Early Childhood
Learn the skills to begin your career as an early childhood professional in M State's Early Childhood certificate program.
Early Childhood certificate program
M State's 18-credit Early Childhood certificate program offers the introductory skills for your career as an early childhood professional with courses in child development, behavior guidance, developing curriculum for young children and communicating with families. You’ll gain hands-on experience in a variety of early childcare settings.
The program will benefit students interested in opening their own in-home child care facilities or seeking employment in early education as assistant teachers in Head Start facilities or child care centers.
The certificate program is offered on our Fergus Falls campus only. For students who choose to continue their education, all coursework transfer into our Early Childhood and Education Transfer Pathway degree.
Here is what you'll learn
- Developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children
- Developmentally appropriate guidance strategies
- Nutrition requirements for child care programs
- Effective communication with parents and co-workers
- Care and planning for children with special needs
- Typical and atypical development in children ages birth through 8
- Professional behavior consistent with the professional child care code of ethics
- Knowledge of physical and emotional health and safety issues
Degrees
Testimonials

Sarah LaSart
I attended M State as a PSEO student, earning my AA degree while completing my last two years of high school.

Megan Yoder
Before I enrolled at M State, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do for my career, but I knew that I wanted to work with children in some way.

Abby Kimball
M State provided me with the lab experience and knowledge that gave me confidence when I went out into the early childhood field and got a job.