Early Childhood Education
63 Credit Associate DegreeProgram Description
Early Childhood Education is an Associate of Applied Science Degree program that will prepare individuals to pursue a career in early childhood education. Students will analyze theoretical principles of early childhood education and apply these principles in a variety of settings such as child care centers, family day care, infant/toddler care, preschool, four-year old kindergarten or kindergarten and/or nanny care. In order to provide a variety of student teaching experiences, the following format is typically offered: Students complete four practicum placements, each 108 hours. Students and faculty will work closely to develop a plan to ensure students have experience with infants/toddlers, preschool age children, children with differing abilities, and pre-K through 3rd grade students. Potential occupations include: Preschool, Early Childhood Education, Day Care Center Teacher, Child Care Director, Child Care Program Supervisor and Elementary Public School Teacher Aide.
Approximate Cost
Starting Salary
Financial Aid
Available
Program Overview Video
Availability
Courses for this program may be available at a variety of campus locations through multiple modes of delivery if you meet the admission requirements and prerequisites.
* Campus and online availability of courses and programs may be subject to change.
Outcomes
Graduates will be able to…
- Integrate health, safety and nutrition practices
- Demonstrate professionalism
- Use best practices in teaching and learning
- Assess child growth and development
- Cultivate relationships with children, family and the community
- Apply child development theory to practice
Careers
Some of the potential careers graduates can pursue are:
- Elementary Public School Teacher Aide
- Child Care Program Supervisor
- Child Care Director
- Day Care Center Teacher
- Early Childhood Education Teacher
- Preschool Teacher
Courses
The Early Childhood Education Associate Degree is a 63 Credit program. In addition to our full-time option, we offer eight- and nine-term part-time options.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
* The credit for College 101 (10-890-165) is a College Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program requirements, but must be passed with a “C” or better. This requirement is effective for students beginning the program in Spring 2021 and beyond.
Credit for Prior Learning Available
View All Detailed Course InformationPathways
Pathways are a series of connected programs that enable you to advance over time to better jobs and higher levels of education and training. By earning one degree, you could also be completing several courses of a related program in a pathway, bringing you one step closer to an advanced degree.
If you begin with one of the following programs, you will earn significant credit towards this Early Childhood Education Associate Degree:
- The Early Childhood Teacher Technical Diploma will provide you with 49% (31 of 63 credits) of the total credits in this Early Childhood Education Associate Degree
- The Early Childhood Licensing Basic Ages 0-2 Certificate will provide you with 14% (9 of 63 credits) of the total credits in this Early Childhood Education Associate Degree
- The Early Childhood Education - Early Care Provider Certificate will provide you with 14% (9 of 63 credits) of the total credits in this Early Childhood Education Associate Degree
- The Early Childhood Education - The Registry Preschool Certificate will provide you with 29% (18 of 63 credits) of the total credits in this Early Childhood Education Associate Degree
Transfer Information
The following transfer guides executed in partnership with post-secondary institutions are based on articulation agreements and are a guide to provide an easy way to understand how credits transfer.
Additional Information
Licensure/Certification Information
NTC's Early Childhood Education Associate Degree is designed to meet the State of Wisconsin's licensing criteria. However, NTC has not made a determination whether this program meets licensure requirements in states other than Wisconsin. Students who may be seeking professional licensure or certification in states other than Wisconsin should contact the appropriate licensing board in that state to verify that the NTC program meets licensure or certification requirements.
Admissions Process
Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions while submitting your application.
Before you apply, you should know
This program requires a criminal background check. Acceptance to Northcentral Technical College will not be denied based on a criminal background, however, a check may be required for placement at clinical sites or field experiences.
Fill out our application
The application can be submitted online and takes just a few minutes to complete. The $30.00 application fee is being waived at this time.
Apply NowWhat’s Next?
We’ll review your application and let you know if we need anything else. If you’re all set, your acceptance letter will be mailed to you.