Early Childhood Education | Western Technical College

Early Childhood Education

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Associate Degree

Program Number: 

103071

Credits: 

60.00
Financial Aid Eligible

Typical Start: 

Fall

The Early Childhood Education program is your gateway to a rewarding career as an early childhood educator, equipping you with the knowledge and practical skills essential for nurturing the development of young children. This comprehensive program integrates hands-on fieldwork experiences with relevant academic coursework, ensuring that you are well-prepared to excel in your role.

Graduates of this program assume the crucial responsibility of caring for and educating children between the ages of birth and eight years. Your role as an early childhood educator encompasses a wide range of tasks and duties, all designed to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for children's growth and development. This includes creating and maintaining safe, healthy, and engaging play spaces, guiding children's behavior, and meticulously planning and implementing age-appropriate learning experiences.

Collaboration and effective communication with fellow staff members and families are vital components of your role, as they contribute to the overall well-being and progress of the children under your care. As an early childhood educator, you play an integral part in shaping young minds and fostering a positive learning environment, setting the stage for a lifetime of educational success.

To view the Early Childhood Education program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here.

Early Childhood Education Image
Estimated Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost

Early Childhood Education

This program will cost about $9,632* based on tuition and basic program fees. There may be additional fees for books, materials, and testing. For more information on tuition costs, visit the Tuition Page.

* Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Graduation Employment Stats

Graduation Employment Stats

Western conducts a follow-up survey of all grads six months after graduation to find out if they are employed in a job related to their program, how much they are making, and where they are employed.

Survey information is not currently available for this program. Please contact an Admissions Coach or call 606-785-9200 for more information.

Career Opportunities

Child Care Administrator
Early Childhood Teacher
Preschool Teacher
Infant Teacher
Head Start Teacher

Program Outcomes

  • Living responsibly
  • Refining professionalism
  • Cultivating passion

Admission Requirements

College Requirements

Application
$30 Application Fee

Additional Requirements

Once you've submitted your application, paid the application fee and been accepted to the program, read the program's Essential Functions form, begin the background check process, and schedule an appointment with your doctor to complete your Health Record form. This will be covered in more detail at registration, but it’s best to get a head start on the paperwork. You can find links to these documents below.

Software and Technology

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

Additional Information

Our Health and Public Safety programs are required to report additional information to prospective students, including certification exams, licensure, program completion rates, etc. You can find this information in the document below:

Program Contact

Tracy Craker
Program Chair, Early Childhood Education
608-789-6144
CrakerT@westerntc.edu

Transfer Agreements

Concordia University Wisconsin
Northland College
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
University of Wisconsin-Stout
University of Wisconsin-Superior
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Viterbo University
Viterbo University

Career Pathways

This program is part of a career pathway, a laddered approach to career education. It allows you to earn employer-recognized credentials that lead to job and career advancement.

Early Childhood Education

Career Pathways

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