Pellissippi State Community College
Early Childhood Education Certificate
Online USA
Certificate
DURATION
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The Early Childhood Education certificate at Pellissippi State Community College upgrades training and employment options by covering four courses required for the Child Development Associate (CDA). It acts as an interim step toward Early Childhood Education, A.A.S. degree, supports professional development to improve childcare quality in Tennessee, and meets Tennessee Stars recognition for 18+ credit hours.
Career Outcomes: Completing this certificate makes you more hirable at childcare centers aiming for three-star licensing. Potential roles include preschool teacher, assistant teacher, childcare program staff, and family childcare provider, with transferable skills in child development, early learning, curriculum support, and classroom management.
The Early Childhood Education certificate upgrades the level of training and employment opportunities, offering four of the courses required for the Child Development Associate (CDA). This certificate provides an interim step between the CDA and the degree, giving students the confidence and motivation to continue earning the Early Childhood Education, A.A.S. degree. Professional development beyond the educational requirements for the CDA is needed to continue to improve the quality of child care and early childhood education in Tennessee. Additionally, the three-star rating certificates of 18 or more hours are recognized through the Tennessee Stars Licensing System for Childcare Centers. Therefore, the certificate will make individuals more hirable by those childcare centres aspiring to earn the three-star rating.
