Early Childhood Education
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
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 the program for the field placement internship course.
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.
Program Details
Contact Us
Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.
Potential Careers
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
High School Eligibility
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 >
Required Field Experience
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at Waukesha County Technical College partners with students to secure field experience placements that offer meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities. Throughout the program, students complete four field experiences in early childhood settings, with the option to fulfill these at the WCTC Child Development Center.
Prior to the program students must complete and pass a caregiver background check and physical examination in order to be placed at a field experience site. The program works collaboratively with students to identify placements that align with their educational goals while ensuring each site supports student growth and upholds the program's professional standards.
Field Experience Site Qualifications:
- A YoungStar rating of 3 or higher
- Compliance with state licensing regulations
- Availability of mentor teachers who meet one of the following qualifications:
- At least three years of experience in a child care setting, or
- An associate degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with two years of experience in a childcare setting.
- Absence of conflicts of interest, ensuring the mentor teacher is not a current classmate of the field experience student
- Sufficient support to provide students with appropriate supervision and constructive feedback
- Curriculum and teaching practices that align with developmentally appropriate practices, curriculum standards, Department of Children and Families rules, and national accreditation guidelines (e.g., National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or National Accreditation Commission (NAC))
- Adherence to health, safety, and cleanliness standards
- Commitment to collaboration and a willingness to meet the site requirements for field placement
- Proximity to the WCTC Pewaukee campus (located within 35 miles) or, if further, the ability to accommodate virtual observations
By partnering with students to find and approve suitable field experience placements, the ECE program aims for every student to have the opportunity to learn and grow in a high-quality, supportive learning environment.
Questions? Contact ece@wctc.edu.
Career Salaries
$26,800 - $34,900 annually
Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Lightcast. Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements. Find our graduates' entry wages in the most recent Graduate Success Report.
Financial Aid
As a program student, you are eligible to receive:
- Financial aid loans
- Scholarships
- Other forms of assistance
Learn more about financial aid.
What Makes This Program Unique
- Strengthen classroom concepts through hands-on practice in our nationally-accredited Child Development Center and Early Learning Lab.
- Involvement in the Education Club enhances your learning while developing leadership and service skills.
- 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.
Accreditation
The Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science Degree at Waukesha County Technical College is accredited by the NAEYC Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs. The current accreditation term runs from March 2025 through March 2029.
1401 H St. NW, Suite 600
Washington DC, 20005
800.424.2460 x8007
Similar Programs
Related Certificates
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.
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
Earn credit for prior learning for the college-level knowledge and skills that you've already acquired through advanced high school classes, previous college coursework, self-study, military training work or volunteer experience.
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.
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.
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.