Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education

Associates of Applied Science

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.

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  • students in classroom
  • young boy and girl playing at daycare table with student teacher
  • Early childhood instructor with class

    Program Outline

    Term 1
    Course # Course Title Credits
    1030716600 ECE Curriculum Planning
    Description

    Examines 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 Communication
    Description

    Focuses 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 Ed
    Description

    This 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 Development
    Description

    This 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 Nutrition
    Description

    This 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
    Term 2
    Course # Course Title Credits
    1080119500 Written Communication
    Description

    Develops 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 Music
    Description

    This 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 Development
    Description

    Description 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 Behavior
    Description

    This 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 1
    Description

    In 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
    Term 3
    Course # Course Title Credits
    1080917200 Introduction to Diversity Studies
    Description

    Introduces 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 Psychology
    Description

    Study 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 STEM
    Description

    This 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 Abilities
    Description

    This 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 2
    Description

    In 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
    Term 4
    Course # Course Title Credits
    1080611200 Principles of Sustainability
    Description

    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.

    3.00
    1030719500 ECE Family and Community Relationships
    Description

    This 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 3
    Description

    In 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 4
    Description

    In 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 Literacy
    Description

    This 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

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    On Campus

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    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

    You may experience these additional costs, not charged by Nicolet, estimated based on length of program.

    Transportation
    $4,600
    Food/Housing
    $4,576
    Personal Expenses
    $4,584

    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

    EMSI 2022.1

    Get Started

    Your application can be submitted online, it takes just a few minutes to complete.

    Wisconsin Early Childhood Association Scholarships

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    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

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