Start Your Journey to a Career as a Daycare Teacher or a Preschool Teacher!
NOCE’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) Certificate Program provides the beginning steps to prepare for your new career. If you enjoy being around children and helping little kids learn and grow, enroll today!
The Early Childhood Education Program from North Orange Continuing Education offers four certificate options focusing on childcare, educational support, and the management of childcare programs in a variety of private facilities. Complete the program to earn a certificate and begin your childcare career.
What You’ll Learn
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Students who complete the program will learn to:
- Describe and understand the developmental stages of children
- Describe family structures, and their relationship to the care and development of children
- Being able to find dangers and issues in a childcare facility
- Create lesson plans and activities that are appropriate for children
- Understand the importance of nutrition and how it affects children
- Positive communication skills
- Being able to self-assess as a part of the teaching process
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To be eligible, you must:
- Students must be 18 years or older
- Complete an NOCE Admissions Application
- Complete online general orientation at least 24 hours before registering
- Recommended: Have basic English reading, writing, and speaking skills, and/or be at an ESL Intermediate High level
- Recommended: Have basic math skills.
- Program Guide
Meet Your ECE Instructors
Jami Hill-West began her career as a preschool aide 35 years ago, and her love for early education has been growing ever since. Throughout her career, Jami has worked as an aide, preschool teacher, supervisor, program director, founder of a nonprofit child care center, and adjunct faculty at North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE).
At NOCE, Jami teaches core early childhood education courses, including child development, curriculum classes, and the programs and practices classes. Jami’s courses offer students a space for enriching conversations while gaining a deep understanding of child development that emphasizes the importance of play. Her extensive experiences in early childhood education, through positions at the YMCA, San Bernardino County preschool services, and as an entrepreneur, have shaped her insights into what makes a great teacher and how to achieve long-term career success.
Jami holds a Master’s in Early Childhood Education and is the founder and director of Your Invited Children’s Center in Riverside, CA. Jami Hill-West
Instructor, Early Childhood Education
Danielle McLellan’s roots in early childhood education run deep. Her childhood experiences attending Montessori at her mother’s school left a lasting impact on her career. Danielle has championed children and the highest standards of professional care as a nanny, lead Head Start teacher, researcher, author, adjunct faculty member, and advocate for more inclusive home-based childcare.
As a faculty member at North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE), Danielle teaches private child care courses required for certification. At West LA College, Danielle teaches courses in Child Development. Previously, she taught an online course in health, safety, and nutrition at Northern Lights College in British Columbia.
Danielle is an accomplished author of two books and a dedicated researcher focusing on professionalism in home-based childcare. Her research has been published and presented at numerous conferences, such as the National Association for Early Childhood Teacher Educators and the World Forum on Early Care and Education. She strongly advocates for increased representation of men and non-binary individuals in teaching and childcare roles, as this provides children with diverse role models that enrich their development and learning experiences.
Danielle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Northern Lights College in British Columbia and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Inclusive Education from Portland State University. Daniella McLellan-Bujnak
Instructor, Early Childhood Education
Get Started!
NOCE’s programs can put you on the path to exciting new career opportunities and more earning potential. Get started today!
Early childhood educators play an important role in a child’s growth. They guide children through activities developed to improve social, physical, and mental well-being skills. What children learn and experience during their early years can shape who they grow up to be in this world. You’ll get the training to become a caregiver, teacher’s assistant, teacher, or director in a private licensed preschool center or home-based daycare center.
Career Highlights and Opportunities
- English language – reading, writing, and speaking skills usually at or above an ESL (English as a Second Language) Intermediate High level
- Speaking – Talking to others
- Instructing – Teaching others how to do something
- Active Listening – Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- Infant/Toddler Caregiver
- Preschool Teacher Assistant
- Preschool Teacher
- Infant Care Teacher
- Preschool Director
Frequently Asked Questions
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What do I receive when finished and how long does it take?
Students who complete the Early Childhood Education program receive a certificate. The program can be completed in as little as 8 months.
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How much does it cost?
The Early Childhood Education courses are tuition-free. However, students are responsible for covering the cost of textbooks, software, course supplies, and a parking pass. Your course instructor(s) will provide an estimate for the cost of required textbooks, software, and course supplies during your first course meeting.
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What are the jobs and how much do they pay in California?
Career opportunities include positions such as preschool teacher, assistant teacher, infant teacher/caregiver, and preschool director.
- Average Hourly Wage for Infant Teacher: $20.00 to $22.00
- Average Hourly Wage for Preschool Assistant Teacher: $22.00 to $24.00
- Average Hourly Wage for Preschool Teacher: $24.00 to $26.00
- Average Hourly Wage for Preschool Director: $26.00 to $31.00
Note: Salary and employment outlook is for Orange County, CA, and will vary depending on skill, experience, employer, and geographic location.
I am a disability support services student, but I also had goals to work in childcare. I was accepted into the College to Career Program and worked hard to earn an Early Childhood Education Certificate at NOCE. I was able to balance both of my DSS and Early Childhood Education Program classes with the help of the staff, my teachers, and counselors. I am happy that I was able to find a job in a childcare facility after I completed my ECE certificate! Caroline Llaban
CTE & DSS Program Graduate – Early Childhood Education Certificate
