Program Overview

Early Childhood Education Leadership Program

The Early Childhood Education Leadership program is designed to equip current and aspiring early childhood administrators with the tools and knowledge to lead with confidence and purpose. This comprehensive program integrates educational theory, administrative best practices, and child development principles to prepare participants to lead high-quality early learning environments.

Program Overview

• The program emphasizes leadership, collaboration, mentorship, and effective team-building strategies, fostering staff support and a culture of trust, mutual respect, and shared commitment to excellence in early childhood education.
• Aligned with National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards, the program provides a strong framework to enhance leadership practices, improve staffing systems, and strengthen operational effectiveness.

Program Details

• Duration: 12 months
• Format: Online
• Tuition: $2,180 (excluding certificate and textbook fees)

What You'll Learn

• Develop effective leadership practices and management skills that promote an equitable, collaborative, and culturally responsive work environment.
• Apply standards to guide leadership strategies, staffing systems, and program evaluation.
• Learn quality coaching and mentorship strategies that support reflective, inclusive staff development.
• Strengthen operational and financial management skills, including budgeting and aligning resources with strategic program goals.
• Create and maintain safe, developmentally appropriate learning environments while guiding curriculum planning to support student growth and learning.

Certificate Guidelines

• All candidates who wish to receive the Early Childhood Education Leadership Certificate are required to:
  1. Complete the application for the Early Childhood Education Leadership certificate program.
  2. Pay the certificate fee.
  3. Complete all the required online courses with a grade of a "C" or better.
  4. Coursework must be completed within 5 years of beginning the program to be eligible for the certificate.

Required Courses

• EDUC-42642: Leadership in Early Childhood Education Programs
  • Units: 4.50
  • Cost: $500.00
• EDUC-42645: Leading Teams: Hiring, Leading, and Supporting ECE Educators
  • Units: 4.50
  • Cost: $500.00
• EDUC-42643: Principles of Play-Based Learning
  • Units: 6.00
  • Cost: TBD
• EDUC-42644: Administration of Early Childhood Education Programs
  • Units: 4.50
  • Cost: TBD

Advisory Board

• Alison Black, Ed.D, Faculty-Education Studies, UC San Diego
• Bailey Choi-Vanos, Ed.D, Lecturer-Education Studies, UC San Diego
• Jennifer Hardy, M.Ed, Program Specialist-Child and Youth Program Support, YMCA of San Diego County
• Ruth Ray, M.S., Program Director of Early Learning Professional Support, Candelen
• Belinda Rico, Administrator-El Nido Infant & Toddler Montessori Program, Logan Memorial Educational Campus-SDUSD

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