May 19, 2025
Aug. 20, 2025
Upcoming Start Dates
4
Courses Required
$451
Cost Per Credit Hour
12
Total Credit Hours
Online Asynchronous
Learning Format
If you are interested in business, marketing and finance, as well as working with young children and their families in childcare centers and other settings, you can find a rewarding career in early childhood administration, with increasing job opportunities.
This certificate will give you the qualifications you need to implement high-quality early childhood education programs that meet the needs of diverse populations and to be a leader in the field, advocating for children, parents, teachers and the profession.
The specialized curriculum is designed for administrators who work in childcare centers as well as preschools, community centers, healthcare settings, or in non-profits or social service agencies.
Students will learn to design and implement a financial plan, as well as a marketing plan, appropriate for a childcare center. After completing the certificate, they will be able to evaluate and implement high-quality early childhood programs and will demonstrate knowledge of business and financial strategies related to childcare management, including writing for external funding. They will also demonstrate professional ethics and confidentiality when working with children and families.
There are 12 credit hours in the Early Childhood Administration undergraduate certificate program. You can enroll in the program without prior college coursework, or a degree. The specialized curriculum will prepare you for many careers that make a difference in the lives of young children and their families.
Develop or sharpen your skills in leadership, business management, marketing, fundraising, and professional ethics through an early childhood lens.
"I am a graduate of Michigan State University, with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. I have worked in an advising setting for over 15 years and am here to help answer any questions you may have about the enrollment process in our online programs. Our online programs are designed to allow everyone the opportunity to earn a degree, while balancing school, family and life, and I am happy to help you as you go through that journey."
Applicants should have a minimum 2.0 GPA. They must complete the online application and submit official transcripts for all previous institutions they attended or their official high school transcript if fewer than 20 college credits completed.
Students enrolled in certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. Visit Student Financial Support & Services for additional information.
The Early Childhood Administration Undergraduate Certificate requires 12
credit hours to complete. Cost per credit hour is $451.
$5,412 – Residents and Non-Residents.
Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.
A career in the area of early childhood administration provides opportunities to support children, families, and communities in meaningful child care program. This type of career allows for individuals to work with people to build better communities.
At the completion of this certificate program, students in Early Childhood Administration will be able to:
Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Early Childhood Administration Undergraduate Certificate may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.
Education and Childhood Administrator – Preschool & Daycare
Projected Growth: 10-15% Faster than average *Bright Outlook
Child Care Director
Projected Growth: 11%
Social and Community Service Managers
Projected Growth: 15% or higher *Bright Outlook
Preschool and Childcare Program
Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook
Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
A minimum grade of C- is required in all CDFS courses.
Course | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
CDFS 420 | Leadership in Early Childhood | 3 |
CDFS 421 | Child Care Center Administration | 3 |
CDFS 422 | The Business of Child Care Management and Financial Strategies | 3 |
CDFS 423 | External Funding: Early Childhood Programs | 3 |
Total credit hours: 12
It will take as little as two years to complete the program’s required 12 credit hours. Since the certificate is 100% online, students can take their time with each course, based on availability. Substitutions may be offered if courses are not offered.
If you enjoy working with children and families and want to enter this field, or if you are already working in an educational setting for infants and toddlers, this certificate will give you the qualifications you need to advance in your career.
Credit hours earned in the Early Childhood Administration certificate can be applied to degree requirements for those students who want to pursue a degree. This CDFS certificate will incorporate the West Virginia Core Knowledge and Core Competencies and the West Virginia Early Standards Framework: Early Learning Standards in order to include the most recent requirements set forth by West Virginia agencies responsible for preschool children.
Early childhood development educators in the United States have different education and training requirements, based on settings and state regulations. Earning your Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Development improves your teaching effectiveness and expands your career opportunities.
Yes. There is a growing demand for Early Childhood Administration majors. Projected growth for jobs in this field is 10 to 15 percent, which is faster than average.
There are several things you can do with your degree. Some additional occupations/areas to consider would include: school administration, educational consultant, after school program director or a position in education policy and research.