Shape young minds and build a fulfilling future with an Early Learning Certificate
Early childhood education is a rewarding field that is vital in shaping the social, emotional, cognitive, linguistic and physical development of children. Clackamas Community College's Early Learning Certificate program equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in this growing and impactful field.
Here's what sets our program apart:
- Fast-track your career: Gain the qualifications you need in just one year.
- Hands-on learning: Apply your knowledge through real-world experience at child care centers and preschools.
- Expert guidance: Benefit from personalized support from experienced faculty and advisors.
- Affordable education: Get started on your career path at an affordable price.
Starting at Clackamas Community College is an affordable first-step in transferring to a four-year university. Our early childhood education programs provide one-on-one advising and faculty support, as well as site placement assistance where you will get real world training in the field. In fact, many of our students go on to full-time employment at their work experience sites after graduation.
For detailed description and learning outcomes for this program, view the course catalog.Required classes for the Early Learning Certificate
A bright future awaits
The demand for qualified early childhood educators is on the rise. Our graduates are well-positioned for rewarding careers in a variety of child care settings.
Tap into your potential and develop these in-demand skills
Our Early Learning Certificate program teaches you to nurture young minds and create positive learning environments. You should gain expertise in:
- Child development: Understand the physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth of children.
- Curriculum design: Create engaging activities that foster learning and exploration.
- Family collaboration: Build strong relationships with families to support children's holistic development.
- Classroom management: Foster a safe and nurturing environment for young learners.
- Observation and assessment: Effectively evaluate children's progress and tailor learning experiences.
This program provides a foundation in the 10 core knowledge categories: Family and community systems; diversity; health, safety and nutrition; human growth and development; learning environments and curriculum; observation and assessment; personal, professional and leadership development; program management; special needs; and understanding and guiding behavior (The Oregon Registry, 2008).
Students must obtain a First-Aid certificate with infant-toddler CPR by the end of the first year.
For more information on expected learning outcomes of successfully completing this program, view the course catalog.
Investing in your future
Clackamas Community College offers some of the lowest tuition rates in the Portland metro area. To begin building the cost for your program, you can start with the base estimate below.
This estimate includes the cost of tuition and the general fees applied per class and per academic term. This estimate does not include additional fees required for many courses or the cost of course materials. Contact the program to learn more about additional costs that may apply.
You can also find more information about the costs of attending CCC on the Tuition and Fees page.
Get help paying for college
Scholarships and grants (free money!) are available for students in this program. For help with financial aid and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Resource Lab.
