Early Childhood Education Associate Degree

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.

• 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 annually. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.

• 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.

• 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 polo 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.

Wisconsin Caregiver Law

NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (2009 WISCONSIN ACT 76). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.castlebranch.com. A fee is charged for this service. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Students accepted into this program must complete a Background Information Disclosure form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry and annually for the remainder of the program. The information provided in the Background Information Disclosure form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the practicum site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee practicum placement or guarantee graduation within typical program timing. Please note: students in the Early Childhood Education program must complete and submit a CBC, regardless of whether or not they have completed a similar form at their place of employment. NWTC runs its own checks and will not accept the results of a CBC from another institution.

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.