Child Care is one of the ten fastest growing sources of jobs and careers and offers individuals an opportunity to explore a new career direction. Individuals who have a recognized certification in this area will definitely be at an advantage, as State requirements are becoming more stringent and certification will soon become mandatory. Lehman offers a program based upon the nationally recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) Competency Standards for Preschool Children. Successful completion of this program is a first step towards receiving a credential from the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition.
The program is strongly recommended for individuals already working in the field. However, it is also recommended for anyone seeking an entry level position in the field of child care or early childhood development as teaching assistants, as the course content covers child development, behavior and learning.
Program participants can complete the Child Care Certificate in two semesters (125 hours in eight content areas, which include the thirteen functional areas of the CDA Competency Standards*). Students may also register for individual courses, with permission of the program director or coordinator, on a space-available basis. Students enrolled in the program receive help in preparing for the assessment process leading to the CDA credential. * NOTE: In addition to the education requirement, which this certificate fulfills, students must meet a 480-hour field experience requirement to earn a CDA credential.
To earn the certificate in Child Care, students must complete eight required topics with a 70 percent average on exams and projects and attend at least 80 percent of classroom instruction for each course.
Admission requirements: High school diploma or GED. Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or GED may apply to have this requirement waived with permission of the program coordinator. Note: No student is eligible to seek a CDA credential until proof of a high school diploma or GED is submitted.
Students are also required to demonstrate proficiency in writing. (This will be evaluated by either the Certificate Program Application statement or the instructor/coordinator). Participants who do not meet the writing proficiency may be referred to an appropriate course.
Certificate Program tuition may be paid in two payments as follows:
NOTE: Financial aid may be available to program participants. Participants in Early Childhood field may be eligible for NYS Educational Incentive Scholarship Program EIP grant . For more information: www.tsg.suny.edu
How to apply for a certificate program
To register online, go to the Online Registration area.
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