Waukesha County Technical College
Early Childhood Education Preschool

Early Childhood Education Preschool

Program Information

Degree Type

24-credit Technical Diploma

Program Code

30-307-7

Time to Degree

Less than 1 year

Start Date

August / January

How You'll Learn

Online

Hybrid

8-Week Courses

Daytime

Evening

Program OverviewApplication DeadlinesProgram Cost

Gain specialized training to work directly with preschool-aged children in a variety of early care and education settings. Learn to support the healthy growth, development and learning of children ages three to five years.

Deadlines To Know*

Fall 2024 Start

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

Spring 2025 Start

  • Application Opens: April 1, 2024
  • 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.

How To Apply

  • Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
  • Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading or 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 young children and their parents, a career in early childhood education may be right for you.

  • Preschool Teacher
  • Early Childhood Education Teacher
  • Early Care and Education Provider
  • 4K Assistant

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >

$20,800 – $24,600 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

Program students can obtain the Preschool Credential from The Registry at Career Level 10. Pair this program with the Early Childhood Education associate degree to earn a Registry Career Level 13.

2

Credits earned in this program can be applied directly to the Early Childhood Education associate degree.

3

Eligible high school students can pursue this diploma through the Dual Enrollment Academy.

Early Childhood Education Preschool (Registry Credential)

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

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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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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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Technical Diploma
  • Early Childhood Education Preschool (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.

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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.

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