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Early Childhood Education Courses

Western is excited to offer courses in Early Childhood Education. These courses are designed to equip educators, caregivers, and anyone interested in working with young children with the necessary knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on their development and well-being. Beginning in Fall 2024, interested students may also pursue a 9-credit Early Childhood Professional certificate to bolster their professional development and enhance their early childhood pedagogy skills.

Program Details

Western’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) course offerings vary each semester and can be taken as standalone courses or as part of the Early Childhood Professional certificate. Unlike Western’s standard undergraduate and graduate certificate programs, this certificate program as well as all other ECE courses have a unique application and registration process managed through the Center for Learning & Innovation. To learn about the registration process, click here.

Course Offerings

Online Courses – Spring 2025

CLI EDUC 101 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education

  • Instructor: Carie Mitchell – cmitchell@western.edu
  • Dates: January 13 – March 7
  • 3 credit course, fully online
    • *Weekly Zoom session that is required on Wednesday’s from 6-7pm
  • Cost: $570 total ($190/credit)
  • Drop deadline for refund: January 29
    • *Please note that if you drop/cancel your registration, there is a $50 cancellation fee assessed by the Center for Learning & Innovation

CLI EDUC 103 – Positive Guidance and Social Emotional Support

  • Instructor: Carie Mitchell – cmitchell@western.edu
  • Dates: March 10 – May 9
  • 3 credit course, fully online
    • *Weekly Zoom session that is required on Wednesday’s from 6-7pm
  • Cost: $570 total ($190/credit)
  • Drop deadline for refund: March 26
    • *Please note that if you drop/cancel your registration, there is a $50 cancellation fee assessed by the Center for Learning & Innovation

CLI EDUC 111 – Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice

  • Instructor: Lana Athey – lathey@western.edu
  • Dates: March 10 – May 9
  • 3 credit course, fully online
    • *Weekly Zoom session that is required on Tuesday’s from 6-7pm
  • Cost: $570 total ($190/credit)
  • Drop deadline for refund: March 26
    • *Please note that if you drop/cancel your registration, there is a $50 cancellation fee assessed by the Center for Learning & Innovation

CLI EDUC 268 – Curriculum Methods & Techniques in Early Childhood Education

  • Instructor: Lana Athey – lathey@western.edu
  • Dates: January 13 – March 7
  • 3 credit course, fully online
    • *Weekly Zoom session that is required on Tuesday’s from 6-7pm
  • Cost: $570 total ($190/credit)
  • Drop deadline for refund: January 29
    • *Please note that if you drop/cancel your registration, there is a $50 cancellation fee assessed by the Center for Learning & Innovation

Questions about billing? Contact the Center for Learning & Innovation at 970.943.2885 or center@western.edu


Registration Information


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