Program Highlights
Help young children succeed through educational, social and emotional development.
- Develop skills to help young children succeed through educational, social and emotional development.
- Start here at ÂÌñÉç by completing a certificate or earning an associate degree in early childhood education that transfers to a four-year college for completion of a bachelor’s degree.
- Skills learned can be used in a variety of career areas: social service agencies, community-based early childhood care and education facilities, family and community support specialists, child development center aide, teacher and director, family child-care provider, preschool teacher or aide and school age child-care worker.
Degrees & Certs
The mission of the early childhood education program is to provide opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing and/or advancing in the field by offering stackable learning opportunities, through a curriculum founded on researched-based best practices, which benefits early childhood educators, community partners and those invested in early childhood.
ÂÌñÉç offers a variety of degrees and certificates to prepare students for careers working with young children. Students can prepare to enter the workforce directly or transfer to a senior university for a bachelor's degree.
The associate in arts has been articulated with Millikin University as a 2 + 2 program, if taken in its entirety. It is designed for students planning to complete a baccalaureate in programs such as child development, family and consumer science, and child and family support.
Learn more about the required courses for each program:
Cost
Classes for early childhood education programs have a standard tuition rate. For the 2024-2025 academic year (fall 2024, spring 2025 and summer 2025), these classes have an in-district rate of $140 per credit hour. Get more information on tuition and fees.
sold separately.
Learn more about cost of attendance.
There are ways to get help paying for college. Learn more about paying for college.
Job Outlook
Employment opportunities with the associate in arts include social service agencies, community-based early childhood care and education facilities, as well as family/community support specialists.
Career options with the associate in applied science include child development center aide, teacher and director; family child-care provider; preschool teacher or aide; school age child-care worker; playground supervisor; and family support worker.
Those completing the certificates generally find employment as childcare workers or nannies.
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