirements. For more information, visit the CORI/SORI page.
Additional Cost:
See the Program Fees page.
Technical Performance Standards:
See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).
Credit for Prior Learning:
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.
- Students with certifications or graduates of technical high school programs may be eligible to earn credit for prior learning.
Career Outlook:
Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 13.1210.
Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:
Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.
Additional Information:
- Students must pass all ECE courses with a grade of “C” or higher.
- Students cannot take any ECE course more than twice.
- Many of the required courses can be applied to the associate degree option(s).
