Early Childhood Studies Microcredentials - SUNY Niagara

🏠 SUNY Niagara Open House | ☀️ April 2026: Sanborn + NFCI Open Houses @ SUNY Niagara |

REGISTER NOW
Four young children sit side by side in front of a light-colored brick wall, smiling and looking at the camera. They wear colorful clothes, and one girl wears a pink flower headband.

Early Childhood Studies Microcredentials

Program Description:

This series of six courses (13 academic credits) introduces the student to the profession of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Topics related to the education of infants and children birth to 6 years will be covered including, but not limited to, a history of ECE, observing the developing child (0-6 years), early childhood program theories and models, and curriculum development for the young child. It will familiarize students with the causation, assessment, and treatment of physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities experienced from birth through age six. Students will be required to complete a 135 hour internship with a pre-school or child care setting. This microcredential aligns with the subject areas and competency standards outlined by the Council for Professional Recognition for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

Career Path:

  • Early Childhood Studies Microcredential
  • Early Childhood Studies Certificate (recognized by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, Division of Child Care Services)
  • Liberal Arts & Sciences: Humanities & Social Sciences

Student Learning Objectives:

  1. To identify the attributes typically needed to achieve success as a teacher or human services professional.
  2. To recognize the normal progression of physical, motor, social and emotional, and cognitive and language development.
  3. To examine historical, legal, and socio-cultural contexts affecting persons with disabilities and their families.
  4. To identify areas of bias and how they affect children, describe what an anti-bias attitude is and reflect on personal biases and assess their appropriateness.
  5. To compile and create a portfolio of academic and career achievements.
  • ECE 220 Career Portfolio Development, 1 credit
  • ECE 207 Early Childhood Education: Infants & Toddlers, 3 credits
  • ECE 208 Early Childhood Education: Ages 3-6 Years, 3 credits
  • ECE 200 Early Childhood Education Internship, 4 credits
  • ECE 205 Observing and Recording Children’s Behavior, 1 credit
  • ECE 215 Leadership Skills for Teachers, 1 credit
Current Students Apply
New Students Apply