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Early Childhood Education Leadership Graduate Certificate

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Prepare for leadership positions in Early Childhood Education (ECE), such as ECE program director or childcare provider, with an Early Childhood Education Leadership Graduate Certificate from Indiana State University. 

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Program Availability 

This online Early Childhood Education Leadership Graduate Certificate is for individuals desiring leadership positions in an early childhood education center or for those seeking professional development in the ECE field. This certificate does not prepare you for an initial teaching license. It is ideal, however, for current ECE teachers who wish to earn an advanced credential in the field. This program is available to eligible U.S. and international applicants who meet admissions requirements.

Why Earn a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education Leadership?

Across Indiana and the nation, there is a growing need for early childhood educators and for knowledgeable ECE professionals who can successfully lead and manage early childhood education operations. This ECE graduate certificate provides you with the leadership skills and professional development necessary to excel in this field and help to facilitate high-quality early learning experiences for young children in a variety of educationally rich settings.   

Benefit from a Concise, Convenient Online Program

The Early Childhood Education Graduate Certificate is a 12-credit online program that prepares you to lead in ECE settings. These can include schools, childcare centers, children’s museums, and community-based educational programs, among others. The online curriculum is designed to be flexible and convenient for teachers who are active in the classroom. This credential can be completed in as few as two semesters, including a required summer term.  

Learn from Our Excellent Faculty

As a graduate student in the Department of Teaching and Learning, you will benefit from small classes taught by teacher-scholars who are recognized experts in their fields.

All faculty members have had continuous experience in the classroom as teachers, field experience supervisors, and researchers. Many have received recognition for their outstanding work.

Important Licensure Information

Please note that this certificate program does not prepare you to sit for initial licensure as a teacher. It is well-suited to licensed teachers who are interested in advancing their careers into leadership positions. 

What You’ll Learn in the Early Childhood Education Leadership Graduate Certificate Program

The 12 credits that comprise the ECE graduate certificate cover a range of important topics, including teaching within a diverse society, program administration and leadership, and interagency collaboration and parent involvement. 

Career Possibilities for Leaders in Early Childhood Education

Education professionals who hold a graduate certificate in Early Childhood Education may have opportunities in a variety of settings with an educational focus, including schools, childcare centers, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Career positions can include program director, childcare administrator, policy coordinator, curriculum designer, and researcher, among others. 

Accreditation

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Higher Learning Commission

All educator licensure programs and related school programs at Indiana State University are accredited by the Indiana Department of Education and Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). 

Admission Requirements and Application Instructions

Students may begin the Early Childhood Education Leadership Graduate Certificate program in August (fall semester), January (spring semester), or May (summer). The admission application and all application materials must be received by the following deadlines to ensure consideration for the desired semester or term.

  • Fall semester entry: June 1
  • Spring semester entry: November 1
  • Summer entry: April 1

How to Apply

Complete Indiana State University’s online application for admission at apply.indstate.edu/apply/. 

Submit official transcripts from all colleges previously attended. To be official, transcripts must be sent directly from the college attended to: Graduate Admissions, Indiana State University, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809. E-transcripts should be sent to  admissions@indstate.edu.

Submit a nonrefundable application fee of $45.00 (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) or $65.00 (international students) payable by Visa, MasterCard, or check or money order payable to Indiana State University. Submit payment to: Indiana State University, Graduate Admissions, Welcome Center, 318 North Sixth Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47809.

Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae as part of the online application process.

The admission application and all application material must be received by the following deadlines to ensure consideration for the desired semester or term.

  • Fall semester entry: June 1
  • Spring semester entry: November 1
  • Summer entry: April 1

Next Steps 

Once admitted, you will receive notification from the University and will be provided your University ID number, which is needed to activate your University username on the MyISU Portal. The Portal offers access to online registration, University records, and other important services, including e-mail and University announcements.