Emergent Inquiry
Join a Learning Community
Become part of a learning community that explores the social, cultural, and educational history of emergent inquiry through constructivist and Reggio-inspired early childhood education. Use scientific inquiry as an approach to teaching, learning, and problem solving in the early childhood classroom, as inspired by the Italian schools of Reggio Emilia.
The Early Childhood Emergent Inquiry Graduate Certificate is designed for educators who want to deepen their understanding of emergent inquiry curriculum and its application in early childhood education. The certificate aligns with the vision of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) for educating early childhood teachers and teacher leaders.
Candidates in this certificate program will develop and demonstrate the knowledge and skills outlined in the NAEYC Core Standards for Professional Preparation.
Curriculum Inspired By Children's Play and Inquiry
This certificate offers an in-depth exploration of early childhood programming in which curriculum emerges from children’s social, creative, and intellectual interests and capabilities. The approach emphasizes how children express their learning in multiple forms through play, conversation, movement, art, and exploration. It also highlights the essential role of a thoughtfully organized learning environment in guiding and extending children’s ideas, curiosity, and problem-solving.
The video below provides insight from the program coordinator and includes experiences shared by students.
Explore the Early Childhood Education Department's Website
For Educators Seeking a Non-Prescriptive, Inquiry-Driven Approach
The program is open to students everywhere who hold a bachelor or master's degree in Early Childhood or a related field (e.g. Psychology, Special Education, Elementary Education, etc.). Please note: This is not a prescribed curriculum approach, nor a teaching license program. Two years of experience working with young children (birth through 8 years) is preferred.
Upon completion of the certificate, opportunities include but are not limited to the following: director of a Reggio Inspired School, teaching at a Reggio inspired school, pedagogical coach at a Reggio Inspired School, teaching at a preschool program that aspires toward guiding inquiry with children (schools interested in expressive arts and STEM), and atelierista (studio facilitator) at a Reggio inspired school or preschool.
This graduate certificate consists of six courses (18 credit hours) that can transfer into the master's in Early Care and Education. Students can either start with the certificate and later apply those credits toward the master’s degree, or pursue both programs concurrently for two years by taking two courses each fall, spring, and summer semester. Both options offer flexibility for students who want to start with the graduate certificate and progress toward the master’s degree. Students who want to pursue the certificate only may do so by enrolling in one course each fall, spring, and summer semester over the course of two years.
Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found on the Emergent Inquiry Cohort site or in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.
Inspired by the Internationally Renowned Reggio Emilia Approach
Take courses in social development, creative development, designing physical environments,
and language and literacy.
An example from the "Materials Exploration Assignment" in the Advanced Creative Development of Young Children course.
Assignment example from the Designing Early Childhood Environments from an Emergent Inquiry Perspective course.
Cost
Credits to complete this program: 18 credit hours
| TN Residents | *eRate | Out of State |
|---|---|---|
| $672 per credit hour | $835.50 per credit hour | $1,513 per credit hour |
| - The *eRate applies to students living out of state and taking all web-based courses. - Additional fees may be required. - Visit the Paying for College page to read more about costs and financial aid options. - The costs associated with attending ETSU can include both direct and indirect costs. Please review ETSU's Cost of Attendance for more details. |
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Steps to Apply
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Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account
Step 1 Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option
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Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal
Step 2 Sign in to the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"
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Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields
Step 3 Choose "Graduate," select your student type (domestic or international), select "Certificate," term, then choose Emergent Inquiry and complete the remainder of the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What accreditations apply to this certificate program?
East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. East Tennessee State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of East Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
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What are the job prospects with this certificate?
Opportunities include but are not limited to the following: director of a Reggio Inspired School, teaching at a Reggio inspired school, pedagogical coach at a Reggio Inspired School, teaching at a preschool program that aspires toward guiding inquiry with children (schools interested in expressive arts and STEM), and atelierista (studio facilitator) at a Reggio inspired school or preschool.
This is a non-licensure program. Students seeking licensure to teach in public schools might consider the Early Childhood Development PreK-3 Initial Licensure Program. However, initial licensure programs at ETSU are only offered on-ground.
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Is a master’s degree required for admission?
No, a master's degree is not required for admission to this program. A student's undergraduate degree should be in either the early childhood field, a related field, or the student should have two years of experience working with children.
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Does this certificate require the GRE or GMAT?
No, neither the GRE nor the GMAT are required for this program.
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Are the courses for this certificate asynchronous or synchronous?
All of the courses in this program are offered in an asynchronous format. There are no on-campus requirements, though some students have enjoyed coming to the ETSU Annual Early Childhood Conference each July. Students are encouraged to present at the conference.
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How long does it take to complete the certificate?
Students complete this course by taking one course per fall, spring, and summer semesters over the course of two years.
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Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there are no on-campus requirements. However, students are encouraged to participate in the ETSU Annual Early Childhood Conference.
Several of the courses do require field experiences in early childhood classrooms in the student’s local area as approved by the instructor (private PreK, typically not public school).
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Are scholarships available?
The department does not offer any scholarships for the certificate. ETSU's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships offers scholarship information for all student levels. By submitting the Universal Scholarship Application, students can be considered for a variety of university scholarships. Learn more on the ETSU Scholarship website. Students are also encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.