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.

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4 terms (Full-time)

8 terms (Part-time)

9 terms (Part-time)

ECE: FOUNDATIONS OF ECE (10307148)

3.00

Introduces the learner to the early childhood profession. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives, investigate the history of early childhood education, examine regulatory requirements for early childhood education programs in WI, summarize types of early childhood education settings, identify the components of a quality early childhood education program, summarize responsibilities of early childhood education professionals and explore early childhood curriculum models.

NTC Assessments Offered:

ECE: INFANT & TODDLER DEV (10307151)

3.00

In this three-credit course, you will study infant and toddler development as it applies to an early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives, analyze development of infants and toddlers (conception to three years), correlate prenatal and postnatal conditions with development, summarize child development theories, analyze the role of heredity and the environment, examine culturally and developmentally appropriate environments for infants and toddlers, examine the role of brain development in early learning (conception through age three) and examine caregiving routines as curriculum.

NTC Assessments Offered:

ECE: HLTH SAFETY & NUTRITION (10307167)

3.00

Examines the topics of health, safety, and nutrition within the context of the early childhood educational setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives; examine governmental regulations and professional standards as they apply to health, safety, and nutrition; plan a safe early childhood environment; plan a healthy early childhood environment; plan nutritionally sound menus; examine child abuse and neglect issues and mandates; describe Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risk reduction strategies; describe strategies to prevent the occurrence of Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) formerly known as Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS); incorporate health, safety, and nutrition concepts into the children's curriculum.

NTC Assessments Offered:

ECE: INTRODUCTORY PRACTICUM (10307174)

3.00

In this three-credit practicum course, you will learn about and apply the course competencies in an actual child care setting. The course competencies include: document children's behavior; explore the standards for quality early childhood education; explore strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives; implement activities developed by the co-op teacher/instructor/student; demonstrate professional behaviors; practice caregiving routines as curriculum; practice positive interpersonal skills with children and adults; analyze how WI Early Learning Standards provide a framework of guiding principles, developmental expectations and program and performance standards to delineate the five developmental domains that embody delivery of quality education and care to young children; incorporate WI Early Learning Standards with the principles of developmentally appropriate practice, intentionality and the teaching cycle to examine child development; evaluate program integration of WI Early Learning Standards into the teaching cycle of Ongoing assessment, planning and curriculum goals, and implementation; identify specific goals and learning and assessment activities to promote the development of a focus child utilizing the WI Early Learning Standards; develop a plan for child learning utilizing the performance standards, developmental continuum and developmental domains from the WI Model Early Learning Standards that is based on experiential learning.

Pre/Corequisite: 10-307-167 ECE: HEALTH, SAFETY AND NUTRITION. Condition: Must be enrolled in the Early Childhood Education AD program or the Early Childhood Teacher TD and have successfully submitted all required documentation.

NTC Assessments Offered:

COLLEGE 101 (10890165)

1.00

Examines proven strategies designed to help learners achieve greater personal, academic, and professional success. Learners will apply personal responsibility thinking and behaviors; self- management, awareness, and motivation strategies; as well as interdependence skills to develop a proactive life plan.

NTC Assessments Offered:

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION (10801195)

3.00

Develops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents.

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® College Composition
  • AP English Language & Composition

ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 (10801136)

3.00

Learners develop and apply skills in all aspects of the writing process. Through a variety of learning activities and written documents, learners employ rhetorical strategies, plan, organize and revise content, apply critical reading strategies, locate and evaluate information, integrate and document sources, and apply standardized English language conventions.

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® College Composition
  • AP English Language & Composition

ECE: EARLY LANGUAGE & LITERACY (10307108)

3.00

This course explores strategies to encourage the development of early language and literacy knowledge and skill building in children birth to 8 years of age.  Learners will investigate the components of literacy including; literacy and a source of enjoyment, vocabulary and oral language, phonological awareness, knowledge of print, letters and words, comprehension and an understanding of books and other texts.  Theories and philosophies regarding children's language and literacy development will be addressed.  Dual language learning will be examined within the context of developmentally appropriate practices.  Assessment tools for early language and literacy acquisition will be reviewed.

NTC Assessments Offered:

ECE: PRESCHOOL PRACTICUM (10307175)

3.00

Applies as the capstone course in The Registry Preschool Credential. Learner will be placed or working in an early childhood setting with 3-5 year old children and create a portfolio that prepares the learner for The Registry commission. Learner will focus on implementing regulations and standards for quality early childhood education, applying knowledge of child development and positive guidance, utilizing observation and assessment techniques, and assessing developmentally appropriate environments for preschoolers.

Prerequisite: 10-307-174 INTRODUCTORY PRACTICUM. Condition: Must be enrolled in the Early Childhood Education AD, Early Childhood Teacher TD or Registry Preschool Certificate and have successfully submitted all required documentation.

NTC Assessments Offered:

ECE: CHILD DEVELOPMENT (10307179)

3.00

This three-credit course examines child development within the context of the early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: analyze social, cultural and economic influences on child development; summarize child development theories; analyze development of children age three through age eight, summarize the methods and designs of child development research, analyze the role of heredity and the environment and examine the role of brain development in early learning (ages three through eight).

