The State Early Childhood Education Short Certificates of Specialization provide early childhood educators with the option to choose out of five focused areas of study. Each certificate consists of the State Early Childhood Education Initial Certificate, the Child Development course, and the specialized area of interest. The Short Certificates of Specialization align with the general staff qualification education requirements for staff interested in lead teacher positions in childcare centers or for leading a family home childcare facility.The State Early Childhood Education, Short Certificate of Specialization - Outdoor Learning Environments prepares early childhood educators to design and implement nature-based, outdoor learning environments for young children. This certificate aligns with the general staff qualification education requirements for staff interested in lead teacher positions in childcare centers or for leading a family home childcare facility. All of the classes in this certificate apply towards the AAS in Early Childhood Education at LWTech.