Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Administration, Management, and Leadership

The Early Childhood Administration, Management, and Leadership certificate program is designed to prepare educators to effectively manage child care centers or administer programs for young children. Learners explore the essential components of effective early childhood programs and develop the practical personnel and business management skills they need to lead those programs. Coursework covers effective program practices; budget and resource allocation; and personnel recruitment, evaluation, and management. Learners also consider and are provided tools to respectfully address the impact of diversity, culture, and equity issues on early childhood development. Learners can apply the credits they earn in this certificate program toward Walden’s MS in Early Childhood Studies with a specialization in Administration, Management, and Leadership.

Note: The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Administration, Management, and Leadership program is offered in two different learning modalities: the course-based modality and the competency-based modality, Tempo Learning®.

Competency-Based Education

In addition to the course-based option described below, students can choose to earn their Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Administration, Management, and Leadership through the competency-based education modality. Upon successful completion of program requirements, students will earn the same Walden degree in either modality. See the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Administration, Management, and Leadership (Competency Based) page for program details.

Course-Based Program

Certificate Requirements

15 total semester credits

Curriculum

Course Sequence

The recommended course sequence is as follows:

Semester	Course	Credits
1	EDUC 6161 - Effective Programs and Practices♦	3 sem. cr.
1	EDUC 6164 - Perspectives on Diversity and Equity♦	3 sem. cr.
2	EDUC 6166 - Developing People and Leading Teams♦	3 sem. cr.
2	EDUC 6167 - Budgeting and Allocating Resources♦	3 sem. cr.
3	EDUC 6168 - Planning and Managing Early Childhood Programs♦	3 sem. cr.

Note on Endorsement, Licensure, or Certification

This program does not lead to an endorsement, certification, or licensure. Walden makes no representation, warranty, guarantee, or commitment that successful completion of this program or coursework for graduate credit within this program will permit a graduate to obtain state certification or licensure.

The graduate degree program and coursework within the program in which you are enrolling may be accepted by many states toward upgrading or renewing a license or obtaining a salary increase (depending on state or district policy). Teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement. Walden enrollment specialists can provide guidance on program requirements; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand and comply with all state and school district requirements.