Early Childhood Education Associate Degree

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.

Requirements for Program Entry

• Completed application.
• High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)
• Demonstrated suitability to the early childhood profession as indicated by completion of a functional ability checklist.
• Complete physical examination within three months prior to Practicum course to include having a negative TB test. Maintain proper immunizations.
• Completed an American Heart Association CPR course prior to program entry to include the AED component for infants, toddlers and adults. Students are required to maintain a current CPR card on a two-year renewal cycle.
• Mastered basic math before entering this program. Basic math covers whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents and measurements.
• To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 2.6 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.
• Complete caregiver background check. A fee is charged for this service. Must be completed to be accepted to the program.
• Attend mandatory program orientation.

Application Checklist

Curriculum

Curriculum: Students following the study plan below will complete the Early Childhood Education Associate Degree in the number of semesters shown. Courses are offered in person, online, web conference and blended, and may be taken in any order as long as prerequisites are met. For additional course and certificate offerings, refer to the information on the NWTC website.

First Semester

10-890-101

College 101

1

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-890-101 COLLEGE 101 ...Students will utilize digital tools and resources to assess, explore, practice, apply, and evaluate both employability and learning skills. By establishing NWTC cultural values as hallmarks of success in academic, career, and personal settings the course encourages reflective, personalized development of a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of making wise choices. To maximize the return on investment, students should take this course in their first semester as it identifies key expectations (hidden rules) of higher learning and professional employment.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-307-167

ECE: Hlth Safety & Nutrition

3

10-307-167 ECE: HEALTH SAFETY & NUTRITION...This 3-credit course examines the topics of health, safety, and nutrition within the context of the early childhood educational setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives; examine governmental regulations and professional standards as they apply to health, safety, and nutrition; plan a safe early childhood environment; plan a healthy early childhood environment; plan nutritionally sound menus; examine child abuse and neglect issues and mandates; describe Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risk reduction strategies, describe strategies to prevent the occurrence of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS); incorporate health, safety, and nutrition concepts into the children's curriculum.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-307-151

ECE: Infant & Toddler Dev

3

10-307-151 ECE: INFANT & TODDLER DEVELOPMENT...In this 3-credit course you will study infant and toddler development as it applies to an early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives; analyze development of infants and toddlers (conception to thirty-six months); correlate prenatal and postnatal conditions with development; summarize child development theories; analyze the role of heredity and the environment; examine culturally and developmentally appropriate environments for infants and toddlers, examine the role of brain development in early learning (conception through thirty-six months); examine caregiving routines as curriculum; and examine developmental and environmental assessment strategies for infants and toddlers.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-307-148

ECE: Foundations of ECE

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-307-148 ECE: FOUNDATIONS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD ... This 3-credit course introduces you to the early childhood profession. Course competencies include: explore the concepts of diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias as it relates to early childhood education, investigate the history of early childhood education, examine regulatory requirements for early childhood education programs in WI, summarize types of early childhood education settings, identify the components of a quality early childhood education program, summarize responsibilities of early childhood education professionals, explore early childhood curriculum models and examine the critical role of play as it relates to developmentally appropriate practice.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-307-110

ECE: Soc S, Art, & Music

3

10-307-110 ECE: SOCIAL STUDIES, ART & MUSIC ...This 3-credit course will focus on beginning level curriculum development in the specific integrated content areas of social studies, art, music, & movement (SSAMM).

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-307-174

ECE: Introductory Practicum

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-307-174 ECE: INTRODUCTORY PRACTICUM ...In this 3-credit practicum course you will learn about and apply the course competencies in an actual early childhood setting. You will explore the standards for quality early childhood education, demonstrate professional behaviors, and meet the requirements for training in the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards. (Prerequisites: Accepted in Early Childhood Program or Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Technical Diploma; Corequisite: 10-307-167 ECE: Hlth Safety & Nutrition)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

16

Second Semester

10-307-179

ECE: Child Development

3

10-307-179 ECE: CHILD DEVELOPMENT...The 3-credit course examines child development within the context of the early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives; analyze social, cultural, and economic influences on child development; summarize child development theories; analyze development of children ages three through five; analyze development of children ages five through eight; relate child development research findings to teaching practice; analyze the role of heredity and the environment; examine the role of brain development in early learning (ages 3-8); examine developmental and environmental assessment strategies for children ages 3-8.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-801-136

English Composition 1

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-136 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 ...learners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. (Prerequisite: High school GPA greater/equal to 2.6; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 18; OR Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 260; OR "preparatory course(s)", contact academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-307-187

