*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. 

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

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

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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.