Program Details
Career Studies Certificate in Early Childhood Development Special Needs
Career Studies CertificateMountain Empire Community College
The Career Studies Certificate (CSC) in Special Needs allows individuals working in early childhood development and K-6 educators to gain valuable strategies for educating a special (and growing) population of under served students. Students will learn to better understand children with special needs, including individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and will learn how to design curricula to be more accessible to all children. A comprehensive internship is included wherein students will gain hands-on experience working in special needs programs.
Completers of this CSC can sit for the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) credential exam. IBCCES is a leading provider of specialized credentials in the fields of cognitive disorders and neurodivergences. The Autism Certificate requires at least 14 hours of continuing education credits relating to autism. MECC’s program will provide those credit hours, after which students may elect to take the online Autism Certificate Competency Exam. Please note there is an exam fee charged by IBCCES that is not affiliated with MECC. Upon passing the exam, students will receive a certification number, a printed certificate, a wallet ID card, a digital badge, and the student will be listed in the International Registry as an Autism Certificate holder. The IBCCES certification, while valued by employers, is not required by MECC and will not impact completion of MECC’s degree.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Identify and refer children in need of further evaluation by a licensed professional for possible diagnosis such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
2. Develop plans for addressing a child’s special needs in the classroom or caretaking arrangement.
3. Utilize effective behavior management techniques.
4. Build accessible, inclusive environments for all children.
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | The Career Studies Certificate (CSC) in Special Needs allows individuals working in early childhood development and K-6 educators to gain valuable strategies for educating a special (and growing) population of under served students. Students will learn to better understand children with special needs, including individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and will learn how to design curricula to be more accessible to all children. A comprehensive internship is included wherein students will gain hands-on experience working in special needs programs. |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Completion of this program opens a variety of doors, including possible careers as behavioral therapists at local organizations such as Blue Mountain Therapy. Current educators will also improve their skills and overall employability through the creation of more accessible classroom environments. Speak with an advisor to learn how to transition this certificate into a transfer degree for K-6 special education teachers. |
| Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1 |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Central Virginia Community College | AAS in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Eastern Shore Community College | Early Childhood Education | Associate | Associate in Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Early Childhood Development, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Development | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Develop | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39-9011.00 | Childcare Workers | Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play. | Personal Care and Service Occupations |
| 39-9011.01 | Nannies | Care for children in private households and provide support and expertise to parents in satisfying children's physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs. Duties may include meal planning and preparation, laundry and clothing care, organization of play activities and outings, discipline, intellectual stimulation, language activities, and transportation. | Personal Care and Service Occupations |
Cost To Complete