Behavioral Health and Trauma in Early Childhood Certificate
Find Your Dream Career with a Behavioral Health and Trauma in Early Childhood Certificate from NECC
Why pursue a certificate for Behavorial Health and Trauma in Early Childhood?
Working with young children and families who have experienced trauma is notably sensitive and challenging. For that reason, professionals with these specialized skills are in high demand. Would you like to support and empower traumatized families in your community? If so, NECC’s Behavioral Health and Trauma in Early Childhood Certificate program will prepare you for a rewarding career as you help children and families rebuild their lives after a traumatic event.
NECC Certificates: Empowering the Next Generation of Trauma-Informed Professionals
Early childhood educators and other professionals play a pivotal role in identifying and supporting children who have experienced trauma. They work with traumatized children and their families, providing assistance that can help young children recover, thrive, and enter kindergarten ready to learn.
Ideal for early childhood educators who want to strengthen their trauma-informed practice, NECC’s Certificate in Behavioral Health and Trauma in Early Childhood provides a basic overview of both the early childhood and human services fields. Our program equips students with the skills necessary to work with children and families experiencing family violence, divorce, or separation, parental incarceration, mental health issues, substance abuse, poverty, bullying, or physical, mental, or sexual abuse.
With a minimum of 22 credits required for graduation, this certificate is stackable into NECC’s Associate Degree in Human Services. If you are already employed, your Behavioral Health and Trauma in Early Childhood Certificate can help you advance your career or seek entry-level employment in the human services field.
What you’ll get from our Behavioral Health and Trauma in Early Childhood certificate program
Learn How to Create Momentum of Hope
Immerse yourself in the children’s behavioral health and trauma world, as you explore topics such as child growth and development, how to identify signs of childhood trauma, and techniques for tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of young children. Learn how to interact with family members and strengthen your trauma-informed practice by participating in real-life scenarios, as well as projects that connect you with local behavioral health experts who work with traumatized children.
At NECC, our 22-credit Behavioral Health and Trauma in Early Childhood Certificate will equip you with the skills and expertise necessary to nurture the mental well-being of traumatized children, creating momentum of hope for their families and communities.
Gear Up for a Great Career As a Trauma-Informed Professional
At NECC, we’re here to help you build a skill set that’s in demand. Whether you see yourself as the next great therapeutic mentor, family support partner, children’s behavioral health specialist, or other trauma-informed professional, we’ve got you covered. While guiding you every step of the way, our experienced instructors will show you how to:
- Strengthen your knowledge and skills to provide care and support sensitive to the effects of trauma
- Differentiate instruction to better meet the needs of traumatized young children
- Work with children and families experiencing a wide variety of mental health and emotional issues
Do Cool Stuff, Not Just Homework
Forget about endless lectures. We’re talking about interactive classes and workshops where you practice what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios, as well as projects that connect you with childhood behavioral health and trauma experts in the community.
Your Schedule, Your Rules
Juggling life, work, and study? No sweat. With a mix of online and on-campus options, NECC makes it easy for you to fit study into your life, not the other way around. Once you’ve completed our Behavioral Health and Trauma in Early Childhood Certificate Program, you’ll be able to advance your career or transfer your credits towards an associate or bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a related field.
Where this journey can take you
Early childhood educators who work with traumatized children and their families are always in high demand. Upon graduation from NECC with a Behavioral Health and Trauma in Early Childhood Certificate, you’ll be prepared to advance in the workforce or further your education at NECC or a four-year school.
Imagine yourself serving in one of these professional roles:
- Helping traumatized children thrive as a Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist
- Creating a safe and supportive learning environment as a Trauma-Informed Preschool Teacher
- Showing traumatized children how to develop coping skills as a Therapeutic Mentor
- Supporting and empowering families as a Family Support Partner
- Nurturing individuals through the recovery process as a Substance Abuse Counselor
- Helping families navigate relationship issues as a Marriage and Family Counselor
Why choose NECC for your Behavioral Health and Trauma in Early Childhood certificate?
We Get It
At NECC, inspiring our students to succeed is our top priority. Modern, relevant, and engaging, our Behavioral Health and Trauma in Early Childhood Certificate courses are designed with you in mind.
NECC’s dedicated faculty and staff help students develop the skills they need to advance in the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support, empowering students to thrive academically. We also offer a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising.
