Continue working toward an early childhood education degree – or go right to work. The next generation needs you.
student working on project
26
Recent Graduates
There are 26 recent graduates of this Madison College program.
100%
Student Satisfaction
100% of our recent graduates report they are satisfied with their Madison College education.
$39k
Annual Salary
Our recent graduates of this program reported an average starting salary of $38,928.
Child Care Services
Program Number: 313071
Your Degree:
Technical Diploma
Area of Study:
Education and Social Sciences
Delivery Method:
100% In Person
100% Online
Some Online/Some In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
27 Credits | Finish diploma in 1 year
financial aid icon Financial Aid Available
net price calculator sketch
What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.

Estimated Program Cost

$4,304.51

Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid and scholarships help you pay for your education.
  • Program Overview

    The Child Care Services technical diploma from Madison College prepares you to work as a teacher-caregiver in early childhood settings. It combines hands-on fieldwork in area centers with related academic work at the college. Graduates are prepared to assist in the care and education of children in the birth-to-6-years age range. You will create and maintain safe and healthy play environments, guide behavior, plan and implement learning activities, and work cooperatively with staff and parents. 

    Following completion of the Child Care Services technical diploma, you may transfer directly into the Associate Degree of Early Childhood Education as the courses in this technical diploma are part of the Applied Associate ECE degree.

    Upon admission to the program, you will complete a background and criminal history check form and submit it to the program director. Look for this form in your student email.  Information obtained from the background may affect your ability to secure a practicum placement.

    Prior to taking ECE: Introductory Practicum, you must show evidence of a physical examination including TB test using the State of Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Staff Health Report - Child Care Provider Form (external pdf) .

    Travel to fieldwork sites is necessary and is your responsibility.

    Some courses in the program involve preparation of learning materials, field trips, etc. that may involve additional expenses.

    To learn how your experience could count toward your degree contact epink@madisoncollege.edu.

    Program Details

    Students in the Child Care Services Program may attend full or part time.

    Child Care Services courses may be offered at these Madison College campuses:

    • Madison - South
    • Online

    Careers

    Earning your diploma in the Child Care Services program at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as:

    • 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 Educational Assistants
      Work in district approved early childhood programs, and four-years-old kindergarten programs.
    • Early Childhood Special Needs Assistants
      Work in district approved early childhood programs, and four-years-old kindergarten programs.

  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

    Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:

    • Progress toward your specific requirements
    • Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

    If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.

    First Semester
    10-307-108
    3 credits
    10-307-151
    3 credits
    10-307-167
    3 credits
    10-307-160
    3 credits
    Second Semester
    10-307-179
    3 credits
    10-307-188
    3 credits
    10-307-170
    3 credits
  • Admission

    To Apply

    Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!

    International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.

    Note: It is recommended to only apply for a semester that has already started if you are currently enrolled in classes or you have verified that classes are still available for that semester.

    Application Dates

    Fall 2024

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is November 15, 2024

    Spring 2025

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is April 15, 2025

    Fall 2025

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is November 15, 2025

    Admission Requirements

    All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

    1. Admission Application

    The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.

    2. Education Completion

    Official transcripts must be sent from the institutions you attended and indicate one of the following:

    • High school (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
    • GED/HSED transcript
    • College transcript(s) showing:
      • Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
      • At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
        • The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
        • Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum

    All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.


    Additional Notes

    • Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
    • Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details.

    After Acceptance

    Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College.

    Questions?

    Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Child Care Services career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Career Outcomes

    Madison College Child Care Services graduates are prepared to:

    • Apply child development theory to practice.
    • Cultivate relationships with children, family and the community.
    • Assess child growth and development.
    • Use best practices in teaching and learning.
    • Demonstrate professionalism.
    • Integrate health, safety, and nutrition practices.
    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      202120222023
      Number of Program Graduates242826
      Number of Surveys Sent242826
      Number of Surveys Returned222121
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment9109
      Percent Available for Employment40.9%47.6%42.9%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market59.1%52.4%52.4%
      Available for Employment

      202120222023
      Graduates Employed9109
      Percent of Graduates Employed100.0%100.0%100.0%
      Employed in Related Occupation798
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation77.8%90.0%88.9%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation211
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation22.2%10.0%11.1%
      Employed - No Response000
      Percent Employed - No Response0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Seeking Employment000
      Percent Seeking Employment0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      202120222023
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.53.84
      Number of Satisfaction Responses19139
      Very Satisfied (4)11109
      Percent Very Satisfied57.9%76.9%100.0%
      Satisfied (3)730
      Percent Satisfied36.8%23.1%0.0%
      Unsatisfied (2)000
      Percent Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Very Unsatisfied (1)
      Percent Very Unsatisfied5.3%0.0%0.0%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      202120222023
      Number of Primary Reason Responses222121
      Preparation for Getting a Job
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job
      Career Change
      Percent Career Change
      Improvement of Existing Skills
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills
      Preparation for Further Education
      Percent Preparation for Further Education
      Personal Interest
      Percent Personal Interest
      Other
      Percent Other0.0%0.0%0.0%
      When Employment was Obtained

      202120222023
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses9109
      Before Enrollment862
      Percent Before Enrollment88.9%60.0%22.2%
      While Attending the College135
      Percent While Attending the College11.1%30.0%55.6%
      After Training at the College012
      Percent After Training at the College0.0%10.0%22.2%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      202120222023
      Number of Employment Location Responses91010
      In College District979
      Percent In College District100.0%70.0%90.0%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District030
      Percent of In Wisconsin0.0%30.0%0.0%
      Outside of Wisconsin000
      Percent Outside Wisconsin0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Employer Location Unknown001
      Percent Location Unknown0.0%0.0%10.0%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202120222023
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count366
      Average Monthly Wage$2,338$2,852$3,244
      Average Hourly Wage$13.59$16.58$18.86
      Average Work Hours per Week40.439.239.3
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count222
      Average Hourly Wage$13.75$14.50$15.25
      Average Work Hours per Week30.010.727.5
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2023
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      Kids' Safari Learning CenterInfant Toddler CoachCottage Grove
      Learning LadderFloat TeacherCottage Grove
      Reach DaneTeacher AssistantStoughton
      Rock-A-ByeChildcare Teacher/FloatSun Prairie
      Rock-A-ByeAssistant DirectorSun Prairie
      Starlight AcademyPreschooler TeacherOregon
      Toad Hill Toddler HouseAssistant Teacher
      UW - Madison Child Development LabToddler Teacher

      * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.

      ** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.

      *** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu

Ready to get started?
Your first step is to apply to Madison College. It's easy and free to apply, so get started today!
Contact the School of Human and Protective Services

Madison Truax Campus
Protective Services Building, 100

1701 Pearson Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

hps@madisoncollege.edu
608.243.5400

Hours

  • Monday – Thursday 8 am - 5 pm
  • Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm