Certificate in Early Childhood Policy

Classroom

The Early Childhood Policy Certificate builds students' expertise in applying research-based knowledge to public policies affecting young children and the adults who care for them. Students complete 12 credits of coursework, which includes a cornerstone Early Childhood and Public Policy course, a policy elective course (chosen from an approved list), and an open elective course (chosen in consultation with the Certificate Program Director).

What You Will Gain

  • Understanding of early childhood development issues and their impact on policy formation
  • Understanding of policy analysis and the trade-offs of implementing policy choices
  • Knowledge about the economics of government investments in early learning and return on investment theories
  • Ability to apply expanded understanding of early childhood economic and policy analyses to real-world contemporary early childhood issues

Faculty include professors and instructors from throughout the University, including the Humphrey School; Human Capital Research Collaborative; Children, Youth, and Family Consortium; and the Political Science, Educational Psychology, and Applied Economic departments.

Coursework taken for the Early Childhood Policy Certificate may be applied toward a graduate degree. Consult your degree program or adviser for more information.

View Certificate in Early Childhood Policy application requirements

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Curriculum

The Early Childhood Policy postbaccalaureate certificate requires 12 semester credits, including 3 credits in a cornerstone course (PA/CPSY 5413: Early Childhood and Public Policy), one policy elective, and one open elective.

All courses must be taken for a letter grade.

In consultation with your faculty advisor, you may select electives from the following list. Other courses may be used if approved by your advisor. Your program plan must be approved by a faculty advisor."

Cost

Information on certificate program costs can be found on the Tuition and Financial Aid page of our website.