Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
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Follow Your Path
All of the credits from the following technical diploma(s) apply toward this associate degree:
Early Childhood Assistant Teacher, 313076
All of the credits from the following certificate(s) apply toward this associate degree:
Early Childhood: Licensing Basic Ages 0-2, 613073
Early Childhood: Licensing Basic Ages 3-5, 613072
Early Childhood: Preschool, 9030711
Some of the credits from the following certificate(s) apply toward this associate degree:
Early Childhood: Infant Toddler, 903073
Ask your advisor about 2+2 transfer opportunities.
Delivery
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Program Entry
- For instructions on how to get started, download the application checklist for this program.
- Attend mandatory program orientation. Check your email for invitation to register for orientation.
Application Checklist
What are my courses?
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Early Childhood Education Associate Degree in the number of semesters shown. Courses can be taken in-person, online, web conference, and blended, as long as prerequisites are met.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Social Science Course Options (the Recommended Program Course is Identified with an *):
- Curriculum Note: Field experience courses include student teaching placement hours which must be completed in person at a local early childhood setting, in addition to course work. NWTC faculty arrange student teaching settings for/with students. Students are required to complete student teaching in each center placement.
- Failure to pass a field experience course on the second attempt, may result in removal from the program. See Program Handbook.
- If a student is considering pursuing a 4-year degree, Intermediate Algebra w/Apps, 10-804-118, should be taken in place of Principles of Sustainability, 10-806-112.
- Students must earn a “C” or higher in 10-890-101, College 101. This course must be taken in the first semester.
- Students must earn a grade of a "C" or higher in all 10-307-XXX courses to successfully graduate the Early Childhood Associate Degree Program. If a grade earned is "D" or "F", the course must be retaken to earn the grade of "C" or better to continue in and graduate from this program. If the course is sequential, the successful retake must occur before continuing the sequence.
Program Outcomes
- 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.
What careers are in my future?
Graduate Employment
with 64% in field
Median Starting Salary
Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey
Employment Potential
A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:
- Early Childhood Teacher in Preschool or Group Childcare Centers/Head Start Teacher: plans and implements daily activities with concern for health, safety, and welfare for a designated group of children; supervises the assistant childcare teacher; administers instructional program to young children that promotes their physical, social, psychological, and intellectual development; and provides a flexible balance of active and quiet activities, individual and group activities, indoor and outdoor activities, free choice, guided activities and conduct developmental assessments.
- Family Childcare Provider/Teacher/Owner: same functions as above only in a home setting.
- Early Childhood Program Director, Day Camp Director, Child Care Center Administrator, Child Care Center Manager: The above positions may require responsibilities of one or more of the following items: responsible to the Board of Directors for day-to-day operations of entire school, including programming, facility, fiscal responsibilities, working knowledge of professional organizations for higher standards, providing customer service, and all human resource functions such as: hiring/firing, supervision, training, and evaluation of staff according to state requirements.
What's next after graduation?
Start here. Finish at a four-year.
What else do I need to know about the program?
Note
- Complete a physical examination report no more than 12 months prior to admission.
- Students will be required to wear a NWTC issued name tag, provide their own transportation to assigned sites and cover any other expenses related to field experience placements. Students may be expected to travel distances. An NWTC approved education program shirt is required for program students, along with specific dress code per placements.
- Availability: Student teaching hours will span between 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. with the majority of the required hours occurring in the morning.
- Completion of a Wisconsin Technical Skills Attainment (TSA) is required to graduate from this program.
- NWTC offers credit-based courses, credentials and degree options that align with the YoungStar requirements.
Industry Credentials
Successful graduates of this associate degree will be eligible to apply for Wisconsin Registry Career Level 12.
Study Abroad Opportunities
The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.
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