Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Administration, Management, and Leadership

Two Ways to Learn

Choose from two degree completion options.

The course-based format may be a good option for you if you prefer an instructor-led approach and learning on a predetermined schedule.

Tempo Competency-Based Learning^™ is an alternative way to earn your Walden degree. It’s different from our standard course-based learning because you can work at a pace that makes sense for you, and progress once you’ve shown you understand a subject. With Tempo Learning^®, you have the flexibility of online learning, plus the ability to personalize and control the length, cost, and pacing of your program. See below which specializations are offered in Tempo Competency-Based Learning in addition to our standard course-based learning.

Choose the learning path that fits your life and experience. Here are the two ways to earn your degree:

^*May not be available for all programs

Course-Based Learning

Curriculum

Completion Requirements

• 15 total semester credits

This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.

Credits earned in this certificate program may be applied toward Walden’s MS in Early Childhood Studies.

Courses

Show Course Descriptions

Course Code	Title	Credits
EDUC 6161	Effective Programs and Practices Show Researchers indicate that long-term benefits from early childhood programs result only when the programs are of high quality. In this course, education professionals explore the components essential to program effectiveness, including planning for, improving, and evaluating program quality. They learn research-based, effective practices for promoting learning and development across developmental domains and subject matter areas in children from birth through age 8. Education professionals transfer new knowledge and skills to an authentic context through practical assignments, such as reflective blog posts and real-world observations of professionals in the field.	(3 sem. cr.)
EDUC 6164	Perspectives on Diversity and Equity Show Understanding and respecting the diversity and individuality of every child and family is central to effective practice and at the heart of the early childhood field. Education professionals in this course examine family cultures and their impact on children and programs, and they investigate issues related to access, equity, and social justice. Through assignments designed to provide practical application of content, they also work toward developing an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of diversity, scrutinizing their own biases to effectively work with and advocate for all children and families.	(3 sem. cr.)
EDUC 6166	Developing People and Leading Teams Show The success of any manager is largely dependent on the leadership they provide their staff. Students in this course explore the roles and responsibilities of directors and/or administrators in effectively managing individuals and leading teams for early childhood programs. Education professionals in this course focus on staff recruitment, evaluation, and development, and they identify the skills and knowledge required to create positive environments and achieve individual and organizational goals. In this course, the educator will be challenged to consider the ethical, legal, and cultural implications of working with a diverse staff, with emphasis given to the importance of effective communication in maintaining productive relationships.	(3 sem. cr.)
EDUC 6167	Budgeting and Allocating Resources Show Administrators of early childhood programs must be able to effectively budget and allocate resources. Education professionals in this course explore the role of the administrator in budgeting and handling resource allocation for early childhood programs. They examine processes for effectively managing budgets and explore strategies designed to help them understand and communicate budgets to stakeholders. Education professionals also explore the various sources of funding and plan a budget for an early childhood education program.	(3 sem. cr.)
EDUC 6168	Planning and Managing Early Childhood Programs Show Effective early childhood directors/administrators are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs to ensure quality experiences for the children and families they serve. In this course, effective administrators focus on the wide range of roles in which they must excel, including developing and maintaining the program's mission and vision, understanding regulatory and accreditation requirements, marketing, and providing all children proper nutrition and safety while in their care. Education professionals in this course also examine the importance of engaging in meaningful communication with parents, families, and communities.	(3 sem. cr.)

Tuition and Fees

Curriculum Component	Requirements	Cost	Total *
Tuition	15 total semester credit hours	$600 per semester hour	$9,000
Technology Fee	Per semester	$210	$630
		TOTAL	$9,630
		Transfer up to 6 credits	$3,810
		Total with Maximum Transfer Credits†	$5,820

The tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.

^*Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $400 to $600.

^†Maximum transfer credit total includes reduction in technology fee as related to reduced number of courses over time.

Tempo Competency-Based Learning