Welcome

Earning the Early Childhood Education microcredential from Missouri Western will help you learn how to support young children and offer quality care in developmentally appropriate ways through stackable courses that can be used to pursue teacher certification. This microcredential will use the experience that you bring in to customize your learning based on your needs and goals (e.g., director, paraprofessional). These courses can be completed in as little as two semesters.

Flexible Options

  • Blended, online, and face-to-face classes
  • Different class options to fit different needs and experience
  • Goal flexibility – end with microcredential or continue on to a degree

Real Skills

  • Developmentally appropriate methods for supporting young children
  • Offering enriching experiences to children through play, open-ended materials and environments

Value of Microcredentials

“In a rapidly changing economy, micro-credentialing has emerged as a time-saving and cost-effective method to help learners get recognition for their skills.” Missouri Western has developed several microcredentials that will have a direct impact on the regional workforce, by providing individuals with real skills that make them desirable employees. Preliminary research has shown that earning a microcredential can “lead to job promotions, higher wages, and an increase in self-confidence” for individuals.

You must complete three courses to meet the microcredential requirements.

Required Courses:

  • Introduction to Early Childhood Education
  • Play Based Instruction

Pick One:

  • Issues & Trends in the Education of Young Children
  • Organizing, Developing, & Managing Environments for Young Children

Optional:

  • Project Construct Coaching Practicum

Visit the Apply Page

Choose the “non-degree seeking” option

Choose the Early Childhood Education microcredential