Program Description

The Child Development Career Pathway Certificate program is designed for students just entering the early care and education field, and those already employed in childcare, but who need an immediate certificate to continue working in an Oregon licensed facility. Students completing the CDC Pathway certificate will achieve Step 7.5 on the Oregon Registry Steps for the Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education have a strong foundational knowledge of child development for children age 0-8. The CDC pathway certificate aligns with the requirements for an Infant/Toddler CDA. Graduates may continue to seek the One-Year Certificate, AS, or AAS degree seamlessly, since all of the certificate classes are wholly contained within the degree program.

Program Outcomes

After students complete this certificate they will be able to:

1. Create healthy, respectful, supportive and challenging learning environments for young children based on knowledge of child development in context
2. Develop respectful & reciprocal connections with families that support and empower families and involve all families in their student’s development and learning
3. Demonstrate foundational knowledge of why it is important to use responsible assessment including observation, documentation and other appropriate tools in partnership with families and professional colleagues to promote positive outcomes for each child
4. Apply developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate approaches, instructional strategies, and tools to connect with children and families and positively influence each child’s development and learning
5. Develop academic content to design, implement and evaluate meaningful, challenging curriculum that promotes comprehensive developmental and learning outcomes for every young child
6. Demonstrate professionalism as an early childhood educator with behavior reflective of ethical guidelines and professional practices associated with early childhood careers

Career Considerations

Students in the Child Development Career Pathway certificate program receive education and experience around the foundational knowledge for child development age 0-6 with a specific focus with infants and toddlers age three and under. Our Child Development Career Pathway certificate program focuses on seven crucial learning outcomes to help prepare students for working with young children and their families.

Courses offered in the Child Development Career certificate program are also excellent for parents, expecting families, and anyone associated or working with families and young children.

Program Course Requirements

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
First Term		Credits
ECE 140	Intro to Early Childhood Ed	3
ECE 230	Health Safety and Nutrition	3
HDFS 225	Child Development	3
	Credits	9
Second Term
ECE 101	ECE-Sem-Prac I	4
ECE 154	Lit and Language for Children	3
HDFS 226	Infant-Toddler Development	3
	Credits	10
Third Term
ECE 102	ECE-Sem-Prac II	4
ECE 178	Observing-Guiding Behavior	3
ECE 244	Indiv Learning-Preschoolers	3
	Credits	10
	Total Minimum Credits	29

Program Entrance Requirements

• Enrollment in Oregon Central Background Registry
• Verification of MMR vaccinations
• Food Handler’s Certificate
• Students will need to complete either ECE 140 Intro to Early Childhood Ed (3 cr.), or HDFS 225 Child Development (3 cr.) with a grade of C or higher, before beginning practicum courses