Early Childhood Education Technical Certificate

For more information, contact the Social Science and Education division at 615-230-3231 or ssed@volstate.edu.

The Early Childhood Education Technical Certificate prepares the student for employment in the field of childcare and early education.  Students who receive CDA (Child Development Associate) credential through Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA) are given an opportunity to strengthen their skills and knowledge in curriculum development for young children and receive necessary training for CDA renewal.

The Early Childhood Education Technical Certificate is embedded within the Associate of Arts, and the Associate of Science, General Studies area of emphasis.  Courses in this certificate may be used to award the area of emphasis.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the graduate will have developed the skills, knowledge and abilities to accomplish the following:

  1. Students will demonstrate the knowledge and skill necessary to become a successful early childhood provider.

  2. Students will demonstrate and understanding of family relationships, child development, developmentally appropriate practice, observation and assessments, learning environment, health and safety, guidance, and orientation to professionalism in the field of early childhood education.

CIP Code: (12) 19.0706.00     SOC Code: 25-2011, 25-9042

Certificate Requirements - Credits (24)


  • ECED 1310 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education Credits: (3)
  • ECED 2310 - Safe, Healthy Learning Environments Credits: (3)
  • ECED 2315 - Early Childhood Curriculum Credits: (3)
  • ECED 2335 - Initial Practicum Credits: (3)
  • ECED 2340 - Family Dynamics and Community Involvement Credits: (3)
  • ECED 2380 - Language and Literacy in Early Childhood Credits: (3)
  • ECED 2385 - Math and Science in Early Childhood Credits: (3)
  • ECED Electives (Choose three credits from the following list) Credits: (3)
  • ECED 2312 - Administration of Early Childhood Programs  Credits: (3)

    ECED 2320 - Infant, Toddler, Child Development  Credits: (3)

    ECED 2330 - Infant and Toddler Care  Credits: (3)

    ECED 2360 - Development of Exceptional Children  Credits: (3)

    ECED 2370 - Developmental Assessment  Credits: (3)

    ECED 2386 - Special Topics  Credits: (1-3)

    ECED 2390 - Creative Development  Credits: (3)

Total Certificate Requirements - Credits (24)


Recommended Schedule


This is a recommended schedule. Learning Support, pre-requisites and other academic factors may impact this schedule.  See your advisor to create a degree plan.

DegreeWorks, along with the correct catalog, should be utilized by students for all of their educational planning.  Students can monitor their progress toward a degree or certificate and view missing requirements with the DegreeWorks audit, which is accessible through My Volstate.

First Year - Fall Semester - Credits (12)


  • ECED 1310 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education Credits: (3)
  • ECED 2310 - Safe, Healthy Learning Environments Credits: (3)
  • ECED 2340 - Family Dynamics and Community Involvement Credits: (3)
  • ECED 2380 - Language and Literacy in Early Childhood Credits: (3)

First Year - Spring Semester - Credits (12)


  • ECED 2315 - Early Childhood Curriculum Credits: (3)
  • ECED 2385 - Math and Science in Early Childhood Credits: (3)
  • ECED 2335 - Initial Practicum Credits: (3)
  • ECED Elective (Choose from list above) Credits: (3)