What you will study
UCM’s Advanced Teaching in Early Childhood Education certificate aligns with the Core
Competencies for Early Childhood and Youth Professionals Missouri and Kansas. It also
meets the revised 2020 National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Professional Standards.
Our focused courses offer opportunities for you to practice your teaching strategies
and sharpen your leadership skills. To complete your Advanced Teaching certificate,
you’ll take innovative courses such as:
- Early Childhood Education: A Constructivist Approach for 21st Century Thinkers
- Play and Advocacy in the 21st Century
- Multicultural Education Beliefs, Curriculum and Pedagogy
- Making and Learning: STEM in Early Childhood Education
- Teaching Strategies and The Classroom Environment for Active, Engaged Learning
Direct Pathway to a Master’s in Early Childhood Education
With your Advanced Teaching Certificate, you’ll be eligible to complete an additional
15 credit hours to earn the full MSE in Early Childhood Education from UCM. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, completing a
master’s degree can qualify you for jobs that pay as much as 26% more per year.
Excellence in Early Childhood Education
- UCM is Missouri's longest continuously accredited public institution by the Council
for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- Top 15%: Most Focused Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 6%: Most Popular Colleges for Education (College Factual, 2022)
- A Most Popular College for Teacher Education (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 10%: Best Value in Education (College Factual, 2021)
Unique Learning Opportunities
Your University of Central Missouri’s Advanced Teaching Certificate will help you
pursue leadership roles beyond the classroom. Gain hands-on, real-world experience
to grow as an educator:
- Direct interaction with students: Work alongside elementary school teachers and assist in the classroom. You’ll apply
what you’re learning in your courses while staying current with teaching methods.
- Mentorship: Our faculty is active in early education advocacy through organizations and political
associations. They will show you how to lead education conversations that inspire
action.
- Personal career advising: With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, UCM’s Advanced Teaching in Early Childhood
Education graduate certificate program offers individualized support throughout the
program.
What can you do with an Advanced Teaching in Early Childhood Education certificate
from UCM?
UCM created the Advanced Teaching graduate certificate in response to the changing
landscape of elementary education and an increasing demand for education leaders within
the early childhood profession.
Investing in your career opens new pathways to you as an educator:
- Create early childhood programming in a museum or other educational settings
- Lead educational services for families with young children
- Create curricula for the professional development of early childhood educators
Earning your graduate certificate also gives you the opportunity to accelerate completion
of your master’s degree for a second credential.
Advancement opportunities for early childhood educators
Explore more career paths and salary potential in early childhood education using
the interactive tool below.
Financial assistance options for your Advanced Teaching in Early Childhood Education
graduate certificate
Gaining a graduate education shouldn’t jeopardize your financial future. At the University
of Central Missouri, we’re committed to helping you achieve your goals in a cost-effective
way.
UCM’s tuition is lower than those offered by many colleges in Missouri — and the national
average.
For degree-seeking students, financial aid is available in several forms:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
- Graduate assistantships
You may also qualify for funding specifically for students in Early Childhood Education.
Learn more about program-specific scholarships with the UCM Scholarship Finder.
A History of Excellence
Pioneers in education
Since 1871, the University of Central Missouri has taken pride in producing the finest
teachers in the state. Collaborate, study and practice your teaching skills in an
environment that promotes the power of knowledge.
Meet Our Faculty
Exceptional educators
UCM’s Early Childhood Education program faculty analyze evolving teaching philosophies
and prepare you for a successful future. Our faculty are strong advocates for early
childhood education. As active researchers, authors of relevant articles and sought-after
presenters at the state and national levels, they work tirelessly to ensure consistent
quality across the profession.
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Admission requirements
In order to be accepted into this graduate certificate program, you must have
- A minimum 2.5 GPA on any courses completed prior to admission
- Completed bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field of study
- Completed application for graduate admission to UCM
