Programs
Associate of Applied Science
Early Childhood Education
As a professional in Early Childhood Education, you have the opportunity to make an impact in children’s lives.
In this program, you will:
- Learn to plan and organize age-appropriate curricula and environments for infants, toddlers, preschool age children, and school-age children.
- Examine current challenges that early childhood educators face as they enter this contemporary profession.
- Understand the characteristics, skills, knowledge, and experiences that are important in becoming a teacher of young children.
- Have several hours of fieldwork experience within various child care settings.
- Be eligible for employment opportunities as a child care program director, a preschool teacher, a teacher assistant, or a family child care manager.
This program prepares you for the Child Development Associate (CDA) assessment process, the national credential recognized by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. The CDA credential is listed as a qualification for teaching staff and/or directors in child care regulations in 46 states and the District of Columbia. The CDA courses are ECE101B, ECE111B, ECE165, and ECE191.
Early Childhood Education
Explore your new career.
Career Facts
- The average annual salary for preschool teachers is $25,800; for kindergarten teachers it is $47,750; for special education teachers it is $51,200.
- Employment is expected to grow by 12 percent through 2016, which is about average.
- Private school teachers often have smaller class sizes and more control over curriculum, performance standards, and discipline.
- In most states, including Michigan, renewing your license to teach requires completion of continuing education classes.
- Preschool teachers with a Bachelor degree are often also qualified to teach kindergarten through grade three.