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Early Childhood Professional
Technical Diploma
Why choose Early Childhood Professional?
- 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 music, movement, art, and social studies, guided by the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards.
- Program meets requirements for Mid-State’s Infant and Toddler Specialist certificate.
- Enjoy seamless transfer into the Early Childhood Education associate degree, if you decide to pursue further education and advancement. Bachelor’s degree transfer options are also available.
Imagine a career making a difference in the lives of children every day. Today there 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: One Year
Credits: 27
Start Dates: Fall or Spring
Start at any time or campus by taking general education courses.
What You'll Learn
The Early Childhood Professional technical diploma prepares individuals to work in a variety of settings. You’ll learn to support children in learning music, movement, art, and social studies, guided the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards. The program’s 27 credits seamlessly transfer into Mid-State’s Early Childhood Education associate degree.
As a student in the program, you’ll learn through a combination of hands-on fieldwork in area childcare centers, along with related academic work at the college. The program includes interesting hands-on learning opportunities and practice in an early childhood setting.
Outcomes
- Cultivate relationships with children, families, and the community.
- 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: $4,364.19
- Books: $179.45
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0
- Total Estimated Cost: $4,543.64
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10307110 | ECE: Soc S, Art, & Music | 3 | |
| 10307167 | ECE: Health, Safety, and Nutrition | 3 | |
| 10307151 | ECE: Infant and Toddler Development | 3 | |
| 10307187 | ECE: Children with Differing Abilities | 3 | |
| 10307160 | ECE: Field Experience 1 | 3 | |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10307179 | ECE: Child Development | 3 | |
| 10307188 | ECE: Guiding Children's Behavior | 3 | |
| 10307195 | ECE: Family and Community Relationships | 3 | |
| 10801136 | English Composition 1 | 3 | |
| Term Total | 12 Credits | ||
| Program Total | 27 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
- Head Start Assistant Teacher
- Special Education Assistant
- Educational Assistant
- Family Child Care Owner
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
