Overview
The Early Childhood Care and Education Certificate Program is designed for early educators and childcare providers seeking to begin or advance their careers in early childhood settings such as childcare centers, early education programs, and schools. This 12-credit undergraduate certificate meets the academic requirements for EEC (Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care) certification, enabling individuals to work with children.
To earn the certificate, students must complete four college-level courses, all of which are offered 100% online (in both asynchronous and synchronous formats). Courses are stackable and may be applied toward continued study in Lasell University’s Bachelor’s Completion Program.
Program Info:
- 4 Courses (Earn 12 undergraduate college credits) and receive an official college transcript with grades and GPA.
- 100% online
- Receive personalized academic and career advising throughout the program.
- Have the option to take additional courses beyond the 12-credit certificate.
Who Should Enroll?
This flexible, fast-paced program is ideal for:
- Early childhood center employees
- Summer camp & afterschool program staff
- HeadStart & private childcare providers
- High school and GED graduates ready to work with kids
- Adults in workforce development or ESL programs
- Individuals seeking EEC certification or career advancement
- Childcare entrepreneurs and future business owners
Why Earn an Early Ed Certificate?
In Massachusetts and other states, certified early childhood educators are in demand. The certificate helps you:
- Meet state requirements (DTA, career centers, etc.)
- Qualify for higher-paying roles
- Build skills to launch or grow your childcare business
- Become eligible for EEC Professional Certification
Join an Info Session and get $100 off your first Course
Join a virtual information session to learn more about this program. If you join the info session you will get $100 off your first course.
Courses You'll Take
All courses are 7 weeks and $900 each.
Students must take the following courses: ECCE110 Childhood Growth & Development, ECCE125 Intro to ECE, and Curriculum. Plus, choose from one of these: Tech for ECE or Build Your ECE Business.
Administrator courses are offered in the summer for those seeking Director I & II licenses.
Course Descriptions
Required Courses
Course 1: ECCE110 - Early Childhood Growth & Development (3 credits, 7 weeks)
Course Description:
This course examines the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of children from birth through age eight. Emphasis is placed on developmental theories, milestones, and the impact of family, culture, and environment on child development. Students will analyze developmental stages and apply their knowledge to support children’s growth in diverse early childhood settings.
Course Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe major theories of child development and their application to early childhood education.
- Identify key developmental milestones from infancy through early childhood.
- Analyze the role of family, culture, and environment in influencing child development.
- Apply observation and documentation techniques to assess children’s developmental progress.
- Recommend developmentally appropriate practices that support the holistic growth of young children.
Cost: $900 (Special discount $100 off – if attending info session)
Course 2: ECCE125 - Early Childhood Education (Infant-Toddler or Preschool) (3 credits, 7 weeks)
Course Description:
This course introduces students to the principles and practices of early childhood education, specifically tailored to either infant-toddler or preschool settings. Topics include responsive caregiving, play-based learning, health and safety, and creating inclusive environments. Students will explore curriculum planning and the educator’s role in nurturing early learning and development.
Course Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Compare developmental needs and caregiving approaches for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
- Design safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments.
- Identify strategies for responsive teaching and promoting social-emotional development.
- Evaluate curriculum models and teaching practices for early childhood programs.
- Demonstrate understanding of the educator’s role in supporting diverse learners and families.
Cost: $900 (Special discount $100 off – if attending seminar)
Eventbrite registration should have two questions: Seminar Code for Discount and Are you using your ECE Scholarship Award for this course?
Course 3: ECCE126 - Child Care Curriculum & Assessment (3 credits, 7 weeks)
Course Description:
This course focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating early childhood curricula using developmentally appropriate practices and assessment tools. Students will learn to align curriculum with early learning standards, integrate play-based strategies, and use assessments to inform instruction and support the individual needs of each child.
Course Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Develop early childhood curriculum plans aligned with state and national standards.
- Incorporate play and inquiry-based learning into curriculum design.
- Select and apply appropriate assessment tools to monitor children’s learning and development.
- Interpret assessment data to guide instructional decisions.
- Reflect on the continuous improvement of curriculum and teaching practices.
Cost: $900 (Special discount $100 off – if attending seminar)
Eventbrite registration should have two questions: Seminar Code for Discount and Are you using your ECE Scholarship Award for this course?
Plus choose one course from the below:
Course 4: ECCE127 – Technology for Early Education (3 credits, 7 weeks)
Course Description:
This course introduces students to the effective integration of technology in early childhood settings. It explores developmentally appropriate digital tools that support young children's learning and family engagement, with an emphasis on the ethical and intentional use of these tools.
Course Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify developmentally appropriate technology tools for early learners.
- Evaluate the benefits and limitations of using technology in early childhood education.
- Design technology-based activities that support learning and family communication.
- Demonstrate ethical and inclusive practices in the use of digital tools.
Cost: $900 (Special discount $100 off – if attending seminar)
Course 5: ECCE128 – Building Your Childcare Business (3 credits, 7 weeks)
Course Description:
This course provides aspiring childcare providers with foundational knowledge to launch and operate a successful childcare business. Students will explore business planning, licensing requirements, budgeting, marketing, and enrollment strategies.
Course Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Outline key steps to start and manage a childcare business.
- Identify licensing and regulatory requirements in early childhood care.
- Develop a basic business plan and operational budget for a childcare program.
- Develop a marketing and outreach strategy to promote program enrollment.
Cost: $900 (Special discount $100 off – if attending seminar)
Already have your Early Education and Childcare Certificate? Want to take the next step and get your Director I & II license?
Director Level Courses
Course 6: ECCE201 – Administration in Early Childhood Care & Education I (3 credits, 7 weeks)
Course Description:
This course introduces the fundamentals of leadership and program management in early childhood settings. Students will learn about organizational structures, staffing, communication, and the role of the administrator in supporting quality care.
Course Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the core responsibilities of early childhood administrators.
- Explain adequate staff supervision, communication, and leadership practices.
- Understand the structure and policies of early childhood organizations.
- Evaluate strategies for building and maintaining a positive workplace culture.
Cost: $900 (Special discount $100 off – if attending seminar)
Course 7: ECCE202 – Administration in Early Childhood Care & Education II (3 credits, 7 weeks)
Course Description:
Building on Part I, this course focuses on advanced topics in early childhood administration, including budgeting, compliance, family engagement, and continuous quality improvement. Students will gain practical tools for leading sustainable and high-quality programs.
Course Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Develop a program budget and manage financial operations.
- Interpret legal and ethical considerations in early childhood administration.
- Design family engagement strategies to support child development.
- Implement systems for continuous program improvement and evaluation
Cost: $900 (Special discount $100 off – if attending seminar)
About the instructor
Dr. Marcelo Juica is a higher education leader with over 25 years of experience in administration, educator training, and program development. His work centers on eliminating systemic inequities and expanding educational access for marginalized communities, particularly immigrant and undocumented college students. He has led key initiatives, including the Latino After School Initiative (LASI) and the Tapping Academic Potential (TAP) Project for Early Childhood Educators, and founded the Boston campus of Endicott College to support adult learners, single parents, and immigrant students.
Originally from Chile, Dr. Juica brings a deep personal and professional commitment to supporting immigrant students in higher education. He has worked across nonprofit, philanthropic, and academic sectors and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Undocumented Immigrants and Allies Knowledge Community with NASPA. He holds degrees from the University of Massachusetts and Boston University, as well as a Ph.D. from Lesley University
