Lori Barrett, Early Childhood Program Coordinator
Laboratory Preschool Director
Caperton Center 216 / (304)367-4848
Lori.Barrett@pierpont.edu
Program Purpose
This three course, 9 credit hour skill set certificate is designed for those who are or will be working as an Assistant Teacher in a Pre-K or Kindergarten public school classroom. Upon successful completion, this skill set provides students with knowledge in the areas of child development, emergent literacy, and special education in Early Childhood Education.
ECCAT authorization is required for all Early Childhood Assistant Teachers.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher Skill Set Certificate, graduates will be able to do the following:
- Exhibit knowledge of growth and development of young children.
- Evaluate the role of the program, the family, and the community in supporting a comprehensive school readiness system.
- Design instructional environments that support all children’s development and learning.
- Demonstrate the ability to implement West Virginia Early Learning Standards while working with young children.
Opportunities
The Early Childhood Classroom Assistant Teacher Skill Set Certificate satisfies the West Virginia Department of Education’s qualifications for ECCAT certification. It provides an opportunity for those who are not currently working for the Board of Education to complete the required courses. Completed courses can also be applied towards the Early Childhood AAS degree.
This program requires students to receive a “C” grade or better in each course and complete the required four observation hours.