Grow Your Expertise in Helping Young Children Grow

Helping the youngest learners grow and develop is a rewarding experience for anyone who enjoys working with children. Whether you have a job in a child care agency, work in a school, or are a parent, learning more about early childhood development will help you understand how children learn.

Increase your knowledge about early childhood development to prepare for a career working with young children, or to improve skills for a current role in a child care setting. Help children develop the social, emotional, language, movement, and thinking skills to prepare them for kindergarten and elementary school.

2
Years to Complete
(full-time student)
15:1
Student-Faculty
Ratio
$10,000
Tuition
(in-county)

What Can I Do With This Certificate?

This certificate program is designed for students who are already working in a child care position and want to prepare for a more advanced role. You could continue learning to earn an associate degree (A.A.S or A.A.T) in early childhood development.

Parents may also be interested in this program to better understand and support the learning and development of their own children.

This program was designed in accordance with the Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care Licensing and Regulations standards.

The Early Childhood Development Advanced Certificate program is for students who:

  • Are already working in a childcare setting and want to prepare for a higher level role
  • Want to increase knowledge of early childhood development
  • Are considering pursuing an associate degree in early childhood development

When you complete this program, you will know how to:

  • Develop learning plans for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and children in before/after school childcare programs
  • Understand and apply the licensing regulations for childcare settings
  • Observe children and programs to understand, assess, and design learning experiences
  • Create developmentally appropriate plans to meet the needs of children from birth to age eight
A very young child and teacher compare blocks

With real-world professional experience, a hands-on approach to learning, and excellent departmental collaboration, we’re committed to your education - and your career.

Let’s Get Started!

Follow the steps outlined here to get started in this program. We know the process can feel overwhelming, and we want you to know that we’re here to help! Please call or email us if you have any questions, whatsoever. It’s what we’re here for!

Apply Online

Completing our online application is always the first step. Chesapeake is an open admissions institution, with start dates in spring, summer, fall and winter. If you’re planning on attending during traditional fall or spring semesters, make sure to allow your self time to complete the necessary steps outlined here in advance. Once your application has been submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation with additional details (check in your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox).

Financial Aid & Scholarships

It’s never too early to explore the many financial aid and scholarship options available to you. Regardless of your financial situation, it is so important to first complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA allows us to offer you the greatest possible amount of financial aid. Once your FAFSA is complete, be sure to apply for scholarships from the Chesapeake College Foundation. One application opens up the door to hundreds of potential scholarships.

Placement & Transcripts

We now offer many ways to “place” into courses. These include GPA, high school standardized testing and the ACCUPLACER placement exam. Find out if you need to schedule placement testing (exemptions listed here). If so, please don’t worry! We want you to succeed, and together we can get you positioned for achieving your goals. Contact [email protected] to get a testing slip. Then, request that your high school send your official transcript to the Chesapeake College Registration office. In the meantime, you may use an unofficial transcript to work with an Academic Advisor.

Advise & Register

Meet with an Academic Advisor to select courses in your program, and to register for the upcoming semester. If you are planning to transfer to a specific four-year school after graduation, it’s important to start the conversations early! Our advisors are here to help, every step of the way.

Pay & Prep

Pay either at the time of registration, or by the due date on your bill. Deferred tuition payment plans are available to students whose bills exceed $100. Before the semester begins, buy your textbooks and other needed supplies, check out the location of your courses, and get ready for your first day of class by attending a New Student Orientation session.

  • 1

    Apply Online

    Completing our online application is always the first step. Chesapeake is an open admissions institution, with start dates in spring, summer, fall and winter. If you’re planning on attending during traditional fall or spring semesters, make sure to allow your self time to complete the necessary steps outlined here in advance. Once your application has been submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation with additional details (check in your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox).

  • 2

    Financial Aid & Scholarships

    It’s never too early to explore the many financial aid and scholarship options available to you. Regardless of your financial situation, it is so important to first complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA allows us to offer you the greatest possible amount of financial aid. Once your FAFSA is complete, be sure to apply for scholarships from the Chesapeake College Foundation. One application opens up the door to hundreds of potential scholarships.

  • 3

    Placement & Transcripts

    We now offer many ways to “place” into courses. These include GPA, high school standardized testing and the ACCUPLACER placement exam. Find out if you need to schedule placement testing (exemptions listed here). If so, please don’t worry! We want you to succeed, and together we can get you positioned for achieving your goals. Contact [email protected] to get a testing slip. Then, request that your high school send your official transcript to the Chesapeake College Registration office. In the meantime, you may use an unofficial transcript to work with an Academic Advisor.

  • 4

    Advise & Register

    Meet with an Academic Advisor to select courses in your program, and to register for the upcoming semester. If you are planning to transfer to a specific four-year school after graduation, it’s important to start the conversations early! Our advisors are here to help, every step of the way.

  • 5

    Pay & Prep

    Pay either at the time of registration, or by the due date on your bill. Deferred tuition payment plans are available to students whose bills exceed $100. Before the semester begins, buy your textbooks and other needed supplies, check out the location of your courses, and get ready for your first day of class by attending a New Student Orientation session.

equipped for the FUTURE

Start Here. Go Anywhere.

Chesapeake’s degrees transfer where you want to go.

If specific transfer agreements for this program are in place, they will be listed below.
Not seeing your dream university listed here? No worries! Chances are, we can create a transfer agreement specific to your needs. Our advisors will help you plan every credit on your way to your bachelor’s degree.

Apply for Scholarships

This program qualifies for many of our institutional scholarships. Complete one application, and be considered for hundreds of potential scholarships. Make sure to complete your FAFSA as well to receive as much funding as possible.

An early childhood development advanced certificate can help open the door to your next career. Scroll through the options here to explore education and child development careers, including projected growth in our five-county service area, and average salary information.

you belong HERE

Build your skills outside the classroom—join one of our clubs and organizations, or create your own!

Alpha Delta Nu – Nursing Honor Society

An invitation only honors society for nurses.

Astronomy Club

Calling all Stargazers!

Game Club

Relax and recharge at game club meet-ups!

Hispanic/Latino Student Union

Encourage others and celebrate culture in the Hispanic/Latino Student Union.

InterVarsity

Build each other up in faith and life at InterVarsity Club.

IPMS Club

Come join our local chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society - a plastic modeling club that learns from the past with eyes on the future!

Kappa Delta Pi

What do Albert Einstien, George Washington Carver, and Eleanor Roosevelt all have in common? They were members of KAPPA DELTA PI, the community of educators dedicated to excellence, scholarship, and service!

Peake Players

Come join us on the mainstage! Peake Players welcomes and trains all actors to perform in a faculty-directed production.

Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier international honor society for two-year colleges.

Pride Club
Rad Tech Club

Rad Tech Club - for Chesapeake Rad Tech students!

Student Athletic Advisory Council

The SAAC represents the voices of student-athletes at Chesapeake College.

Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC)

The Student Athletic Advisory Council represents the student-athletes’ voice at Chesapeake College.

Student Government Association

Be a part of planning campus events and have a voice in College policy with the SGA!

Student Mental Health Organization

Be a part of prioritizing student mental health!

Student Nursing Organization

The Student Nursing Organization cultivates community, leadership skills, and self-direction for Chesapeake Nursing students!

Surgical Tech Club

Surgical Tech students can experience additional learning opportunities and social events!

UHURU

UHURU works to promote and preserve the history and culture of African Americans, and unity among the diverse student body at large.

Writing Club

Brainstorm, share ideas and connect with fellow scribblers!

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