100%
Online Coursework
$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
< 1 year
Average Completion*
Start Your Career Helping Young Children Learn and Grow
The early years matter. And the people who work with young children have an opportunity to make those years meaningful.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Teacher Assistant at Athens State University provides foundational knowledge and practical preparation for individuals interested in working with young children in educational and childcare settings. You’ll learn about child development, early learning, classroom environments, instructional practices, and the needs of young children—giving you the skills and confidence to support teachers and create positive learning experiences.
Whether you’re beginning a career in early childhood education, looking to build your skills, or exploring a future in teaching, this certificate can help you take the next step.
Program Overview
Young children learn through everything they do—from playing and exploring to asking questions and interacting with the people around them. Early childhood teacher assistants play an important role in creating environments where that learning can happen. They support teachers, engage with children, help maintain safe and welcoming classrooms, and contribute to children’s social, emotional, and educational development.
The Early Childhood Teacher Assistant certificate introduces you to the fundamentals of working with young children and supporting effective early learning environments. You’ll explore child development and learning while developing practical skills you can use in educational and childcare settings. For students considering a longer-term career in education, the certificate can also provide a foundation for continued study.
Program Details
The Early Childhood Teacher Assistant certificate focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to support young children and early childhood educators.
Your coursework will explore areas such as:
- Child Development — Understand how young children develop physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally.
- Early Learning — Explore how young children learn through play, exploration, interaction, and age-appropriate educational experiences.
- Classroom Support — Develop skills for assisting teachers and supporting daily classroom activities.
- Learning Environments — Learn how to help create safe, welcoming, and engaging environments for young children.
- Child Guidance — Explore positive approaches for supporting children’s behavior and social development.
- Family & Community Partnerships — Understand the importance of communication and collaboration with families and other professionals.
- Health & Safety — Develop awareness of practices that help promote children’s health, safety, and well-being.
- Observation & Assessment — Learn how observation can help educators understand children’s development and learning.
- Hands-On Experience — Apply what you learn in practical settings and gain experience working with young children.
Working with young children is rewarding—but it also requires patience, understanding, and preparation. This certificate gives you a foundation in early childhood education so you can enter the field with greater confidence and a better understanding of the children you’ll serve.
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
Early childhood programs depend on dedicated professionals who can support teachers and provide children with the attention, encouragement, and care they need to thrive.
As a teacher assistant, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with children while gaining valuable experience in an educational environment. The skills you develop can also provide a foundation for continued education and advancement in the field.
Explore your career pathways with the Early Childhood Teacher Assistant undergraduate certificate, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.
$31k
Preschool Educator Estimated Entry Salary
$43k
Preschool Educator Estimated Median Salary
Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.
Admissions & Aid
A career in education is an investment in your future — and Athens State University works to make that investment accessible.
Athens State University offers the lowest tuition of any public, four-year university in Alabama, giving future educators an affordable path to a bachelor’s degree. With flexible learning options, dedicated faculty, and support designed around students’ needs, you can prepare for your teaching career without putting your financial future on hold.
Students may also qualify for financial aid, scholarships, and other assistance to help make their education more affordable.
Why Choose This Program at Athens State?
Young children learn differently — and effective early childhood teachers understand that development is about more than academics. You’ll explore the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of young learners so you can create classrooms where every child has an opportunity to thrive.
Get Hands-On Experience
You won’t spend your entire degree learning about teaching from a textbook. Field experiences and clinical preparation give you opportunities to observe, practice, and apply your skills in real educational settings.
Invest in Your Future The Smart Way
Athens State University is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education. As Alabama’s most affordable public, state university, we give you the opportunity to earn a degree while making a smart investment in your future, without unnecessary debt.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world business experience, bringing current industry practices into every course. At Athens State, you’re not facing the journey alone — our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way, providing personalized guidance and support.
Our Faculty
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*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.