Waukesha County Technical College
Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education

Program InformationSchedule Options

Degree Type

60-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Code

10-307-1

Time to Degree

2 years

Start Date

August / January

How You'll Learn

Online

Hybrid

8-Week Courses

Daytime

Evening

Hybrid Tracks

These tracks emphasize the practice of learned skills with instructors and other students blending online instruction with a more traditional campus experience.

Hybrid Evening Track

  • You can begin our hybrid evening track (60% on campus, 40% online) starting in the fall semester.
  • Attend early childhood classes on Wednesday evenings in a blend of on-campus and online instruction.

Hybrid Daytime Track

  • You can begin our hybrid daytime track (50% on campus, 50% online) starting in the fall semester.
  • Attend early childhood classes on Thursday afternoons in a blend of on-campus and online instruction.

Online Asynchronous Track

  • You can begin classes in this track only in the spring semester.
  • Courses are offered asynchronously online.
  • Asynchronous classes offer learners the flexibility to study in a self-paced manner. Access complete lectures, readings, homework and other learning materials at a time convenient for you over a one-week period.
Program OverviewApplication DeadlinesProgram Cost

Learning that happens in early childhood settings provides children with a strong educational foundation. In this program, gain an understanding of the principles of early childhood education and learn to facilitate young children’s learning and development through class work and practical experience. Explore child development, child behavior, developmentally appropriate practices and strategies for working with parents.

Please note: A physical examination and caregiver background check is required prior to a field placement internship course.

Deadlines To Know*

Fall 2024 Start

  • Application Opens: September 1, 2023
  • Application Deadline: August 5, 2024

Spring 2025 Start

  • Application Opens: April 1, 2023
  • Application Deadline: January 10, 2025

Summer 2024 Start

  • This program cannot be started in summer.

* Submit all checklist items by the application deadline. Apply early; deadlines are subject to change based on program demand.

Tuition Costs

The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors, including where you live, how your program is delivered, how long it takes to finish your program and the financial aid you receive. Explore current tuition and fees.

Additional Estimated Costs

  • Any computer or tablet (Traditional Track)
  • Fingerprint/background check (required every five years): $39
  • Caregiver background check (required annually): $10
  • Health examination: cost varies

Early Childhood Education Showcase

Early Childhood Education Showcase

Celebrate the promise of future educators at the Early Childhood Education Showcase. Witness the creativity and dedication of our graduates as they showcase their visionary projects. 

Monday, May 06, 2024 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Richard T. Anderson (RTA) Education Center | 800 Main Street | Pewaukee, WI 53072

How To Apply

  • Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
  • Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading, writing and math skills:
      • High school GPA of 2.60 or above. Transcript must include completed coursework through the 11th grade.*
      • ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
      • Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
      • If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.

*Unofficial copies of these documents can be sent to admissions@wctc.edu.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an Enrollment Counselor.

Apply Online
 

Program Details

Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

Spending time with young children and nurturing their love of learning is the reward for those who work in early childhood education. If you are patient, compassionate and enjoy working with infants and children from birth through 8 years, and their parents, a career in early childhood education may be right for you.

  • Early Childhood Educator
  • Preschool Teacher
  • Early Childhood Education Assistant
  • Child Care Teacher

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Please note:

  • If you complete this program before turning 18, you must seek approval from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and Department of Children and Families in order to be exempted from the minimum age requirement to work in licensed childcare.

Learn more >

$24,600 - $39,700 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements.

Check the WCTC Graduate Success Report to view our graduates’ entry wages.

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

  • Financial aid loans
  • Scholarships
  • Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

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Program Courses
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Education and Human Services Programs
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Career Pathway

What Makes This Program Unique

1

Strengthen classroom concepts through hands-on practice in our nationally-accredited Child Development Center and Early Learning Lab.

2

Involvement in the Education Club enhances your learning while developing leadership and service skills.

3

This program is offered in three different delivery formats, all designed to allow early childhood professionals working in the field to maximize their professional experience and accelerate their completion of the program.

Early Childhood Education Program Students

Accreditation

The Early Childhood Education program is accredited by the Commission on Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The accreditation term runs from May 2019 through March 2025.

1401 H St. NW, Suite 600
Washington DC, 20005
800.424.2460 x8007

NAEYC
Accreditation Outcomes

About The Registry

The Registry promotes professional growth and verifies the education, training and experience vital to quality care for the Wisconsin childhood care and education workforce.
The Registry
T.E.A.C.H Wisconsin

Similar Programs

Related Certificates

Program Pathway

Earn certificates, technical diplomas and/or industry credentials along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Early Childhood Education Pathway
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Prior Learning
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Certificates
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Technical Diploma
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Associate Degree
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Bachelor's Degree

Earn credit for prior learning for the college-level knowledge and skills that you've already acquired through advanced high school classes, previous ollege coursework, self-study, military training work or volunteer experience.

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Associate Degree
  • Early Childhood Education (this program)

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

More Credit Opportunities

High School Dual Credit

Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.

Learn More

Credit for Prior Learning

You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.

Learn More

Transfer Opportunities After WCTC

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

College Program Name Credit Awards
Northland CollegeBS Elementary/Middle Education60
UW-MilwaukeeBS Education w/ Early Childhood Education Certup to 60
UW-OshkoshBS Education, Special Education with Licensure in EC and ECSEup to 72
UW-ParksideBS Early Childhood Education (PK-3)up to 69
UW-River FallsBS Early Childhood Education (PK-3)full program
UW-Stevens PointBS Early Childhood Education31+electives
UW-StoutBS Human Development & Family Studies50-57
UW-SuperiorBS Elementary Education57
UW-WhitewaterBSE Early Childhood Education38+
Viterbo UniversityElementary Education60

There are currently no general college credit agreements for Early Childhood Education. For more information, contact your academic advisor.

 

 

 

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