HUMAN SERVICES TECHNOLOGY
EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIALIST
(Certificate)

Program Overview

  This program of study is designed to provide students with marketable job skills.  The recommended courses are intended to provide sufficient education and training for entry level employment.  Successful students can gain a fundamental background of skills that can help them become employable as an early childhood specialist.  Upon completion of the program, successful students may be able to relate theory to practice concerning the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development of children.

Job Description

Employers will expect those who work with children to demonstrate professional and ethical standards in helping to develop the whole child; to apply principles of child development with appropriate expectations; to implement safe and healthy practices within the early childhood setting; to use positive communication techniques; and to develop respectful relationships with staff, families, and communities.
 

Career Options

Child Care Assistant
Head Start Assistant
Head Start Teacher Aide
Nursery School Assistant
Nursery School Teacher Aide
In-home Child Care Provider
In-home Child Care Nanny
In-home Child Care Specialist
Family Day Care Assistant
Preschool Teacher Aide

Potential for Advancement

Child Care Center Owner
Child Care Center Manager
Program Director/Administrator
Infant or Toddler Caregiver
Exceptional Education Teacher Aide
Elementary School Teacher Aide
Nursery School Head Teacher
Preschool Manager
Preschool Owner
 
Note:  Potential advancement generally requires additional education and/or training.
Scholarships and Funding

T.E.A.C.H. scholarship: Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (T.E.A.C.H.) Early Childhood KANSAS is a scholarship program for early education teachers funded by SRS Federal Child Care Block Grant funds and Children’s Cabinet tobacco settlement through Smart Start .  The Kansas Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (KACCRRA) administer the scholarship.

WAGE$: Child Care WAGE$ KANSAS is a compensation program that provides education based salary supplements to early education teachers and family child care providers working in licensed programs.  The project is funded by Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and Children’s Cabinet tobacco settlement through Smart Start. KACCRRA administers funds and reports.