
Early Childhood Education
Experience both academic theory and hands-on application through a series of practicums to develop an understanding of physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children and acquire skill in planning and implementing programs that promote development. The program prepares you to work in a variety of early childhood education settings including child care centers, Head Start programs, school-age child care programs, and family day care homes. The Associate's degree also provides a foundation if you intend to continue your education at a four-year college or university.
Program Outline
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
1030710800 | ECE Early Language and LiteracyDescriptionThis 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. |
3.00 |
1030714800 | ECE Foundations of Early Childhood EdDescriptionIntroduces the student to the early childhood profession. Students will integrate strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives, investigate the history of early childhood education, summarize types of early childhood education settings, identify the components of a quality early childhood education program, summarize responsibilities of early childhood education professionals, and explore early childhood curriculum models. |
3.00 |
1030715100 | ECE Infant and Toddler DevelopmentDescriptionStudents will study infant and toddler development as it applies to an early childhood education settings. Students will integrate strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives, analyze development of infants and toddlers (conception to three years), correlate prenatal conditions with development, summarize child development theories, analyze the role of heredity and the environment, examine research-based models, and examine culturally and developmentally appropriate environments for infants and toddlers. |
3.00 |
1030716700 | ECE Health Safety and NutritionDescriptionExamines the topics of health, safety, and nutrition within the context of the early childhood educational setting. Integrates strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives; follow governmental regulations and professional standards as they apply to health, safety, and nutrition; provide a safe early childhood program; provide a healthy early childhood program; provide a nutritionally, sound early childhood program; adhere to child abuse and neglect mandates; apply Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risk reduction strategies; incorporate health, safety, and nutrition concepts into the children’s curriculum. |
3.00 |
1080119600 | Oral Interpersonal CommunicationDescriptionFocuses upon developing speaking, verbal and nonverbal communications, and listening skills through individual presentations, groups activities, and other projects. |
3.00 |
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
1030711000 | ECE Soc S Art and MusicDescriptionArt Music and Language Arts Focuses on beginning-level curriculum development in the specific content areas of arts, music, and language arts. Explores integration strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives; examine the critical role of play; establish a developmentally appropriate environment; develop activity plans that promote child development and learning; analyze care giving routines as curriculum; create developmentally appropriate language, literature, and literacy activities; create developmentally appropriate art activities; and create developmentally appropriate music and movement activities. |
3.00 |
1030717400 | ECE Introductory PracticumDescriptionStudents will learn about and apply the course competencies in an actual childcare setting. Students will document children's behavior, explore the standards for quality early childhood education, explore strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives, implement activities developed by the co-op teacher/instructor, demonstrate professional behaviors, practice caregiving routines as curriculum, practice positive interpersonal skills with children and adults, analyze the guiding principles and the five developmental domains related to the WI Early Learning Standards, integrate the WI Early Learning Standards into the program's teaching cycle (ongoing assessment, planning and curriculum goals, and implementation), and evaluate learning and assessment activities using the early learning standards for each individual child. Prerequisite: 1030716700 ECE Health Safety and Nutrition (C or better). |
3.00 |
1030717900 | ECE Child DevelopmentDescriptionExamines child development within the context of the early childhood education setting. Students will analyze social, cultural, and economic influences on child development; summarize child development theories; analyze development of children age three through age eight, summarize the methods and designs of child development research; and analyze the role of heredity and environment. |
3.00 |
1030718800 | ECE Guiding Child BehaviorDescriptionExamines positive strategies to guide children’s behavior in the early childhood education setting. Students will integrate strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives, summarize early childhood guidance principles, analyze factors that affect the behavior of children, practice positive guidance strategies, develop guidance strategies to meet individual needs, and create a guidance philosophy. |
3.00 |
1080119500 | Written CommunicationDescriptionDevelops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments is designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents. |
3.00 |
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
