Early Childhood Education
Associate Degree
60 Credits | 2 Years
Associate Degree | Financial Aid-Eligible
New Richmond, Rice Lake, Superior
Career Cluster: Education & Training
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Early childhood educators work with young children during the pivotal years that build the foundation for future success. They use play, science, art, language, math and music to help young children of all abilities and backgrounds develop physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally. If you have a passion for education and creativity, and you enjoy working with young children, consider a fun and rewarding career in early childhood education!
Program Overview
The Early Childhood Education program will prepare you to work as a teacher or caregiver in an early childhood setting. You will have the opportunity to combine hands-on learning and student teaching experiences in community-based early childhood settings with related academic work at the college. As a student, you’ll take a variety of courses related to early childhood development, curriculum, behavior guidance and working with families that will prepare you for success in this high-demand field. Graduates of this program will be recognized as Wisconsin Registry Career Level 12.
Program Outcomes
Early Childhood Education graduates will be able to:
- Apply child development theory to practice
- Cultivate relationships with children, family, and the community
- Assess child growth and development
- Use effective, research-based practices in teaching and learning
- Demonstrate professionalism
- Integrate health, safety, and nutrition practices
Technical Standards
In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
Learn More About Technical Standards for this Program
In this program, you'll apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world field experiences within community-based childcare settings. Readily access teaching and learning materials, equipment, and resources within open lab environments.
Flexible scheduling.
Learn by doing.
University transfer opportunities.
Academics
All required program coursework is part of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) statewide curriculum, which aligns with Wisconsin’s YoungStar requirements and allows for numerous seamless transfer opportunities between area technical colleges and baccalaureate degree-granting colleges and universities. Graduates of this program will be recognized by The Registry, Wisconsin’s recognition system for the childhood care and education profession, as Wisconsin Registry Career Level 12.
As a student of this program, you may be eligible for the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood WISCONSIN scholarship. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WISCONSIN provides higher education scholarships to professionals who work in regulated early childhood and school age care settings seeking approved credit-based education, such as the Early Childhood Education associate degree.
Strong Employment for Grads
The demand for early childhood professionals is growing as parents seek providers to support their children's development. According to Northwood Tech’s 2022-2023 Graduate Survey, 100% of Early Childhood Education graduates were either employed or continuing their education.
Career Pathways
Early Childhood Education students at Northwood Tech can earn credentials throughout the program. Graduates will receive an E-Connect Child Care Services technical diploma and pathway certificates in the Guiding and Supporting Children, Preschool Education Professional, and Group Child Care Essentials.
Experienced Instructors, Small Class Sizes
You’ll learn from knowledgeable and passionate instructors who care about your success. Small class sizes allow you to connect and interact with your instructors and classmates in fun and meaningful ways.
Required Courses
Courses address the essential theoretical and practical instruction to develop skills in early childhood education procedures and professionalism.
Featured Early Childhood Education Courses
Early Childhood Education is Part of a Career Pathway
As an Early Childhood Education student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!
You could take this first and get a credential.
Continue your education to earn a pathway certificate.
Advance your skills to earn a technical diploma.
This is the program you’re looking at.
Continue your education to earn your bachelor's degree.
Admissions and Tuition
Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.
Tuition and Fees
Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships.
Learn More About Paying for College
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.
Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*
Early Childhood Education
60 Credits | 2 Years
$9,857
*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.
After the Northwood Tech Early Childhood Education Program
Upon completion of the program, you will earn pathway certificates in Guiding and Supporting Children, Preschool Education Professional and Group Child Care Essentials, a technical diploma in E-Connect - Child Care Services, and an associate degree in Early Childhood Education.
Transfer Center
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
Partnership
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WISCONSIN provides higher education scholarships to professionals who work in regulated early childhood and school age care settings. Since its inception in 1999, T.E.A.CH. has provided more than 14,000 scholarships to over 8,000 early childhood teachers.
Learn more about T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WISCONSIN here.
2908 Marketplace Drive, Suite 103, Fitchburg, WI 53719
Get the Northwood Tech experience
Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
