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Lilly Early Childhood Education Micro-Credentials

Skills Training for Early Childhood Educators

What You'll Learn

The early childhood education program (ECED) at Ivy Tech embraces the idea that learning is more meaningful when engaging in classroom activities. Students explore concepts supported by best practices and theories in ECED through the creation of hands-on learning experiences and curriculum that meet the needs of infants, toddlers, and young children. The early childhood education program focuses on childhood development and growth as well as adult-child relationships. It emphasizes appropriate environments and care for children as well as the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive areas of early childhood development. 

From on-campus labs to community learning opportunities, the early childhood education program gives students a chance to practice and take a closer look at their emerging skills. Students take their skills to real early childhood education settings, earning real world experiences with children, community members, and current educators. This program includes various service-learning experiences, providing students with a sense of community.

ECE Micro-credentials

Ivy Tech is making it easier for the early childhood education workforce to receive skills training and have increased entry points into the profession.

The micro-credentials are aligned with Indiana’s core knowledge and competencies (CKCs), focusing on the essential skills needed to work in an early care and education setting.  They are practical, targeted, and immediately applicable in the workplace; and they can also bundle into pathways that can stack and crosswalk into academic credit.

Move at your own pace through each four-week training with support from Ivy Tech faculty.

Trainings include:

  • Health, Safety, and Nutrition Skilled
  • Early Literacy Skilled
  • Early Mathematics Skilled

and the list continues to grow to meet the needs of the workforce.

View Current Offerings >>

Complete the Micro-Credential Interest Form >>

Details

  • Is Early Childhood Education Right for Me?

    • Do you enjoy working with young children?
    • Are you motivated by helping others?
    • Do you have patience with people?
    • Are you comfortable working in an environment where you are in charge of a large group of young children?
    • Do you want to start an in-demand job?


    Does This Sound Like You?

    If you thought "yes" to any of the questions above, a career in early childhood education may be just what you are looking for! Take the next step to get started or speak with your local advisor to learn more. 

  • Micro-credentials teach students specific information in a short period of time (4 weeks). They jump-start your career and are practical, targeted, and immediately applicable in the workplace. There is not academic credit associated with every credential, but they can bundle into pathways that can stack and crosswalk into an academic pathway.

    Investment

    Each micro-credential takes 20-25 hours to complete within 4 weeks. You will need a device and Internet access to take the micro-credentials.

    How to get started

    The first step to taking a micro-credential is to view our current offerings. When you find a micro-credential you want to take, click the Register button.

    View Current Offerings   

  • The skills trainings are best suited for:

    • ECE professionals who have not yet earned an early childhood credential, such as a Child Development Associates
    • Career changers who are interested in becoming an early childhood education professional and want to build their knowledge and skills
    • ECE professionals who are not yet enrolled in Ivy Tech and are looking for an opportunity to get started on an academic path
    • ECE professionals that work in any type of setting: centers, registered ministries, or family-homes
    • ECE professionals looking to review their CDA

  • Micro-Credential

    Description

    Early Literacy Skilled

    These modules examine the foundational elements of literacy and explore how educators can nurture young children's literacy identities through authentic, play-based experiences that spark motivation and joy.

    Early Mathematics Skilled

    In these modules, learners will define early math concepts in children birth-five and how to prepare a learning environment that promotes progressional growth of math skills through a variety of developmentally appropriate experiences and interactions.

    Health, Safety, and Nutrition Skilled

    Learners will learn strategies for maintaining safe and healthy classrooms, preventing illness and injury, responding to emergencies, and supporting children’s physical well-being.

    Child Growth and Development Skilled

    Learners will examine physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development and learn how developmental stages influence learning and behavior.

    Learning Environment and Curriculum Skilled

    This course examines how learning environments and curriculum work together to support the development needs of all children birth- five.

    Observation and Assessment Skilled

    Learners will examine the purpose of regular observation, basic assessment methods, and how to use gathered information to plan meaningful learning experiences for individuals and groups.

    Family and Community Connections Skilled

    This course examines the collaborative role of family and community in child development with an emphasis on valuing family expertise and connecting to resources that support positive outcomes for children.

    Leadership and Professionalism Skilled

    Learners will explore ethical guidelines, professional standards, and best practices for delivering high-quality services along with highlights on the value of self-reflection, goal setting, lifelong learning, and advocacy to promote positive outcomes for children and their families.

    Organizational Development and Administration Skilled

    This course examines the basic roles and responsibilities of leaders in early childhood programs and how program policies, staff support, teamwork, and data collection practices help create positive environments and improve outcomes for children and families.



Early childhood education micro-credentials and competency-based assessments are possible through a gift from Lilly Endowment Inc.