Early Childhood: Preschool - Certificate

Strengthen your skills in supporting children ages 3–5. Build your experience as an early childhood professional with this 18-credit certificate focused on supporting the learning and development of preschool-age children. Designed for those already working in early care and education—including family childcare providers, childcare teachers and assistant teachers, preschool teachers, and certified providers—this certificate helps you deepen your understanding of developmentally appropriate practice and create engaging, meaningful learning experiences for children ages three to five. You’ll complete six courses in this certificate, all of which are part of the Wisconsin Technical College System’s associate degree in early childhood education. Finishing this certificate meets the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families’ educational requirements for the role of Early Childhood Teacher, helping you advance your qualifications and career options. After completing all coursework, you will be prepared to apply for the Wisconsin Registry Preschool Credential, a respected recognition of your skills and commitment to high-quality early learning.

Program Code: 9030711
Home » Academics and Training » Early Childhood: Preschool
Area of Study: Education

Program Costs & Financial Aid

See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.

Contact an NWTC support representative to find the best way to pay for this program.

Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.

Explore Locations

Offered At:

Delivery

  • Day
  • Evening
  • Full-time
  • Online
  • Part-time

How do I get started in this program?

Requirements for Certificate Entry

  • Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
  • 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.

Total Credits 18
  • Curriculum Note: Students must earn a grade of a "C" or higher in all 10-307-XXX courses to successfully graduate the Early Childhood: The Preschool Certificate.

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 Wisconsin Preschool Credential. Contact Career Development at careerdevelopment@wisconsinearlychildhood.org to learn next steps to create your portfolio required to commission. 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. Successful graduates of this certificate will be eligible to apply for Wisconsin Registry Career Level 10.

Successful graduates of this certificate will be eligible to apply for Wisconsin Registry Career Level 10.

All courses in this certificate apply toward the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Education, which is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Online

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.
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