Early Childhood Education Program

Early Childhood Education

Program Number: 10-307-1

• Two-year Associate in Applied Science Degree
• Education Program Cluster
• Center for Human and Protective Services
• Program offered at the following campuses:
  • Downtown Education Center, Madison
• For information call: (608) 245-5888

About the Program

View the Childcare/Early Childhood Education Webcast

Success in the field depends on a caring attitude, showing respect for children and adults, flexibility, good judgment, dependability and effective communication skills.

Travel to fieldwork sites is necessary and is the student’s responsibility. Public transportation is readily available. Some courses in the program involve preparation of learning materials, field trips, etc. that may involve additional expenses.

Program outcomes state what a graduate needs to be able to do with the essential knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors acquired in a specific MATC program. The program outcomes communicate expectations to students, as well as other academic institutions and potential employers. The identification and assessment of program outcomes support MATC's efforts in documenting student learning and provide a context for the faculty's academic planning.

Admissions Requirements for All Applications Submitted for the Current Academic Year

High school diploma with a GPA of 2.0 or GED or satisfactory completion of 12 college credits. In addition, prior to taking ECE: Practicum 1, students must show evidence of a physical examination including TB test and must complete a Background Information Disclosure and Criminal History Check (CHC) prior to placement in the Early Childhood Education Practicum courses. Information obtained from the CHC may affect the ability to secure a practicum placement.

In order to graduate students must achieve at least a 2.0 (C) grade in all program core courses and an overall 2.0 (C) grade point average.

Career Potential

• Child Care Teachers:
  Work in full-day and part-day child care programs, nursery schools and Head Start programs.
• Child Care Assistant Teachers:
  Work under the supervision of a child care teacher.
• Family Child Care Providers:
  Care for eight children or less in provider's home.
• Infant or Toddler Caregivers:
  Care for children under two years of age.
• In-home Providers/Nannies:
  Provide care in the child's home.
• Early Childhood
• Early Childhood Special Needs/Educational Assistants:
  Work in public school eary childhood programs, and public school four-years-olds' programs.
• Directors/Administrators:
  Are responsible for managing day care centers and planning and implementing program.