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ECAL Course Schedule and Dates

Program Information

The Early Childhood Administrative and Leadership Certificate is a fully online program. Below is a summary of the program details. 

Early Childhood Administrative and Leadership Certificate
Number of Courses3
Course Length6 weeks (each course)
Tuition$3,510
Total Units9 semester units
Program Length6 months

Course Schedule

2026 ECAL Cohort
CourseCourse Dates
CAFS 5710: Leadership in Early Childhood EducationFebruary 2 - March 13, 2026
CAFS 5720: Early Childhood Human Resources & Community EngagementApril 6 - May 15, 2026
CAFS 5725: Mentoring and Adult SupervisionJune 1 - July 10, 2026

 Note: There will be no classes during Spring Break. (March 30 - April 3, 2025)

Course Descriptions

CAFS 5710: Leadership in Early Childhood Education

Learn about leadership skills that can be applied to the early childhood education setting. Specifically, you will have the opportunity to assess your own leadership style and how to use your strengths to serve others. Discuss common challenges within leading in an early childhood program and strategies to problem solve.  (3 units)

Student Learning Outcomes - Student will be able to:

  1. Develop leadership skills through knowledge of conceptual history of leadership theory
  2. Analyze different conceptualizations of leadership and social justice within Early Childhood Education
  3. Identify their own leadership identity /Develop a commitment of continuing professional development
CAFS 5720: Early Childhood Administration and Community Engagement

Identify methods of employee performance appraisals. Examine considerations for hiring and job descriptions. Consider key components of creating mission statements and program philosophies.  Examine the importance of high quality work environments and compensation for employees. Learn strategies and benefits to community engagement. (3 units)

Student Learning Outcomes - Student will be able to:

  1. Have a general understanding of how programs are organized and how organization structures relate to personnel.
  2. Understand the role of leadership as it relates to Community Engagement
  3. Critique and examine dimensions of inequalities within Early Education
CAFS 5725: Mentoring and Adult Supervision

Learn various methods of mentoring and supervising student teachers, volunteers, staff and other adults in early care and educational settings.  Use your leadership style, identified in the Leadership in Early Childhood Education course, to mentor and supervise adults.  Identify and discuss common challenges of adult supervision. Learn effective communication strategies for mentoring and providing feedback to mentees.  Discuss awareness of individual differences, implicit bias, and ethical practices while supervising and mentoring adults. Learn strategies to support adults to set and achieve goals. (3 units)

Student Learning Outcomes - Students will be able to:

  1. Individualize mentoring and supervision strategies in early care and education & child development settings based on the roles, adult stages, and individual styles of adult learners
  2. Demonstrate competency in communication and reflective practices when working with diverse adult populations in early care and education & child development settings
  3. Use assessment tools to inform leadership decisions in Early Childhood Education / Child Development settings