Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate
You’re Meant to Make a Difference in Young Lives – Start Today and Inspire Classrooms of Little Minds in as few as 5 Months!
Big impact starts with little learners. Early childhood education is essential for shaping a child’s future, and with Unitech Training Academy’s Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate program, you can play a key role in that journey. This program can be completed in less than 5 months and includes real-world training and experience at Unitech’s For My Child Learning Centers, serving children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on learning, you’ll build the knowledge and skills needed to qualify to apply for the Early Childhood Ancillary Teaching Certificate.
Early childhood caregivers play a crucial role in shaping positive experiences and creating environments where children can grow and thrive. At Unitech, we focus on teaching students about key learning milestones and how infants and children develop through play and meaningful connections with their caregivers. A child’s early years have a lasting impact on their physical, social, and emotional growth. When children are supported by caring, nurturing relationships with parents and providers, it promotes healthy development and reinforces positive growth.
Start Teaching. Start Inspiring. Start Now.
Read through the tabs to learn more about the program.
Our Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate program is offered at our Alexandria and Lafayette campus locations.
- GED or high school diploma required
- Hybrid class schedule
- Dedicated exam prep classes to ensure certification readiness
- Financial aid options available to those who qualify
Unitech Training Academy’s Early Childhood Education program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to start a rewarding career in early childhood education. Through a hands-on learning approach and comprehensive training at both Unitech and For My Child Learning Center, you’ll be prepared to provide meaningful guidance to children and their families in a variety of early learning settings. With the support of experienced instructors, you’ll gain practical insights that will set you up for success in the field and making a positive impact on young learners.
From Passion to Profession—Your Education Journey Starts Here.
Entering a career as an early childhood educator requires a solid understanding of child development, classroom learning styles, and hands-on experience with young children. In the Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate program, you will gain both the knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed in real-world roles, including:
- Planning & leading age-appropriate activities and lessons
- Supervising children’s playtime & educational activities
- Supporting children’s emotional, social, & cognitive development
- Communicating with parents about children’s progress & needs
- Creating & maintaining a safe, clean learning environment
- Observing & assessing children’s development
- Managing classroom behavior & fostering positive relationships
After completing the Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate program with us, you will have the skills and competence gained to apply for the Early Childhood Ancillary Teaching Certificate, which is required for all lead teachers in publicly funded centers. We currently offer the only technical diploma in the state that is approved by the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
You can start training today to pave the way for a successful career as an early childhood educator, and discover the benefits of:
A Rewarding Career: You’ll have the opportunity to make a positive impact on young children’s lives by fostering their development and providing essential guidance in educational settings.
Career Advancement Opportunities: Early childhood educators can expand their skills and specialize in areas such as special education, child development, or program coordination, offering numerous opportunities for growth and continued education.
CHECK OUT THE DROPDOWN BELOW FOR THE COURSES THAT WILL HELP YOU GROW INTO A CONFIDENT EARLYCHILDHOOD EDUCATOR.
ECAC111 – Introduction to Early Childhood Development
The candidate in this module will gain a foundation for how the field of early childhood education has changed rapidly in the last ten years as scientific knowledge about young children has highlighted the impact of high quality early childhood education on children. Students preparing to be early childhood professionals are guided by professional standards, developmentally appropriate best practices and a Code of Ethics. Early childhood professionals will understand the importance and use of appropriate assessment as a key component for planning instruction. This module explains the purpose and value of evaluation and outlines several instructional strategies (CLASS) used to assess young children’s knowledge and skills. Early childhood professionals have a responsibility to advocate for high quality early childhood education and accessibility for all children. Candidates will be taught the fundamental of the CLASS tool and how teachers are grading according to Domains and Dimensions using the scoring system for assessment. Candidates will be trained in Pediatric CPR, First Aid and AED.
