Classroom Assistant, Short-Term Certificate

The Classroom Assistant short-term certificate provides students with a specialized  focus on child development and application of this knowledge to support children's learning in the classroom.  The sequence of courses support students with a broader understanding of typical child development, children with exceptionalities, and practice through field experience.

Program contact: Learn more

This certificate will be automatically awarded when the certificate requirements are completed. If you do not want to receive the certificate, please notify the Office of the Registrar at RegistrarOffice@tri-c.edu.

Learn more about how certificate credits apply to the related degree.

Program Admission Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED
• Complete ENG-0995 Applied College Literacies with “C” or higher or achieve appropriate score on English Placement Test
• Students will be required to complete a BCI and FBI background check and submit a medical statement prior to taking ECED 1860 Experience with Young Children in Early Childhood Settings.
• Students whose reports have not been submitted as per policy, or who do not meet the Prohibitive Offenses Rehabilitation (listed in ODJFS Appendix A to Rule 5101:2-13-09) will not be permitted to continue enrollment in the Early Childhood Education programs or teacher education courses, as student will be unable to complete required field and observation experiences as part of the program requirements approved by the Ohio Department of Education.

Program Learning Outcomes

This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

1. Create respectful relationships that include and value each and every child and their families and that support children's development.
2. Use observation, documentation, and other appropriate assessment tools for: planning curriculum, identifying special needs, deepening understanding of child development, communicating with families and professionals and improving teaching practices.
3. Create an inviting and enriched environment that supports children's optimal growth and development within the context of the classroom community.
4. Design, implement and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for all children.
5. Integrate and use a variety of respectful, responsive teaching strategies.
6. Demonstrate acceptance and respect for each and every child and their families, and develop a program based on an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
7. Display positive leadership qualities within an early childhood environment.
8. Support the diverse ways in which children learn by interpreting and applying knowledge of child growth and development.
9. Use reflective and ethical practices in the classroom, advocate, access resources, practice appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication, listen and interact respectfully, use Standard English in writing and speaking.

Suggested Semester Sequence

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ECED-1311 or ECED-1331will be accepted in place of ECED-1340 for students who completed coursework with a grade of “C” or higher prior to Fall 2024.

MATH-1140, MATH-1141, MATH-1200, MATH-1270, and MATH-1280 can no longer count towards fulfilling the college-level mathematics requirement.  These courses were re-classified as developmental mathematics by the state of Ohio in 2016.  Tri-C established a 5-year transitioning window for students who had completed these courses prior to 2016 to apply them towards meeting graduation requirements, which expired in Summer 2021. It is highly recommended to see a counselor to determine the appropriate math required for your current major.