1030711200 | ECE STEMDescriptionThis 3-credit course will focus on beginning level curriculum development in the specific integrated content areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Prerequisite: 1030711000 ECE Soc S Art and Music (D or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed). |
3.00 |
1030717500 | ECE Preschool PracticumDescriptionThis 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: 1030717400 ECE Introductory Practicum (C or better) and 1030718800 ECE Guiding Child Behavior (C or better). |
3.00 |
1030718700 | ECE Children with Differing AbilitiesDescriptionFocuses on the child with differing abilities in an early childhood setting. Students will integrate strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives; provide inclusive programs for young children; apply legal and ethical requirements including, but not limited to ADA and IDEA; differentiate between typical and exceptional development; analyze the differing abilities of children with physical, cognitive, health/medical, communication, and/or behavioral/emotional disorders; work collaboratively with community and professional resources; utilize an individual education plan (IEP/IFSP) for children with developmental differences; adapt curriculum to meet the needs of children with developmental differences; and cultivate partnerships with families who have children with developmental differences. |
3.00 |
1080917200 | Introduction to Diversity StudiesDescriptionIntroduces learners to the study of diversity from a local to a global environment using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. Encourages self-exploration and prepares the learner to work in a diverse environment. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relations in a multicultural context, the primary topics of race, ethnicity, age, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability, and religion are explored. |
3.00 |
1080918800 | Developmental PsychologyDescriptionStudy of human development throughout the lifespan. Explores developmental theory and research with an emphasis on the interactive nature of the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that affect the individual from conception to death. Application activities and critical thinking skills will enable students to gain an increased knowledge and understanding of themselves and others. |
3.00 |
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
1030717700 | ECE Intermediate PracticumDescriptionIn 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: 1030717500 ECE Preschool Practicum (C or better). Corequisite: 1030719900 ECE Advanced Practicum. |
3.00 |
1030719500 | ECE Family and Community RelationshipsDescriptionExamines the role of relationships with family and community in early childhood education. Students will implement strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives when working with families and community; analyze contemporary family patterns, trends, and relationships; utilize effective communication strategies; establish on-going relationships with families; advocate for children and families; and work collaboratively with community resources. |
3.00 |
1030719900 | ECE Advanced PracticumDescriptionLearn about and apply the ability to analyze children’s growth and development based on assessment integrate strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives, promote professional behaviors and practices, implement meaningful curriculum, create respectful reciprocal relationships, evaluate early childhood education programs for quality, and explore professional options in early childhood education. Prerequisite: 1030717700 ECE Intermediate Practicum (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed). Corequisite: 1030717700 ECE Intermediate Practicum. |
3.00 |
1080611200 | Principles of SustainabilityDescriptionPrepares 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. |
3.00 |
Elective | ElectiveDescription |
3.00 |
At A Glance
How You'll Learn

On Campus

Online Classes
Term Start Dates
Spring 2023: January 9 | Summer 2023: May 8 | Fall 2023: September 5 |
Start dates represent the beginning of a new term. Certain programs or courses may not be available to start every term. Please view the course schedules for a list of upcoming classes or contact the Welcome Center at 715-365-4493.
Approximate Cost
$9,114*
Financial Aid Eligible
*Based on 10-level courses—materials, books, and fees may be additional
What You'll Learn
- 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.
Your Potential Careers
- Infant/Toddler/Preschool Child Care Teacher
- Child Care Center Program Director or owner
- Child Care Center Administrator or Owner
- Family Day Care Provider
- School Age Child Care Teacher/Director
- Head Start Teacher or Home Visitor
- Child Care Resource and Referral Specialist
- Child and Family Center Specialist
- Infant/Toddler/Preschool Child Care Teacher Assistant
Median Annual Salary
$23,374 | $27,673 | $32,553 |
Local | State | National |
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Get Started
Your application can be submitted online, it takes just a few minutes to complete.
Wisconsin Early Childhood Association Scholarships
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WISCONSIN provides higher education scholarships to professionals who work in regulated early childhood and school-age care settings. Since its inception in 1999, T.E.A.CH. has provided more than 14,000 scholarships to over 8,000 early childhood teachers. Learn more about our program:
https://wisconsinearlychildhood.org/programs/t-e-a-c-h/
2908 Marketplace Drive, Suite 101, Fitchburg, WI 53719
Phone: 800-783-9322
Fax: 877-248-7662 Phone: 608-240-9880