Early Childhood Growth and Development

Early Childhood Education Certificate

Take a single Early Childhood Education course or earn a certificate. Complete any four of the seven-week, 3-credit Early Childhood Education courses (12 credits total) to earn a certificate. Taught by Dr. Marcelo Juica, these continuing education courses explore contemporary topics in early childhood education and provide educators with research-based knowledge and practical strategies to support diverse learners. Courses are offered each fall and spring, allowing participants to complete the certificate at a pace that fits their schedule.

This Course: EEC110: Early Childhood Growth and Development

This course examines the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children from birth through age eight, with an emphasis on the major theories and research that inform developmentally appropriate practice. Students explore how biological, environmental, and cultural factors shape growth and learning, and apply developmental milestones to real-world early childhood settings. By the end of this course, students will be able to: describe the major domains of child development and the theoretical frameworks that explain them; identify typical and atypical developmental patterns across age groups; apply knowledge of child development to plan age-appropriate learning experiences; and recognize the influence of family, culture, and environment on a child's growth.

For any questions about course content, please contact the course instructor, Dr. Marcelo Juica -- MJuica@lasell.edu.

This section of Early Childhood Growth and Development runs 9/2-10/21 in the Fall 2026 term. Students may enroll in the course up until 9/7. For any questions about enrollment or Lasell Professional Studies, please contact profstudies@lasell.edu.

About the Instructor: Dr. Marcelo Juica

Dr. Marcelo Juica is a higher education leader with over 25 years of experience in administration, educator training, and program development, with a career centered on eliminating systemic inequities and expanding educational access for marginalized communities, particularly immigrant and undocumented college students. Originally from Chile, he teaches and communicates in English and Spanish, and can assist Portuguese speakers as well, and has extensive experience in education, curriculum and instruction, classroom technology, and research supporting educators in both public classroom and early care settings. Dr. Juica brings technology innovation to working with students virtually, and all his courses can be completed either synchronously through live discussion or asynchronously at the student's own pace. He holds degrees from the University of Massachusetts and Boston University, along with a Ph.D. from Lesley University.