E-CHiLD
Associate Degree
60 Credits | 2 Years
Associate Degree | Financial Aid-Eligible
Online
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
E-CHiLD is an innovative Early Childhood Education associate degree program that blends online learning with community-based student teaching and prepares you to work as a teacher or caregiver in an early childhood setting. As a student, you’ll take a variety of courses related to early childhood development, curriculum, behavior guidance and working with families to prepare you for success in this high-demand field. You will engage in a variety of online teaching and learning experiences, including virtual live face-to-face classroom sessions one evening per week, with optional open teaching labs and technical support available. Graduates of this program will be recognized as Wisconsin Registry Career Level 12.
Program Outcomes
E-CHiLD 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.
E-CHiLD is the online version of the Early Childhood Education associate degree program. E-CHiLD is designed to build meaningful relationships, maximize educational technology and promote timely program completion.
Fully online.
Learn by doing.
University transfer opportunities.
Academics
Graduates will become responsible for the care and education of children from birth to school-age. You will learn to create and maintain safe and healthy play environments, guide behavior, plan and implement learning activities, and work cooperatively with staff and parents.
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 as Wisconsin Registry Career Level 12.
Students of this program 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.
Career Pathways
As an E-CHiLD student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way! Graduates of this program will earn an E-Connect Child Care Services technical diploma and a Group Child Care Essentials pathway certificate.
Strong Employment Rate
According to Northwood Tech’s 2021-2022 Graduate Survey Responses, 92 percent of Early Childhood Education graduates were employed in a related field within six months of graduating. Typical careers available for graduates include childcare teacher, public school or Head Start teacher assistant, program director, and more.
Part-Time Option
The E-CHiLD program accommodates your life by providing a 3 or 4 year part-time schedule to complete your education, making it easier to work around childcare, work and other responsibilities.
Required Courses
Coursework focuses on developmentally appropriate practice and brain-based learning and promotes play, science, art, language, math and music to help young children of all abilities and backgrounds develop physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally. You will learn how to create and maintain safe and healthy play environments, guide behavior, plan and implement learning activities, and work cooperatively with staff and parents.
Featured E-CHiLD Courses
E-CHiLD is Part of a Career Pathway
As an E-CHiLD 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.
Continue your education 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*
E-CHiLD
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 E-CHiLD Program
Upon completion of the program, you will earn a pathway certificate in Group Child Care Essentials, an E-Connect Child Care Services technical diploma, and an Early Childhood Education associate degree.
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.
