Early Childhood Education ,Certificate
Early Childhood, Education, Head Start, Kindergarten, Pre-K, Preschool, Teacher, children, elementary, youth
Make a profound difference in the lives of young children by helping to build a solid foundation for future learning.
The certificate program in early childhood education prepares students to support the cognitive and social-emotional development of young children from birth to age 8.
Students who complete this certificate program are eligible for dual teaching certificates upon completion of an undergraduate degree or to meet requirements for an Early Childhood endorsement. This certificate can be added to the following Bachelor of Arts in Education programs:
- BAE in elementary education
- BAE in elementary multilingual education
- BAE in special education
Students develop skills in understanding and applying evidence-based practices in early childhood education. The innovative coursework is centered on child development theory, development of young children, assessment practices and instructional pedagogy. Students explore techniques and approaches to engage children's family members in the growth and development of young children.
When added to a bachelor's degree program listed above, graduates earn an institutional recommendation for teacher certification in Early Childhood Education, Birth-Grade 3, or an endorsement in Early Childhood Education, Birth-Grade 3, through the Arizona Department of Education. Those who desire to teach in public schools must pass the appropriate Arizona educator exams (National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments) to be certified to teach in the state of Arizona.
Format option
This program is also offered via ASU Sync. ASU Sync enables students to attend live classes remotely via Zoom. Classes are designed to foster active collaboration and discussion in real time with faculty and peers. ASU Sync students must reside in Arizona throughout the duration of the program. Students on F-1 or J-1 immigration status are not permitted to complete courses via Sync and should speak with an advisor about other options to complete this program.
Students seeking to use GI Bill® benefits for ASU Sync programs should contact the Pat Tillman Veterans Center regarding certain limitations.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
- College/school:
Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching & Learning In
- Location: Tempe, ASU Sync
2025-2026 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
|
ECD 321 Foundations in Language, Literacy and Culture in Early Childhood
(SOBE)
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
ECS 310 Foundations in Typical / Atypical Child Development
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
ECS 312 Social and Emotional Development of the Young Child
(SOBE)
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
ECS 411 Instructional Methodologies for Young Children: STEM
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
ECS 412 Mathematics Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
4 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 4 |
|
ECD 417 Arts Integration for Young Children
4 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
|
C | 4 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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This certificate is only open to students majoring in Elementary Education, Special Education, and Elementary Education (Emerging Multilingual Education) undergraduate teacher preparation programs in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. In addition to completing this certificate and a teacher certification program major, students will be required to earn a passing score on the professional knowledge portion of the AEPA/NES exam and a passing score on the subject knowledge portion of the AEPA/NES exam in each area an Arizona teaching credential is sought. Subject knowledge exam waivers may apply. Students should contact the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College for more information.
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Students should have a valid Arizona DPS Identity Verified Print fingerprint clearance card.
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A GPA of 2.25 is required for continued good standing. Students should contact the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College for more information.
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This certificate is open only to students in elementary education, special education and elementary multilingual education undergraduate teacher preparation programs in the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
Students are required to have a valid Arizona DPS Identity Verified Prints fingerprint clearance card.
A GPA of 2.00 is required for continued good standing. Students should contact MLFC for more information.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student but may not be eligible for an institutional recommendation for Arizona teaching licensure without additional preparation beyond the certificate.
There is a strong demand for early childhood educators in Arizona and nationwide. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings, such as preschools, with childcare providers and in after-school care. Many graduates with early childhood education credentials hold leadership positions in Head Start, private nonprofit and private for-profit center-based programs, and public school early childhood environments.
ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.
Division for Advancing Educator Preparation
|
ED 102
ASUeducation@asu.edu
480-965-9995
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