ECAC112 – Linking Development and Learning
Candidates will build on instructional strategies and focus specifically on infants and toddlers and preschool ages in regard to what they’re like, motor development, cognitive development, language development, psychosocial, emotional, and mental health along with accommodating diversity and while understanding the linear relationship between CLASS domains and dimensions. Candidates will study how to create quality learning environments and programs, early childhood professionals must understand the distinct developmental milestones of infant and toddler growth and development in all domains. Candidates will apply knowledge gained thus being evaluated in two CLASS observations.
ECAC113 – Meeting the Needs of Young Children
Students will be taught how to help children become responsible by identifying and applying ten steps to guide behavior, analyze the problems associated with physical punishment, identifying the social constructivism approach to guiding behavior, and being able to define behavior guidance specifically using CLASS standards for Behavior Management. Students will learn how to infuse multicultural content into curriculum, programs and activities, understand and identify reasons why America is multicultural and discuss how to teach English language learners. Children with diverse needs will be covered and discussed including how to help homeless children receive a quality education, explain how the student can help children who are abused and neglected and determine what can be done to help them and methods to support gifted and talented children. Children with disabilities will also be discussed. Students will be introduced to dealing with parents, families and the community. They will learn how changes in parents and families influence teachers and schools. Students will be subjected to community resources that are available to help students meet the needs of children and families and to identify the six types of parental involvement and be able to explain how each one can be used.
ECAC114 – Externship
Students will apply practical experience in an authorized child care facility as assigned and coordinated by the school for 125 hours.
Teach, Nurture, Empower – All in a Day’s Work.
There is a hands-on practicum required for this program and for certification, giving students the opportunity to work directly with young children in a real early learning environment. Unlike other programs, students don’t need to search for an externship site—Unitech’s own For My Child Learning Center provides a built-in, supportive setting to complete these 120 hours of practicing hands-on, real-world childcare and instruction. This experience not only helps students build confidence and connections but ensures they’re prepared for the realities of the classroom from day one.
Our Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate program prepares students to lead and support young learners in licensed childcare centers. The hands-on time at For My Child is especially valuable, allowing students to work with real little learners in authentic care and classroom settings—developing practical skills in behavior guidance, daily routines, and age-appropriate learning activities. Students also gain experience in child development, classroom management, and creating nurturing, engaging environments where children can thrive.
Admissions Tours & Early Engagement
Career Services partners with Admissions during campus tours to introduce our support resources. This builds early trust and highlights the value of resume help and job placement assistance.
Orientation Presentation
During orientation, students learn how Career Services will support them throughout their program. Early connections with coordinators are encouraged to maximize success.
Midpoint Assessment & Career Planning
Around the program midpoint, students complete a career assessment. Coordinators use this to guide personalized planning and keep students on track toward their goals.
Resume Development (60 Days Before Graduation)
Resume building begins 60 days before graduation. Students receive templates and one-on-one support to craft polished, job-ready resumes.
Mock Interviews & Professionalism Coaching
Before clinicals, students participate in mock interviews and receive feedback. This helps sharpen communication skills and builds confidence in professional settings.
Professional Seminars & Career Development
Students attend four seminars on job readiness, professionalism, and workplace expectations. These sessions prepare students to confidently enter the workforce.
Unitech Training Academy cannot guarantee or promise employment; however, reasonable efforts will be made to assist the student in securing employment. Unitech provides career services for all graduates who seek employment. Who will be hired depends on the employer. The employer is influenced by factors such as training, character, attendance/punctuality, personality traits, favorable appearance, work ethic, dependability, and the ability to easily converse with others. The success or failure of the placement efforts of the school will be influenced to a great extent by the attendance, academic records, and personal appearance of the graduate.
Your Classroom. Your Calling. Just Months Away.
Whether you’re considering a career shift or just starting out, Unitech’s Early Childhood Education program is the ideal way to begin your path toward a fulfilling future! This program is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to foster positive learning environments for children from birth to age five. You’ll learn about childhood development milestones, practice effective teaching techniques, and gain insight into the role of a teacher in a high-quality childcare center – all taught by instructors with extensive industry experience.
