Program Overview

Online Early Childhood Education Administration & Leadership Certificate

The Online Early Childhood Education Administration & Leadership Certificate is designed to provide students with the skills and insight into coaching, leadership, supervision, and administration in early childhood education. This graduate certificate program can be added to any degree and is offered entirely online.

Program Details

• Program Type: Certificate - Graduate
• Format: Online
• Estimated Time to Complete: 1 - 2 years
• Credit Hours: 12

Why Earn a Certificate in Early Childhood Education Administration & Leadership?

Early childhood educators with leadership skills are in high demand, especially given the many unfilled vacancies in childcare, Head Start, and ECE programs. This certificate allows students to focus on early childhood education and can also be used towards a master's degree in Early Childhood Education.

Accreditation

The Teacher Education programs at the University of North Dakota are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This online certificate program follows the guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Program Structure

• Students have the opportunity to join the professional group Future Educators of UND (FEUND) and participate in volunteer work, connect with other education majors, and learn from experienced personnel.
• The program includes shadowing a director in a center or facility during coursework.
• The fully online format provides flexibility, allowing students to learn on their own schedule without requiring a campus visit.

Career Opportunities

With a graduate certificate in Early Childhood Education Administration & Leadership, students can further their careers as:

• Early Childhood Teacher: Enhance expertise as an early childhood educator with specialized knowledge and leadership skills.
• Educational Director: Prepare to effectively supervise staff and manage day-to-day operations.
• Administrator: Oversee budgets, manage personnel, and navigate regulatory requirements in childcare centers, preschools, or early childhood education agencies.
• Curriculum Specialist: Influence educational experiences by designing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum frameworks.

Courses

• Leadership and Organizational Behavior (EDL 501): Provides school leaders with preparation in skills for providing purpose and direction, shaping school culture, and facilitating the development of shared strategic vision.
• Supervision & Professional Development (EDL 514): Prepares school leaders with skills for instructional improvement and working with faculty and staff to identify professional needs.
• Assessment in ECE (T&L 511): Examines the construct and practice of assessment for teaching in birth to third-grade learning environments.
• Administration and Leadership in ECE (T&L 590): Exploration of special topics in the study of education, with a focus on administration and leadership in early childhood education.

Flexible Online Graduate Certificate Courses

The program features asynchronous classes, allowing students to learn at their own pace through:

• Lesson modules
• Streaming video content
• Virtual libraries
• Posted lectures
• Online simulations Interaction with instructors and classmates occurs through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms, providing a structured learning environment with deadlines.