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SUNY GCC - Genesee Community College

The Child Care Certificate program is designed to prepare you to become a care-giver to young children. The program is also designed to upgrade your skills and knowledge even if you already work with young children. Quality child care is an increasingly critical issue in today’s world and the demands for qualified child care services have become an important necessity to the working population. Our certificate program can be completed in two semesters full time.

The Child Care Certificate may be taken as part of the Human Services AAS Degree program.

Why GCC?

The Child Care Certificate will prepare you to attend to the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of young children. You will develop skills in observing and evaluating behaviors as well as determining appropriate teaching or discipline methods. Coursework in the program emphasizes child development and typical behaviors from birth to age six. you will learn about:

  • Common childhood illnesses (symptoms and treatment)
  • Nutritional requirements
  • Child abuse factors
  • Safety hazards
  • First aid techniques
  • Special needs of children

You will also earn hands-on experience in child care agencies.

At GCC, you will:

  • Develop skills working with the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of young children
  • Develop skills observing and evaluating behaviors and determining appropriate teaching or discipline methods
  • Focus on child development, typical illnesses and behaviors in children from birth to age six
  • Emphasize group learning materials and teaching methods for ages three to five
  • Sharpen classroom skills and gain valuable experience through field placement

Degree Types

Certificate (CERT)

CERT Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

Upon successful completion of the Childcare Certificate, the graduate will be able to:

  1. Apply critical thinking skills required to be effective in the field of childcare.
  2. Demonstrate adequate preparation for further career development in the field of childcare.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic techniques for effectively helping people as a Certificate in Childcare graduate.
  4. Utilize specific interpersonal competencies necessary for effective functioning in a helping capacity as gained through experiential training in the field of childcare.
  5. Employ proficient written and verbal communication skills, including the appropriate uses of technology as required for a Certificate in Childcare graduate.
  6. Identify the full spectrum of a diverse community and discuss appropriate techniques for working with diverse individuals.
  7. Recognize and apply the ethical standards within the field of childcare.

Revised: October 2010

Download the 2024-2025 Curriculum Worksheet for CERT [PDF]

College Students walking on outside on campus

Career Outlook

After getting your GCC degree, some occupations you may consider are:

  • Childcare Workers
  • Community and Social Service Specialists
  • Nannies
  • Social and Human Service Assistants