Early Childhood Education
Certificate in Early Childhood Education
Do you enjoy working with young children? Do you want to nurture the next generation? Would you like to work in the field of early childhood education? A Certificate in Early Childhood Education allows you to transform your passion for helping young children into a rewarding career where you help shape young minds. This certificate program in Early Childhood Education (ECED) is designed for students who wish to work in this field or transfer to a two or four-year college or university to complete an Associate in Early Childhood Education or Bachelor in Early Childhood Education/Family and Child Studies.
Experiential Learning
The core requirements of this certificate include two practicums in which students are in the Pre-K classroom working with young children.
Faculty Expertise
Instructors in the early childhood education certificate program have master’s degrees and Ph.D.’s in education. Most have years of teaching experience and are passionate about teaching the next generation.
Career Opportunities & Outcomes
The need for child care providers is ever present. Students completing this certificate will gain a competitive edge in roles in preschools, daycare centers, and community programs. Students learn essential skills in curriculum planning, child assessment, and family and community collaboration. Beginning median wage rates for childcare workers was $15.41 in May 2024. About 160,200 openings for childcare workers are projected each year over the next decade.
Occupational Outlook: Childcare Workers
Students who continue on to complete an Associate’s degree in early childhood education can expect jobs as Educational Assistants in preschool settings with median annual wage of $35,240 in May 2024.
Occupational Outlook: Teacher Assistants
Program Highlights
For many students, practicum experiences are the highlight of their academic studies. Opportunities to apply their new skills in real-life classrooms and work with young children give an insight into their future career.
Program Details
More information on the Certificate in Early Childhood Education program can be found at:
Program Cost
Information on tuition and fees can be found here:
Tuition & Fees
Typical additional costs include textbooks, background checks, and lab fees.
Contact Information
Coordinator, Department of Business & Social Science
Dr. Sharon Hurley
Associate Professor of Business
shurley1@unm.edu