The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program is designed for early childhood educators. Upon completion of the certificate of proficiency students may apply for the National Child Development Associate Certificate through a national CDA credentialing agency. If you wish to attain national certification, we recommend that you enroll in ECE 240, Child Development Portfolio and Assessment Preparation. The Early Childhood Education Associate is a competent person who assumes primary responsibility for meeting the specific needs of a group of children in a child development setting by nurturing the childs physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs; setting up and maintaining the child care environment; and establishing a liaison relationship between parents and the child development center. After completing requirements for the Early Childhood Education Certificate of Proficiency, you can earn a degree by completing the additional requirements for the Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science degree or Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science - BAS Track degree.