Early Childhood Professional Certification (ECPC)

Career Certificate Program (Program Code: 5364)

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Help preschoolers make strides in their development.

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Program Overview

Early childhood is marked with developmental milestones — and skilled child care professionals play a pivotal role in supporting children during this critical time. Palm Beach State College's Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC) program equips you with the professional designation to be a leader in preschool-aged care facilities. 

With this PBSC Career Certificate Program (CCP), you'll build effective teaching strategies to create supporting and challenging environments that spur physical and intellectual development. You'll learn the importance of strong early care and education programs that meet the diverse needs of children, families and community.

This program is a pathway to industry-recognized certifications that enable you to make a difference in licensed child care facilities. You can also enhance your expertise through further education right here at Palm Beach State College. 

Program Details

  • Admission requirements: 
    • High school diploma or GED
    • Employed in a licensed child care setting working with pre-school children
    • 40-Hour Introductory Child Care Training
    • Refer to Course Catalog for full training requirements
  • Location: Online and on-site at Lake Worth campus
  • Clock Hours: 120 (plus 480 hours of work experience)
  • Program Length: One semester
  • Cost: About $403 for Florida residents, plus additional fees and course materials. View tuition details.
  • Financial aid and scholarships: Apply to the SEEK and TEACH scholarships or explore other financial aid options.

program-icon  This program is part of the Education, Human Services, Social & Behavioral Science Pathway. Learn More.

Career Outlook

This certificate allows you step into roles across licensed child care facilities as you work with preschoolers ages three to five to help them hit their goals in the classroom and beyond. You can apply your skills into future positions such as teaching assistants or preschool teachers. With further education and advanced credentials, you can progress into higher-paying roles.

Stackable Credentials

After completing the Early Childhood Professional Certificate program, you can:

  • Transfer credits seamlessly to PBSC's Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education.
  • Obtain the Florida Department of Education, Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC) and a staff credential from the Florida Department of Children and Families.
  • Prepare to pursue the National Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

Why Choose PBSC?

  • Affordable Tuition: PBSC offers some of the lowest tuition rates in Florida, making a early childhood care education accessible to all.
  • Career-Ready Mindset: Learn from expert faculty and graduate with the skills employers need in today's child care.
  • Supportive Community: Access internships, industry networking and daily interaction with faculty dedicated to your success.

How to Apply

Take the Next Steps

Palm Beach State College's Early Childhood (ECPC) Professional Certificate CCP is your affordable, flexible and direct route to a rewarding career in a field that's shaping the future. Start your journey today!

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