With over 60 credit programs, two convenient campuses, robust student support services, and a vibrant student life, NECC is committed to providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education for all.
Learn from the Pros
Our instructors aren’t just teachers. They’re experienced professionals who live and breathe trauma-informed care and support.
Experience Beyond the Classroom
At NECC, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about building a network, finding your tribe, and acquiring the tools necessary to chase your dreams. Our Haverhill and Lawrence campuses are home to a diverse range of clubs and organizations and activities that help students connect with peers who share similar interests.
Whether you choose to gain leadership experience, stay healthy and fit, join a club, or participate in varsity sports, and student activities, we’ll guarantee you’ll have fond memories of your time at NECC.
We Got Your Back
From the day you start until the day you land your first big gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on. At NECC, our goal is to empower our students by equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive, wherever they choose to work.
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What Can I Do With This Major?
Got Prior Learning or Work Experience?
With NECC’s Credit for Prior Learning, you can move through the program at a faster pace, and graduate sooner! The best part is these credits are covered free-of-charge for eligible Massachusetts learners.
Support for Every Student
NECC offers a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, to help students thrive academically. Want to transfer to NECC? Our advisors are happy to assist you.
Career Outlook for Trauma-Informed Early Childhood Professionals North of Boston
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 19% increase in job opportunities for children’s behavioral health specialists, substance abuse counselors, and other trauma-informed early childhood professionals over the next eight to nine years, outpacing most other occupations.
At NECC, our Behavioral Health and Trauma in Early Childhood Certificate Program graduates have an exceptional rate of employment while working as therapeutic mentors, family support partners, preschool teachers, and more. Some have gone on to start their own successful businesses!
How Much Can I Expect to Make As a Trauma-Informed Early Childhood Professional?
The earning potential for early childhood educators and other professionals with trauma- informed certifications varies based on several factors, including education, licenses, experience, and setting. For example, according to Salary.com, the average salary for a Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist in Massachusetts was $80,436 as of December 2024.
With a Certificate in Behavioral Health and Trauma in Early Childhood from NECC, you’ll be qualified to advance your career or further your education to prepare for these roles:
Children’s Behavioral Health Specialist
Assesses, diagnoses, and treats behavioral and emotional issues in children. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $80,436 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $64,492 and $97,517.¹
Trauma-Informed Preschool Teacher
Understands how trauma can affect children’s development, learning, and ability to interact, and uses this knowledge to create a safe and supportive learning environment. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $45,210 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $40,880 and $51,150.¹
Therapeutic Mentor
Helps traumatized children develop coping skills through modeling, educating, coaching, and motivating. The median annual wage in the United States for this role was $62,528 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $55,214 and $69,232.¹
Family Support Partner
Supports parents, guardians, or caregivers to help meet the behavioral, emotional, and educational goals of children. The median annual wage in the United States for this role was $44,760 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $38,449 and $50,567.¹
Substance Abuse Counselor
While advocating on behalf of young children, works with parents struggling with substance abuse issues, supporting them throughout the recovery process. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $63,650 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $49,169 and $80,366.¹
Marriage and Family Therapist
Helps children, couples, and families identify and address relationship issues and challenges. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $46,679 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $37,604 and $62,763.¹
How to Get Started Earning a Behavioral Health and Trauma in Early Childhood Certificate in the Merrimack Valley Region
Feeling pumped? We thought so! Learn more about how to apply for the Early Childhood Certificate Program Still unsure that it’s the right fit for you? Contact us to chat more about why this could be the best decision you’ll ever make!
FAQs
Sources and Citations: ¹Salary information provided on this page is sourced from Salary.com. The data reflects estimates based on employer surveys and job listings. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.
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success story
Barbara Conrad
Barbara Conrad has gone from educating and engaging preschoolers in Germany to educating and engaging senior citizens in New Hampshire – all with the help of a Northern Essex Community College education. Read Barbara’s story.
Helpful Links
- Academic Advising
- Career Services
- Transfer Information
- Academic Catalog
- Human Services Information Video
- Human Services Program Manual (PDF)
Got Questions?
We're here to help. Contact us if you have questions.
Deirdre Budzyna
B.A., M.Ed., Program Coordinator Early Childhood Program
Education
978-556-3456