ECE: Children w Diff Abilities

3

10-307-187 ECE: CHILDREN WITH DIFFERING ABILITIES ...This 3-credit course focuses on the child with differing abilities in an early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives; promote inclusive programs for young children; apply legal and ethical requirements including, but not limited to, ADA and IDEA; examine the consultation process to embed intervention in natural based settings; differentiate between typical and exceptional development; analyze the differing abilities of children with physical, cognitive, health/medical, communication, and/or behavioral/emotional disorders; identify community and professional resources; interpret an individual educational plan (IEP/IFSP) for children with developmental differences; adapt curriculum to meet the needs of children with developmental differences; examine strategies for cultivating partnerships with families who have children with developmental differences. (Prerequisite: 10-307-174, ECE: Introductory Practicum)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-307-188

ECE: Guiding Child Behavior

3

10-307-188 ECE: GUIDING CHILDREN'S BEHAVIOR ...This 3-credit course examines positive strategies to guide children's behavior in the early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives; analyze techniques for and effects of strong relationship-building with children and families; identify positive and proactive guidance principles and techniques to support children; analyze environmental influences on child behavior; identify strategies that support children’s active engagement in the learning environment; identify strategies that proactively teach emotional literacy and regulation techniques; identify strategies that proactively teach friendship skills; identify strategies that proactively teach children calming, relaxation, and problem-solving techniques; utilize observation and assessment techniques to assess and interpret behavior; create a behavior support plan based on a functional behavior assessment; create a guidance philosophy. This course meets the requirements of the "24 hour Wisconsin" Pyramid Model training. (Prerequisite: 10-307-174, ECE: Introductory Practicum OR accepted in Early Childhood Preschool Certificate 9030711)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-307-177

ECE: Intermediate Practicum

3

10-307-177 ECE: INTERMEDIATE PRACTICUM ...In this 3-credit course you will be implementing regulations and standards for quality early childhood education, applying knowledge of child development and positive guidance, utilizing observation and assessment techniques, and assessing developmentally appropriate environments for children. (Prerequisite: 10-307-174, ECE: Introductory Practicum or ECE: Practicum 1; Corequisite: 10-307-187, ECE: Children with Differing Abilities)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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Semester Total

15

Third Semester

10-307-108

ECE: Early Language & Literacy

3

10-307-108 ECE: EARLY LANGUAGE & LITERACY ...This course explores strategies to encourage the development of early language and literacy knowledge and skill building in children birth to 8 years of age. Learners will investigate the components of literacy including; literacy and a source of enjoyment, vocabulary and oral language, phonological awareness, knowledge of print, letters and words, comprehension and an understanding of books and other texts. Theories and philosophies regarding children's language and literacy development will be addressed. Dual language learning will be examined within the context of developmentally appropriate practices. Assessment tools for early language and literacy acquisition will be reviewed. (Prerequisite: 10-307-110 ECE: Social Studies, Art, Music)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-801-196

Oral/Interpersonal Comm

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-801-196 ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ...this course focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory course-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-809-196

Intro to Sociology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-196 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY ...the nature and variety of groups; inequality, race and ethnicity; family, population, social integration, and change; collective behavior; politics, economics, religion, education, and the effects of technology. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-307-175

ECE: Preschool Practicum

3

10-307-175 ECE: PRESCHOOL PRACTICUM ...This course will apply as the capstone course in The Registry Preschool Credential. You will be placed or working in an early childhood setting with 3-5 year old children and create a portfolio that prepares you for The Registry commission. In this course you will be implementing regulations and standards for quality early childhood education, applying knowledge of child development and positive guidance, utilizing observation and assessment techniques, and assessing developmentally appropriate environments for preschoolers. (Prerequisites: 10-307-167 ECE: Hlth 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 AND Accepted in the Early Childhood Preschool Certificate) OR Early Childhood Program Associate Degree Students must have completed all of the above AND Accepted in Early Childhood Program; (Prerequisite: 10-307-174, ECE: Practicum 1 OR ECE: Introductory Practicum)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-809-172

Intro to Diversity Studies

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-172 INTRO TO DIVERSITY STUDIES...basic American values of justice and equality by teaching vocabulary, history of immigration/conquest, transcultural communication, legal liability, multicultural majority/minority relations, ageism, sexism, gender, sexual orientation, the disabled/ADA. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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Semester Total

