Certificate in Culturally Responsive Early Childhood Education (“CRECE”)
Location: AU Seattle
Credits for Certificate: 43 quarter credits
Standard Mode of Instruction: Flexible
Standard time to completion: 9 months
This program is designed to lead to state licensure.
Program Overview
This certificate program assists experienced early childhood educators earn academic credit for experiential learning from professional work in the field. It is designed to help students build a bridge toward completing a 4 year degree.
This nine month certificate program involves 18 current learning credits-two writing classes, two reflective practice courses (focused on developing skill in critical thinking, communication, and articulating learning from practice), and two content courses on topics such as Neighborhood Environmental Science and Mental Wellness and Creative Expression. In addition, students are supported to prepare prior learning portfolios from which students can earn a minimum of 25, but up to 45 prior learning credits over the two quarters for a possible overall certificate total of 63 lower division credits. Prior learning credits are awarded for demonstrated learning from past work experience as an early childhood educator. While all credits earned will be transcripted, a certificate is awarded if a student successfully completes all four of the current courses, plus a minimum of 25 prior learning credits.
The CRECE program is designed as a cohort of up to 24 students who move through the three quarters together with two instructors and 1 or 2 writing coaches. Classes are held on Saturdays and Sundays, approximately every other weekend, via synchronous Zoom.
This is a multilingual-friendly program, which will have at least one bi-lingual instructor per cohort. Live interpretation is provided for the second language designated for the cohort. In addition, some critical materials will be translated into the second language and some assignments allowed in the second language. English, Spanish, Somali, Arabic and Tigrinya language cohorts are currently being offered. All students must speak and write some English in order to participate, and speakers of all languages are most welcome in any cohort.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Certificate in Culturally Responsive Early Childhood Education are expected to have the following:
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A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the field.
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Evidence of ability to do lower division (100 and 200 level) college courses, which could include any of the following: high school diploma, GED or home school certificate; CDA, “30 hours” certificate; or successful completion of CLEP tests; or completion of a continuing education or college course.
Current Tuition and Fees
University Tuition and Fees