NTC Assessments Offered:

ECE: GUIDING CHILD BEHAVIOR (10307188)

3.00

This three-credit course examines positive strategies to guide children's behavior in the early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives; summarize early childhood guidance principles; analyze factors that affect the behavior of children; practice positive guidance strategies; develop guidance strategies to meet individual needs; create a guidance philosophy. This course meets the requirements for the Pyramid Model training.

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COLLEGE MATHEMATICS (10804107)

3.00

This course is designed to review and develop fundamental concepts of mathematics pertinent to the areas of: 1) arithmetic and algebra; 2) geometry and trigonometry; and 3) probability and statistics. Special emphasis is placed on problem solving, critical thinking and logical reasoning, making connections and using calculators. Topics include performing arithmetic operations and simplifying algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities in one variable, solving proportions and incorporating percent applications, manipulating formulas, solving and graphing systems of linear equations and inequalities in two variables, finding areas and volumes of geometric figures, applying similar and congruent triangles, converting measurements within and between U.S. and metric systems, applying Pythagorean Theorem, solving right and oblique triangles, calculating probabilities, organizing data and interpreting charts, calculating central and spread measures and summarizing and analyzing data.

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® College Mathematics

ECE: SOC S, ART, & MUSIC (10307110)

3.00

Focuses on beginning level curriculum development in the specific integrated content areas of social studies, art, music, & movement (SSAMM).

NTC Assessments Offered:

ECE: INTERMEDIATE PRACTICUM (10307177)

3.00

In this 3-credit course you will be implementing regulations and standards for quality early childhood education, applying knowledge of child development and positive guidance, utilizing observation and assessment techniques, and assessing developmentally appropriate environments for children.

Prerequisite: 10-307-175 ECE: PRESCHOOL PRACTICUM. Condition: Must be enrolled in the ECE AD program and have successfully submitted all required documentation.

NTC Assessments Offered:

ECE: CHILDREN W/DIFF ABILITIES (10307187)

3.00

This three-credit course focuses on the child with differing abilities in an early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives; provide inclusive programs for young children; apply legal and ethical requirements including, but not limited to, ADA and IDEA; work collaboratively through the consultation process to embed intervention in natural based settings; differentiate between typical and exceptional development; analyze the differing abilities of children with physical, cognitive, health/medical, communication, and/or behavioral/emotional disorders; work collaboratively with community and professional resources; utilize an individual educational plan (IEP/IFSP) for children with developmental differences; adapt curriculum to meet the needs of children with developmental differences; cultivate partnerships with families who have children with developmental differences.

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ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (10801196)

3.00

Focuses upon developing speaking, verbal and nonverbal communication and listening skills through individual presentations, group activities and other projects.

NTC Assessments Offered:

INTRODUCTION TO DIVERSITY STUDIES (10809172)

3.00

Introduces learners to the study of diversity from a local to a global environment using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. Encourages self-exploration and prepares the learner to work in a diverse environment. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relationships in a multicultural context, the primary topics of race, ethnicity, age, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability and religion are explored.

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ECE: STEM (10307112)

3.00

Focus on beginning level curriculum development in the specific integrated content areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

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ECE: FAMILY & COMMUNITY REL (10307195)

3.00

In this three-credit course, you will examine the role of relationships with family and community in early childhood education. Course competencies include: implement strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives when working with families and community; analyze contemporary family patterns; trends and relationships; utilize effective communication strategies; establish ongoing relationships with families; advocate for children and families and work collaboratively with community resources.

NTC Assessments Offered:

ECE: ADVANCED PRACTICUM (10307199)

3.00

In this three-credit practicum course, you will learn about and apply the course competencies in an actual child care setting. Course competencies include: analyze children's growth and development based on assessment; integrate strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives; promote professional behaviors and practices; implement meaningful curriculum; create respectful; reciprocal relationships; evaluate early childhood education programs for quality and explore professional options in early childhood education. Students will be required to complete 108 hours of practicum site experience and one credit of classroom meeting time.

Prerequisite: 10-307-175 PRESCHOOL PRACTICUM and 10-307-177 INTERMEDIATE PRACTICUM. Condition: Must be enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Associate Degree program and have successfully submitted all required documentation.

INTRO TO SOCIOLOGY (10809196)

3.00

Introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology: culture, socialization, social stratification, multiculturalism and the five institutions, including family, government, economics, religion and education. Other topics include demography, deviance, technology, environment, social issues, social change, social organization and workplace issues.

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® Introductory Sociology

PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN RELATIONS (10809199)

3.00

Explores the relationship between the general principles of psychology and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding enables students to improve their relationships with others at work, in the family and in society.

NTC Assessments Offered:

INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGY (10809198)

3.00

This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors and social influences. It directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social and vocational settings.

NTC Assessments Offered:
National Exams Accepted:
  • CLEP® Introductory Psychology
  • AP Psychology

Test-Out Option Term Definitions

Test

An exam that is scored by faculty or staff in NTC’s Testing Center.

Skill Demonstration

A performance of your expertise that is evaluated by faculty.

Combination: Test & Skill Demonstration

A combination of both a test and a skill demonstration.

Portfolio

A collection and explanation of your past learning through work or life experience.

Have Questions?

If you have questions about this program, please contact our Career Coaches at 715.803.1645.

If you have further questions regarding our Credit for Prior Learning options, please contact Student Records at studentrecords@ntc.edu or 715.803.1796.