15

Fourth Semester

10-307-195

ECE: Family & Community Rel

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-307-195 ECE: FAMILY/COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS ...In this 3-credit course you will examine the role of relationships with family and community in early childhood education. Course competencies include: implement strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives when working with families and community; analyze contemporary family patterns and trends; identify strategies to strengthen and support families; explore effective communication strategies; discover strategies for developing respectful and reciprocal relationships with families; analyze strategies to promote family engagement in early childhood education programs; explore a variety of formats for meeting with families in their contexts; advocate for children and families; and explore community resources that provide a range of services for children and families.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-307-112

ECE: STEM

3

10-307-112 ECE: STEM ...This 3-credit course will focus on beginning level curriculum development in the specific integrated content areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. (Prerequisites: 10-307-110 ECE: Social Studies, Art, Music)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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10-806-112

Principles of Sustainability

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-806-112 PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY ...prepares the student to develop sustainable literacy, analyze the interconnections among the physical and biological sciences and environmental systems, summarize the effects of sustainability on health and well-being, analyze connections among social, economic, and environmental systems, employ energy conservation strategies to reduce the use of fossil fuels, investigate alternative energy options, evaluate options to current waste disposal and recycling in the U.S., and analyze approaches used by your community to promote and implement sustainability. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Reading score greater/equal to 250; OR ACT Reading score greater/equal to 15; OR preparatory courses-contact an academic advisor at 920-498-5444)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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10-307-199

ECE: Advanced Practicum

3

10-307-199 ECE: ADVANCED PRACTICUM ...In this final 3-credit practicum course you will demonstrate competence in supporting child development through observation, assessment and implementation of teaching strategies as you work in and learn about and apply the course competencies in an actual early childhood setting. You will demonstrate a high level of skill in fostering relationships with children, families and early childhood professionals, and use skills learned in a lead teacher role to develop a career plan to transition from student to early childhood education professional. (Prerequisites: Accepted in Early Childhood Education program; completion of 10-307-177 ECE: Intermediate Practicum [or 10-307-192 ECE: Practicum 2*] AND 10-307-175 ECE: Preschool Practicum [or 10-307-197 ECE: Practicum 3*]; Corequisite: 10-307-195, ECE: Family & Community Relations)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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10-809-188

Developmental Psychology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-809-188 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY ...defines human development; examines theories; heredity and environmental effects; prenatal development and birth; evaluates biosocial, cognitive psychosocial development through the life span; aging, death, and dying. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Rdg score greater/equal to 250 AND Writing score greater/equal to 237; OR ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16 AND English greater/equal to 15; OR 10-831-107, College Reading and Writing with a B or better)

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/J-Session/Spring

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Semester Total

15

Total Credits

61

Curriculum Note: Practicum courses require student teaching in the community, in addition to course work. NWTC faculty arrange practicum settings for/with students. Students are required to complete student teaching in each practicum placement. Only one practicum course may be taken in any semester. Students are required to achieve a grade of "C" or better in the practicum courses to continue in or graduate from this program. Failure to pass a practicum course on the second attempt, the student will be removed from the program. Read more about Practicums online.

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.

The credit for 10-890-101, College 101, is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C" or better. This course must be taken in the first semester.

Students must earn a "C" or higher in all 10-307-XXX courses to successfully graduate the Early Childhood Associate Degree Program. A student must repeat the particular course with a "C" or better final grade to continue in or graduate from this program. If the course is sequential, the successful retake must occur before continuing the sequence.

The Preschool Practicum may be applied to the Early Childhood Technical Diploma, Associate Degree Program or it may be applied as the capstone course in The Registry Preschool Credential. Learners interested in earning the Preschool Credential from The Registry should 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.

The Preschool Practicum is for students enrolled in the Early Childhood Associate Degree and the Preschool Credential. Students taking the Preschool Practicum class for the Preschool Credential need to be working with preschool age children in their workplace. 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.

Program Outcomes

• Apply child development theory to practice.
• Cultivate relationships with children, family, and the community.
• Assess child growth and development.
• Use best practices in teaching and learning.
• Demonstrate professionalism.
• Integrate health, safety, and nutrition practices.

Start here. Finish at a four-year.

NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer >> EXCLUDEEND

Note

• It is necessary to show good health as evidenced by a medical examination including having a TB test administered within three months before practicum (student teaching) placement.
• 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 practicum experiences. Students may be expected to travel distances. A NWTC approved Education program shirt is required for practicum students, along with specific dress code per placement.
• 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.

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. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor or visit nwtc.edu/studyabroad.