All Mid-State campuses are closed Monday, December 23, through Wednesday, January 1, in observance of the Winter Break. We look forward to assisting you when we open again on Thursday, January 2. See our list of online services that remain available during the college closure.
Early Childhood Education
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Why choose Early Childhood Education?
- Use the Wisconsin Pyramid Model to support positive social-emotional development in young children.
- Meet the rapidly increasing need for early childhood educators by meeting licensing requirements.
- Support children in learning early literacy, math, science, art, and music guided by the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards.
- Interested in earning a bachelor's degree? For transfer opportunities, visit mstc.edu/transfer.
America’s education system has seen great change in recent years—more rigorous standards, entirely new methods of teaching, changing school and classroom configurations, and revolutions in learning technology. Along with these shifts is a much greater emphasis on early childhood education and an increasing demand for early childhood educators.
Program Locations
Stevens Point Downtown Campus
1001 Centerpoint Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Delivery:
Hybrid/Blended
Daytime
Full-Time or Part-Time
Varying Class Schedule
Length of Program: Two Years
Credits: 60-61
Start Dates: Fall or Spring
Start at any time or campus by taking general education courses.
What You'll Learn
Graduates of the Early Childhood Education program have the hands-on knowledge and skills to work confidently with young children in a variety of settings.
Mid-State’s program lets you work directly with teachers in early childhood educational settings and develop creative and educational activities within the teaching cycle. You’ll also learn of the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development of children spanning infancy through school age as well as how to recognize typical and exceptional patterns of growth.
Outcomes
- Apply child development theory to practice.
- Cultivate relationships with children, families, and the community.
- Assess child growth and development.
- Use effective, research-based best practices in teaching and learning.
- Demonstrate professionalism.
- Integrate health, safety, and nutrition practices.
Employability Skills
- Behave Responsibly: Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
- Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
- Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
- Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
- Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility
Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.
Estimated Entire Program Cost
Cost based on the 2024/25 academic year.
- Tuition & Fees: $9,698.20
- Books: $1,930.00
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $100.03
- Total Estimated Cost: $11,728.23
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is eligible for full Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending.
This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10307108 | ECE: Early Language & Literacy | 3 | |
| 10307167 | ECE: Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 | |
| 10801136 | English Composition 1 | 3 | |
| -or- | 10801195 | Written Communication | 3 |
| 10801198 | Speech | 3 | |
| -or- | 10801196 | Oral/Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| 10307110 | ECE: Soc S, Art, & Music | 3 | |
| 10307160 | ECE: Field Experience 1 | 3 | |
| Term Total | 18 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10307179 | ECE: Child Development | 3 | |
| 10307188 | ECE: Guiding Children's Behavior | 3 | |
| 10307170 | ECE: Field Experience 2 | 3 | |
| 10804107 | College Mathematics | 3 | |
| -or- | 10804118 | Intermediate Algebra with Applications | 4 |
| 10307148 | ECE: Foundations of ECE | 3 | |
| Term Total | 15-16 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10307151 | ECE: Infant and Toddler Development | 3 | |
| 10307187 | ECE: Children with Differing Abilities | 3 | |
| 10307190 | ECE: Field Experience 3 | 3 | |
| 10307112 | ECE: STEM | 3 | |
| 10809172 | Introduction to Diversity Studies | 3 | |
| -or- | 10809196 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10809198 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| -or- | 10809188 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| 10307195 | ECE: Family and Community Relationships | 3 | |
| 10307210 | ECE: Field Experience 4 | 3 | |
| 10809166 | Introduction to Ethics: Theory and Application | 3 | |
| -or- | 10809122 | Introduction to American Government | 3 |
| Term Total | 12 Credits | ||
| Program Total | 60-61 Credits |
Instructors
APRIL M. HARTJES, BA, BS, MS
Ms. Hartjes has a master’s degree from UW–Stevens Point and holds a number of early childhood certifications in addition to her Wisconsin DPI teaching license. She has extensive experience working with families and children, including her work as director of a special education program, special education teacher, service coordinator, preschool teacher, and college and university faculty member. Ms. Hartjes enjoys ongoing education and strives to keep her technical skills current by attending conferences, networking, taking classes, and reading on current topics.
“My thoughts about teaching are summed up by this early childhood quote: ‘It takes a big heart to shape a little mind.’ I look forward to assisting students to become the best early childhood professional they can be.”
JILL PRZEKURAT, BS, MA
Jill has a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and earned her master's degree in education from Saint Mary's University in Minnesota. She has taught first grade, kindergarten, and four-year-old kindergarten and holds a number of early childhood certifications in addition to her Wisconsin DPI teaching license. To stay current on her technical skills, Jill is involved with local educational initiatives, attends conferences, and researches current best practices in early education.
“I joined Mid-State Technical College because I wanted to broaden my impact on early childhood education. I strongly believe that positive and enriching early childhood experiences lead to a healthy and successful life. And I agree with Plato: ‘Life must be lived as play.’”
Careers
- Child Care Center Teacher
- Early Head Start Teacher
- Educational Assistant
- Director of a Child Care Center
- District Substitute Teacher 4K-12
- Family Child Care Owner
- Special Education Assistant
- Head Start Assistant Teacher
Video
Fast-Track
High school students are eligible to enroll in this program; however, some courses have age requirements. Speak to a Mid-State advisor for more information. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.
- Additional Resources
Take the Next Step
"Early Childhood Education at Mid-State is a great hands-on program that allows you to fulfill your passion of working with children. You learn about child development, curriculum planning, basic administration, and so much more!”
MEGAN DOESCHER
GRADUATE
Choose Your Path
Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
