This program provides students with an understanding of child development, family systems, parent-child relations, and working with diverse populations in an educational setting. The program builds the firm foundational knowledge necessary to be a prepared and effective parenting education facilitator and/or home visitor.
Click here to learn how this Career Pathway Certificate can lead to an AAS in Childhood Education & Family Studies.
Entry Requirements
Students are required to complete the College's placement process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin in courses within their skill level as determined by the placement process.
Parenting Educator & Early Childhood Home Visitor students are required to maintain a current background check and complete an approved course in 'Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect.' The requirements will vary per state. Students are encouraged to research the requirements for the state regulating organization regarding what will be required to complete the background check.
In Oregon, students must be listed on the Oregon Central Background Registry (CBR). To begin this process, visit the State of Oregon Early Learning Division to be prepared to complete practicum work in a certified early learning center, apply for your background check, and receive additional information regarding how to comply with fingerprinting requirements.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 23 credit hours with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses in this program must be completed with a ‘C’ or better. One course must be completed at Southwestern for this certificate to be awarded.
Courses that are developmental in nature, designed to prepare students for college transfer courses, are not applicable to this degree.
Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).
Credit for Prior Learning
Credit for prior learning options are available for students with an Infant Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. These credits include the HDFS225 Prenatal Infant and Toddler Dev that is included in this certificate.
Pre-Program Courses
Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CIS90 | Computer Basics (or demonstrate proficiency) | 2 |
| WR90 | Paragraph Fundamentals (or placement in higher writing course) | 3-4 |
| or WR90R | Academic Literacy | |
Program Guide
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| HDFS225 | Prenatal Infant and Toddler Dev | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Winter | ||
| HDFS140 | Contemporary American Families | 3 |
| HDFS227 | Parents as Partners in Education | 3 |
| HDFS247 | Preschool Child Development | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| ED258 | Multicultural Education | 3 |
| HDFS222 | Family Relations | 3 |
| HDFS229 | Development in Middle Childhood | 3 |
| HDFS297 | Parenting Ed and Early Childhood Hm | 2 |
| Credits | 11 | |
| Total Credits | 23 | |
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program the student will be able to:
- Articulate an understanding of child development, family systems, parent-child relations, and working with diverse populations in an educational setting as the firm foundational knowledge necessary to be a prepared and effective parenting education facilitator or home visitor.
- Articulate how curriculum for parenting education is developed and facilitated based on child development, family systems, parent-child relations and working with diverse populations.
- Articulate how home visitors in early childhood and family programs base their work on child development, family systems, parent-child relations and working with diverse populations.
- Develop a personal professional development plan related to career development as a parent facilitator and/or home visitor.