Early Childhood Education
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.
Program Locations
Stevens Point 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 location 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.
Estimated Entire Program Cost
Cost based on the 2022/23 academic year.
- Tuition & Fees: $9,365.66
- Books: $1,743.60
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $100.03
- Total Estimated Cost: $11,209.29
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is eligible for full Financial Aid
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10307108 | ECE: Early Language & Literacy | 3 | |
| 10307167 | ECE: Health, Safety, & Nutrition | 3 | |
| 10801136 | English Composition 1 | 3 | |
| 10801198 | Speech | 3 | |
| -or- | 10801196 | Oral/Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| 10307110 | ECE: Soc S, Art, & Music | 3 | |
| 10307174 | ECE: Introductory Practicum | 3 | |
| Term Total | 18 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10307179 | ECE: Child Development | 3 | |
| 10307188 | ECE: Guiding Children's Behavior | 3 | |
| 10307175 | ECE: Preschool Practicum | 3 | |
| 10804107 | College Mathematics | 3 | |
| -or- | 10804118 | Intermediate Algebra with Applications | 4 |
| -or- | 10804189 | Introductory Statistics | 3 |
| 10307148 | ECE: Foundations of Early Childhood Education | 3 | |
| Term Total | 15-16 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10307151 | ECE: Infant & Toddler Development | 3 | |
| 10307187 | ECE: Children with Differing Abilities | 3 | |
| 10307177 | ECE: Intermediate Practicum | 3 | |
| 10307112 | ECE: STEM | 3 | |
| 10809172 | Introduction to Diversity Studies | 3 | |
| -or- | 10809196 | Intro to Sociology | 3 |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10809198 | Intro to Psychology | 3 | |
| -or- | 10809188 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| 10307195 | ECE: Family and Community Relationships | 3 | |
| 10307199 | ECE: Advanced Practicum | 3 | |
| 10809166 | Intro to Ethics: Theory & Application | 3 | |
| -or- | 10809195 | Economics | 3 |
| Term Total | 12 Credits | ||
| Program Total | 60-61 Credits |
This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.
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
- 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.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
