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 |
---|---|---|
1030716600 | ECE Curriculum PlanningDescriptionExamines the components of curriculum planning in early childhood education. Integrates strategies that support diversity and anti-bias perspectives, examine the critical role of play, establish a developmentally appropriate environment, examine care giving routines as curriculum, develop activity plans that promote child development and learning, develop unit plans that promote child development and learning, and analyze early childhood curriculum models. |
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 |
1030714800 | ECE Foundations of Early Childhood EdDescriptionThis 3-credit course introduces the early childhood profession through a historical overview of the field. The course will explore program trends, quality indicators, and developmentally appropriate practices for children birth to age 8. |
3.00 |
1030715100 | ECE Infant and Toddler DevelopmentDescriptionThis 3-credit course explores infant and toddler development as it applies to an early childhood education setting. This course focuses children conception through thirty-six months. This course includes training for Wisconsin Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care certification. |
3.00 |
1030716700 | ECE Health Safety and NutritionDescriptionThis 3-credit course examines the topics of health, safety, and nutrition within the context of the early childhood educational setting. This course includes training for Abusive Head Trauma, SIDS, and Mandated Reporter certifications. |
3.00 |
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
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 |
1030711000 | ECE Soc S Art and MusicDescriptionThis 3-credit course will focus on beginning level curriculum development in the specific integrated content areas of social studies, art, music, & movement (SSAMM). Prerequisite: 1030716600 ECE Curriculum Planning (C or better). |
3.00 |
1030717900 | ECE Child DevelopmentDescriptionDescription The 3-credit course examines child development within the context of the early childhood education setting. This course focuses on children ages 3 -8 years. |
3.00 |
1030718800 | ECE Guiding Child BehaviorDescriptionThis 3-credit course examines positive strategies to guide children's behavior in the early childhood education setting. This course meets the requirements of the Wisconsin Pyramid Model training. |
3.00 |
1030716000 | ECE Field Experience 1DescriptionIn this 3-credit introductory field experience course, you will be introduced to the foundations of early childhood education under guided supervision of a mentor teacher in an early childhood setting, working with children birth through age 8. This course meets the requirements for the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards 18-hour training. Prerequisite: 1030716700 ECE Health Safety and Nutrition (C or better). |
3.00 |
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
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 |
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: 1030716600 ECE Curriculum Planning (C or better). |
3.00 |
1030718700 | ECE Children with Differing AbilitiesDescriptionThis 3-credit course focuses on the child with differing abilities in an inclusive early childhood education setting while examining strategies for cultivating partnerships with families and community supports. |
3.00 |
1030717000 | ECE Field Experience 2DescriptionIn this 3-credit intermediate field experience course, you will assist the mentor teacher in carrying out classroom routines and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences that promote child development and learning through play. Prerequisites: 1030718800 ECE Guiding Child Behavior (C or better) and 1030716000 ECE Field Experience 1 (C or better). |
3.00 |
Course # | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
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 |
1030719500 | ECE Family and Community RelationshipsDescriptionThis 3-credit course will examine the role of relationships with family and community in early childhood education. In this course, students will complete the Strengthening Families Training. |
3.00 |
1030719000 | ECE Field Experience 3DescriptionIn this 3-credit advanced field experience course, you will support young children's development through observation, assessment, and implementation of developmentally appropriate teaching strategies. Prerequisite: 1030717000 ECE Field Experience 2 (C or better). Corequisite: 1030721000 ECE Field Experience 4. |
3.00 |
1030721000 | ECE Field Experience 4DescriptionIn this final 3-credit pre-professional field experience course, you will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of children and families as you practice the lead teacher role to design, implement, and evaluate a connected unit of learning experiences. Prerequisite: 1030717000 ECE Field Experience 2 (C or better). Corequisite: 1030719000 ECE Field Experience 3. |
3.00 |
1030710800 | ECE Early Language and LiteracyDescriptionThis 3-credit course explores strategies to encourage the development of early language and literacy knowledge and skill building?in children birth to 8 years of age. Prerequisite: 1030716600 ECE Curriculum Planning (C or better). |
3.00 |
At A Glance
How You'll Learn
On Campus
Online Classes
Term Start Dates
Fall 2024: August 26 | Spring 2025: January 13 | Summer 2025: May 19 |
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.
Grant Funding Available
Now you may qualify for FREE TUITION,BOOKS, AND MORE!*
*Free enrollment is available for those who qualify. This opportunity is available with funding support from the NorthwestWisconsin Workforce Investment Board(NWWIB), Inc.
To learn more, contact the WelcomeCenter at 715-365-4493 and mention your interest in the ECE Program and the Quest Grant funding.
Program Tuition*
$9,895
Books & Supplies*
$754
*Total cost for degree completion is estimated by current course requirements, books, and supplies. Tuition and fees are set by the Wisconsin Technical College System and subject to change.
Financial Aid Eligible
Potential Indirect Costs
You may experience these additional costs, not charged by Nicolet, estimated based on length of program.
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.
Transfer Opportunities
Take a look at our transfer agreements to seamlessly transfer your degree to a 4-year university.
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