Last Updated
6/6/2024 5:54:53 PM
Early Childhood Advanced Career Pathway Level III Certificate, Gateways to Opportunity Level III Credential
Total Program Credits: 28.5
(formerly Early Childhood Credential Continuing Pathway Certificate Level III)
The Early Childhood Advanced Career Pathway Level III Certificate, Gateways to Opportunity Level III Credential, is designed for students interested in entering the Early Childhood Education field or students currently employed within the field seeking to progress in their current role. Students will be introduced to foundational concepts and best practices in the areas of: child development, curriculum and instruction, health, safety and nutrition, guidance and classroom management, diversity and inclusion, and observation, documentation and assessment. Students enrolled in this more advanced pathway are provided the opportunity to develop and refine their skills through hands-on experience and implementation. This certificate will lead to a Gateways to Opportunity Level III Early Childhood Credential. This pathway is designed with stackable course offerings so students can progress within the credentialing system and obtain more advanced certificates and degrees. Field experience/observation hours are a requirement for all ECE courses. Field experiences in this advanced certificate progress from basic observation to supervised implementation within an early childhood classroom setting. All program courses may not transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
Stackable Certificate:
Early Childhood Advanced Career Pathway Level II Certificate, Gateways to Opportunity Level II Credential
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Early Childhood Advanced Career Pathway Level III Certificate, Gateways to Opportunity Level III Credential, the graduate will be able to:
- Apply Developmentally Appropriate Practice in all aspects of curriculum and instruction.
- Describe the developmental characteristics and needs of children birth through age eight.
- Utilize observation, documentation, and assessment to inform their practices with young children.
- Establish respectful and reciprocal relationship with children and their families.
- Create classroom environments that promote respect and acceptance for human diversity.
- Exhibit professional practices that are aligned with NAEYC Professional Standards and Code of Ethical Conduct.
(Reviewed Fall 2023)
Placement Measures
Program Map for Students
| ECE 110 ◊ Early Child Development | Core Course | 3 |
| ECE 111 ◊ Introduction to Early Childhood Education | Core Course | 3 |
| PSY 100 ◊ Introduction to Psychology | Social and Behavioral Science Gen-ed | 3 |
| RHT 101 ◊ # English Rhetoric & Composition I | Communications Gen-ed | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 12 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan.
Explore stackable certificate(s)/degree(s) |
| ECE 118 ◊ Health, Nutrition & Safety | Core Course | 3 |
| ECE 142 ◊ # Students With Disabilities in School | Core Course | 3 |
| MAT 116 # ◊ Math for Elementary School Teachers I | Core Course | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 9 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic and transfer plan.
Create a Transferology account to explore how coursework transfers. Attend a Transfer 101 Workshop. (if applicable) |
| ECE 138 ◊ # Observation, Assessment, Curriculum and Guidance of Young Children | Core Course | 3.5 |
| ECE 146 ◊ Child, Family & Community | Core Course | 3 |
| ECE 153 ◊ Guiding Children and Managing the Classroom | Core Course | 1 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 7.5 |
Meet with your Academic Advisor to finalize your academic plan for graduation and register for stackable certificate/degree (option).
Submit graduation petition by deadline (check for the specific date in catalog or syllabus.) |
Note: A minimum grade of "C" is required for each ECE course in all ECE programs.
See ECE course descriptions.
Chairperson: Hunter Stuckemeyer, Ext. 3046, email: hunterstuckemeyer@triton.edu
KEY
(AAS/CERT) |
| General Education |
Communications, Fine Arts, Humanities, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social and Behavioral Science (see individual degree requirements). |
| Core Course |
Course(s) listed in a semester the student is required to take. |
| Program Elective |
Course(s) that faculty recommend and are listed in the ‘Program Electives’ section (if any) for this program. |
If intending to transfer, choose courses accepted by your transfer institution. |
| General Elective |
Course(s) chosen by the student, if needed, above and beyond core courses and program electives (if any), to complete the Program Total Credits. |
| ◊ symbol |
This course is articulated. (course transfers to 3 or more Illinois State schools, as an elective or equal course-to-course) |
| # symbol |
This course has a prerequisite. (course(s) student takes prior to taking this course) |