Behavioral Health and Early Learning - Career Foundations Certificate of Completion (CFC)

*Pending approval from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. 

Description

The Behavioral Health and Early Learning Career Foundations Certificate provides early learning educators and rising behavioral health professionals with the initial content, skills, and dispositions to support children and their caregivers through trauma-sensitive and developmentally appropriate practices. Required coursework will address the social, emotional, and therapeutic needs of children and those who care for them.  

This certificate prepares rising educators and behavioral health professionals for initial employment opportunities that include classroom teaching, social work, family advocacy, human and social services, and therapeutic support. Courses required for Behavioral Health, and Early Learning align with requirements for the AAS in Behavioral Health and the AAS in Early Childhood education. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the certificate, students will be able to:

  1. Examine the interrelatedness of family systems and school environments with respect to child-adult interaction.
  2. Apply knowledge of child development, family systems, intervention, and appropriate referral practices to clinical and educational settings.
  3. Describe social and emotional needs of children and the adults who care for them.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of the pervasive developmental impact of trauma.
  5. Develop interpersonal skills and professional strategies for career longevity and success.
 

Entrance Requirements

Other Entrance Requirements

Required:

  • The ECE program requires a background check through the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) or other approved agency.
  • Some field practicum sites may require documentation of current immunizations, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Please contact the program director if you have any questions.
  • Students should review the program's policies and procedures in the COCC Early Childhood Student Handbook before beginning their coursework. 

Additional Costs (Beyond Standard Tuition/Fees and Textbooks)

Material Costs

  • Background check ($0 to $70)
  • Cost of mileage to and from field placement/practicum sites

Course Requirements

Course Title Credits
Core Courses:
BH 203Introduction to Behavioral Health and Early Learning4
BH 204Youth, Family, & Addiction4
BH 209Introduction to Psychological Trauma: Theory and Practice4
ED 176Supporting Social, Emotional, and Mental Health in Early Childhood3
ED 245Trauma Sensitive Classrooms3
PSY 201ZIntroduction to Psychology I4
or PSY 202Z Introduction to Psychology II
Other Required Courses:
Choose one of the following:3-4
Multicultural Issues for Helpers
Multicultural Issues in Education Settings
Anti-Bias Curriculum in Education
Choose one of the following:3-4
Counseling Theories
Youth Mentoring and Advocacy
Family, School and Community Relationships in ECE
Children at Risk
Total Credits28-30

Advising Notes

Please note that some courses are only offered one time per academic year, you are strongly encouraged to work closely with your academic advisor to create an efficient academic plan. 

This certificate is designed for students planning to enter their chosen career upon graduation. Often, only selected credits are considered transferable to public or private baccalaureate institutions.

For current and potential students who have obtained a Child Development Associate or Step 7 or higher on the Oregon Registry and who wish to apply this toward their AAS or certificates in Early Childhood Education, please speak with the program director, Amy Howell, to discuss options and next steps.

Performance Standards

  • Academic Requirements:
    • Students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to earn a COCC certificate or degree.
    • All courses in the program must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
  • Additional Requirements:
    • For field placement and practicum courses, students may be asked to provide evidence of background check clearance,
    • Adhere to the field placement contract; and
    • Adhere to confidentiality, communication, and health-related and no-smoking policies as they pertain to field placement settings.

Sample Plan

Sample Plan Grid
First Year
First TermCredits
BH 209Introduction to Psychological Trauma: Theory and Practice4
PSY 201Z
Introduction to Psychology I
or Introduction to Psychology II
4
Choose one of the following:3-4
Counseling Theories 1
Youth Mentoring and Advocacy
Family, School and Community Relationships in ECE
Children at Risk
 Credits11-12
Second Term
ED 176Supporting Social, Emotional, and Mental Health in Early Childhood3
ED 245Trauma Sensitive Classrooms3
Choose one of the following:3-4
Multicultural Issues for Helpers
Multicultural Issues in Education Settings
Anti-Bias Curriculum in Education 1
 Credits9-10
Third Term
BH 203Introduction to Behavioral Health and Early Learning4
BH 204Youth, Family, & Addiction4
 Credits8
 Total Credits28-30
1

Offered spring term only.

Please note some classes are only offered one time per academic year, you are strongly encouraged to work closely with your academic advisor to create an academic plan. 

Outside of
expected

Use the COCC Catalog to find extraordinary classes and degree programs. Start your journey here »