In our Early Childhood Education program, you’ll gain a deep understanding of child development and learn how to create a nurturing, supportive environment for young learners. Through hands-on experience at our For My Child Early Learning Centers, you’ll gain valuable insights into building and maintaining successful early childhood education programs, while also exploring government regulations, accreditation, and licensing in Louisiana childcare. As you work in the classrooms at Unitech and complete your required field hours at For My Child, our instructors will be there to support you every step of the way.
Our Early Childhood Education program will empower you to jump into dynamic, hands-on work with children, helping them grow, learn, and thrive in nurturing environments. You’ll be ready to make a meaningful impact on their development and create positive, engaging experiences for little learners.
At Unitech Training Academy, you’re never just a number—and you’re never alone. No matter what program you’re in and whether you’re learning on campus in Louisiana or online across Louisiana, Mississippi, or Alabama, you’ll have real instructors, hands-on training, and a team that’s with you from day one. Our programs are designed to be efficient and focused, helping you build career-ready skills without wasting time. The support, connections, and confidence you gain here? That’s what lasts a lifetime. This is more than school. This is your launchpad—to a career, to confidence, and to a future you’re proud of.
My advice to someone thinking about joining Unitech would be just do it! The staff helped me in getting into the program, and the instructor has helped me a lot - from understanding children, to doing art projects, I’ve learned how important early childhood is, and I believe I’m a better person for it.
Alexis M.
“My student life was great at Unitech. I had an amazing instructor, Mrs Zita. She has an innate ability to know your strengths and weaknesses and will ensure that you strengthen your weaknesses. She doesn’t let you make excuses instead she force you to own it and work harder. She makes it a point to understand the skill level her students are on and then pushes them. There were many activities to test our skills and knowledge and I looked forward to every day even the days that I didn’t want to go to class.”
Eugenia S. Usher Jenkins
My advice to someone thinking about joining Unitech would be just do it! The staff helped me in getting into the program, and the instructor has helped me a lot - from understanding children, to doing art projects, I’ve learned how important early childhood is, and I believe I’m a better person for it.
Alexis M.
“My student life was great at Unitech. I had an amazing instructor, Mrs Zita. She has an innate ability to know your strengths and weaknesses and will ensure that you strengthen your weaknesses. She doesn’t let you make excuses instead she force you to own it and work harder. She makes it a point to understand the skill level her students are on and then pushes them. There were many activities to test our skills and knowledge and I looked forward to every day even the days that I didn’t want to go to class.”
Eugenia S. Usher Jenkins
What campuses offer this hybrid program?
Unitech’s Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate program is offered at the Alexandria and Lafayette campuses.
What is hybrid?
Unitech’s hybrid programs are offered at our six physical campuses across Louisiana, blending the structure of in-person learning with the flexibility of online coursework. Students attend campus 3 to 4 days a week, depending on whether they’re in a day or evening program (evening availability may vary by campus), while virtual assignments and hours are completed independently and due each Sunday. The online portion of the program is designed to reinforce what you learn in class—helping you solidify your knowledge and apply it confidently in hands-on settings. With a structured schedule and instructor guidance, you’ll stay on track while building skills that translate directly into the real world.
How can I pay for my program?
From grants and student loans to scholarship programs, Unitech’s Financial Aid Officers can help you find the right financial fit for your education. Financial Aid
What is my potential class schedule?
Alexandria
Day- Monday-Thursday on campus - 8:30am-1:30pm
- Fridays are virtual
- 20 hours on campus, 5 hours virtual weekly
- Can be completed in 5 months
- Monday-Wednesday on campus - 5:30pm-8:30pm
- Thursdays & Fridays virtual
- 9 hours on campus, 11 hours virtual weekly
- Can be completed in less than 7 months
Lafayette
Day- Monday-Thursday on campus - 8:30am-1:30pm
- Fridays are virtual
- 20 hours on campus, 5 hours virtual weekly
- Can be completed in 5 months
- Monday-Wednesday on campus - 5:30pm-8:30pm
- Thursdays & Fridays virtual
- 9 hours on campus, 11 hours virtual weekly
- Can be completed in less than 7 months