Graduate Certificate, Early Childhood

Explore the field of early childhood leadership

Studying for Carlow’s graduate certificate in Early Childhood Leadership, you’ll learn skills needed to evaluate early learning programs and will explore curriculum development and educational coaching.

If you hold a Pennsylvania Level I or Level II certification in Early Childhood, you are eligible for the Early Childhood Supervisor endorsement through the state Department of Education after successful completion of this program. The four-course sequence may lead to a Director Credential; the full Supervision program is extensive and leads to full certification in Early Childhood Supervision. If you do not have a current Level I or Level II certification, you are not eligible for the Supervisor Endorsement, but may complete the program to broaden professional knowledge, and a Carlow certificate of completion will be issued.

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Credits required:

12 credits

Cost per credit:

$600/credit

Time to completion:

As few as 12 months

Delivery:

On campus or online

Graduate certificate in Early Childhood Leadership curriculum

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Courses focus on developmentally appropriate supervisory practices for each age group; trends and challenges in the field, as well as various types of programs designed for children in child care, Head Start, preschool and early intervention programs; and a case study of an operating early childhood program. An internship is required.

Quick facts

Complete 3 online courses plus internship
Earn endorsement through the state Department of Education (for Pennsylvania licensed teachers)

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Career opportunities for Early Childhood Leadership certificate

The program will lead to a deeper understanding of the roles of center director, supervisor of Head Start/Early Head Start programs, classroom coaches and early childhood mentors.

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work

Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall & Spring

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.