Early Childhood: Preschool - Certificate
The Preschool Certificate is designed for individuals working with children ages three to five. This might include family childcare providers, child care teachers, preschool teachers, certified providers, or anyone wishing to provide a quality environment and learning activities for children in this critical age group. The ECE: Preschool Practicum (10-307-175) is taken last. Completion of all six courses will prepare learners to receive The Wisconsin Preschool Credential from The Registry-Wisconsin’s Recognition System for the Childhood Care and Education Profession.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.Contact an NWTC admissions advisor to find the best way to pay for this program.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
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Delivery
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Certificate Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
- Complete physical examination within three months prior to Practicum course.
- Complete caregiver background check. A fee is charged for this service. Must be completed to be accepted to the program.
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
What are my courses?
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the certificate in the number of semesters shown.
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 10-307-XXX courses to successfully graduate the Early Childhood: The Preschool Certificate. If the course is sequential, the successful retake must occur before continuing the sequence.
- The Preschool Practicum may be applied to the Registry Preschool Credential (NWTC Certificate), Early Childhood Technical Diploma, and the Associate Degree Program. Learners complete the following courses prior to the Practicum: 10-307-167 ECE: Health Safety & Nutrition; 10-307-179 ECE: Child Development; 10-307-110 ECE: Social Studies, Art, Music; 10-307-108 ECE: Early Language & Literacy; 10-307-188 ECE: Guiding Child Behavior OR 10-307-174.
- Registry Credential (NWTC Preschool Certificate): Students taking the Preschool Practicum class for the Preschool Credential need to be working with preschool age children in their workplace.
- Early Childhood Associate Degree: Students taking the Preschool Practicum class for the Early Childhood Associate Degree will be placed in a preschool classroom to complete their required practicum hours.
Certificate Outcomes
- Integrate strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspective.
- Explore early childhood curriculum models.
- Provide a health, safe, and nutritionally sound early childhood environment.
- Incorporate health, safety, and nutrition concepts into the children's curriculum.
- Practice positive guidance strategies.
- Create a guidance philosophy.
- Analyze the development of children age three through age eight.
- Create developmentally appropriate language, literature, and literacy activities.
What else do I need to know about the program?
Industry Credentials
Commission with the Wisconsin Registry to earn the Preschool Credential. This 18-credit certificate meets the educational requirements for the state of Wisconsin Licensing Codes, DCF 251: Licensing Rules for Group Child Care Centers, and DCF 250: Licensing Rules for Family Child Care Centers.
- Online
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Classes wherever you have an internet connection.
- An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
- Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
- Day
- Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Evening
- Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Weekend
- A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
- Full-time
- 12 or more credits per term.
- Part-time
- Fewer than 12 credits per term.