Early Childhood Social Advocacy Certificate
The Early Childhood Social Advocacy Certificate consists of eight courses to help you advocate for students. Throughout the courses, you’ll understand early, emergent literacy and the profound impact of poverty on young children, their families, and learning. The Early Childhood Social Advocacy Certificate is the second of five certificates required to earn a BA in Early Childhood Education.
National Head Start Agency logo
NU — in collaboration with the National Head Start Agency (NHSA) — has created a pathway that integrates the BA in ECE degree requirements with General Education (GE) requirements to provide a more efficient and engaging path to an early childhood education degree. Pathway certificates have themes: “Building Bridges,” “Advocate, Connect, Engage,” and “Moving Up.” Each focuses on specific content paired with GE courses to provide a more meaningful student experience.
Early childhood education certificates consist of eight courses, usually completed in eight months. NHSA students with the CDA Credential will be eligible for credit for the following courses: ECE 201, ECE 210, and HED 220 (on the “Building Bridges” certificate). There may be other opportunities for prior learning credit in the “Moving Up” certificate.
National Head Start Agency (NHSA) students may ONLY participate in a certificate pathway to the BA ECE. See the “Certificate” section of the catalog for more detailed information.
Course Name
ENG 102 Effective College English – 4.50
An introductory course on the written academic discourse patterns required for college-level writing. Emphasizing essay-length compositions, the course covers critical reading, thesis formation, essay organization, and basic revision techniques.
ECE 410 Early Language and Literacy – 4.50
Prerequisite: ECE 330
Focus on acquisition and developmental aspects of language related to emergent literacy skills. Emphasis on current research regarding language experiences that contributes to literacy acquisitions, including assessment and instruction.
SOC 100 Principles of Sociology – 4.50
Prerequisite: ENG 102
Critical introduction to basic sociology concepts. Examination of major theoretical perspectives and research methods. Topics include: economic stratification, race, gender, family, deviance, complex organizations.
ECE 446 Literature and Young Children – 4.50
A survey of literature for young children in preschool through first grade. Emphasis on effective read aloud and story telling strategies for the developing language and listening skills, for developing concepts of print and vocabulary and for fostering a love of reading and early literacy skills.
SPN 100 Beginning Spanish I – 4.50
Introduction to Spanish and to the culture of its speakers. Facilitation of the application of the language in both oral and written modes. Activities include chat live discussions, links to cultural sites, and exposure to daily life situations through assignments corresponding to each unit.
SPN 101 Beginning Spanish II – 4.50
Prerequisite: SPN 100
Sequel to beginning Spanish I. Further application of the language in both oral and written modes. Activities include chat live discussions, links to cultural sites, and exposure to daily life situations through assignments corresponding to each unit.
ECE 220 Children Experiencing Poverty – 4.50
Examine the short- and long-term impact of poverty and subsequent needs required to support young children and their families. Emphasis on the role, resources and responsibilities of Early Childhood Programs to best support young children in the classroom and community.
ECE 222 Head Start History – 4.50
Understand the purpose, structure, and importance of Head Start through its historical support of children, families, and research. Examines the impact of Head Start over time, to include current challenges and opportunities. Examine the impact of Head Start sponsorship and participation in Early Childhood Education research on the practice of all Early Childhood Programs and outcomes.
Degree and Course Requirements
8 courses; 4.5 credits per course
Total: 36 Credits
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
Identify essential concepts, inquiry tools, and structure of content areas and resources for early childhood education
Develop oral, written, and technological skills for communicating with families and very young children
Create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for young children
Use systematic observations, documentation, and other assessment strategies — in partnership with families and professionals — to positively influence children’s development and learning
Implement a curriculum that promotes development and learning outcomes for diverse young children
Demonstrate ethical, legal, and professional standards in early childhood education
Foster positive relationships and supportive interactions with young children
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