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Early Childhood Education
Program Number: 103071
Your Degree: Associate Degree
Estimated Time to Complete: 60 Credits | Finish degree in 2 years
Delivery Method: 100% In Person, 100% Online, Some Online/Some In Person
Area of Study: Education and Social Sciences
Estimated Program Cost: $10,891.20
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Program Overview
Prepare for work as a teacher-caregiver in early childhood settings.
Madison College's Early Childhood Education associate degree program combines hands-on fieldwork in area centers with related academic work at the college. Graduates become responsible for the care and education of children in the birth-to-6 age range. They create and maintain safe and healthy play environments, guide behavior, plan and implement learning activities, and work cooperatively with staff and parents. Success in the field depends on a caring attitude, showing respect for children and adults, flexibility, good judgment, dependability and effective communication skills.
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 (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.Learn how your experience could count toward your degree. Contact Emily Pink at epink@madisoncollege.edu to learn more.
Program Details
We are in the process of gaining accreditation through National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Students in Early Childhood Education can attend full or part time.
Early Childhood Education classes may be offered at the Madison College Goodman South campus or online.
Early Childhood Education Careers
Earning your associate degree in the Early Childhood Education 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. - Directors/Administrators
Are responsible for managing child care centers and planning and implementing program.
Program Resources
- Child Care Teachers
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester10-307-148ECE: Foundations of Early Childhood Education
This 3-credit course introduces you to the early childhood profession. Course competencies include: explore the concepts of diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias as it relates to early childhood education, investigate the history of early childhood education, examine regulatory requirements for early childhood education programs in WI, summarize types of early childhood education settings, identify the components of a quality early childhood education program, summarize responsibilities of early childhood education professionals, explore early childhood curriculum models and examine the critical role of play as it relates to developmentally appropriate practice.3 credits10-307-151ECE: Infant & Toddler Dev
In this 3-credit course you will study infant and toddler development as it applies to an early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives; analyze development of infants and toddlers (conception to thirty-six months); correlate prenatal and postnatal conditions with development; summarize child development theories; analyze the role of heredity and the environment; examine culturally and developmentally appropriate environments for infants and toddlers, examine the role of brain development in early learning (conception through thirty-six months); examine caregiving routines as curriculum; and examine developmental and environmental assessment strategies for infants and toddlers.3 credits10-307-110ECE: Social Studies, Art, and Music
This 3-credit course will focus on beginning level curriculum development in the specific integrated content areas of social studies, art, music, & movement (SSAMM).3 credits10-307-167ECE: Health, Safety, & Nutrition
This course examines the topics of health, safety and nutrition within the context of the early childhood educational setting. Course competencies include: follow governmental regulations and professional standards as they apply to health, safety and nutrition; provide a safe, healthy, and nutritionally sound early childhood program; adhere to child abuse and neglect mandates; apply Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risk reduction strategies; incorporate health, safety and nutrition concepts into the children's curriculum.3 credits10-307-160ECE: Field Experience 1
This introductory field experience course, introduces the foundations of early childhood education under guided supervision of a mentor teacher in an early childhood setting, working with children birth through age 8. This course meets the requirements for the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards 18-hour training.3 creditsSecond Semester10-307-108ECE: Early Language and Literacy
This course explores strategies to encourage the development of early language and literacy knowledge and skill building in children birth to 8 years of age. Learners will investigate the components of literacy including; literacy and a source of enjoyment, vocabulary and oral language, phonological awareness, knowledge of print, letters and words, comprehension and an understanding of books and other texts. Theories and philosophies regarding children's language and literacy development will be addressed. Dual language learning will be examined within the context of developmentally appropriate practices. Assessment tools for early language and literacy acquisition will be reviewed.3 credits10-307-179ECE: Child Development
The 3-credit course examines child development within the context of the early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives; analyze social, cultural, and economic influences on child development; summarize child development theories; analyze development of children ages three through five; analyze development of children ages five through eight; relate child development research findings to teaching practice; analyze the role of heredity and the environment; examine the role of brain development in early learning (ages 3-8); examine developmental and environmental assessment strategies for children ages 3-8.3 credits10-307-188ECE: Guiding Child Behavior
This 3-credit course examines positive strategies to guide children's behavior in the early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives; analyze techniques for and effects of strong relationship-building with children and families; identify positive and proactive guidance principles and techniques to support children; analyze environmental influences on child behavior; identify strategies that support children’s active engagement in the learning environment; identify strategies that proactively teach emotional literacy and regulation techniques; identify strategies that proactively teach friendship skills; identify strategies that proactively teach children calming, relaxation, and problem-solving techniques; utilize observation and assessment techniques to assess and interpret behavior; create a behavior support plan based on a functional behavior assessment; create a guidance philosophy. This course meets the requirements of the "24 hour Wisconsin" Pyramid Model training.3 credits10-307-170ECE: Field Experience 2
This intermediate field experience course includes assisting the mentor teacher in carrying out classroom routines and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences that promote child development and learning through play for children birth to age 8.3 credits10-801-195Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.3 creditsThird Semester10-307-112ECE: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
This 3-credit course will focus on beginning level curriculum development in the specific integrated content areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).3 credits10-307-190ECE: Field Experience 3
This advanced field experience course focuses on supporting young children's development birth to age 8 through observation, assessment, and implementation of developmentally appropriate teaching strategies.3 credits10-307-195ECE: Family & Community Relations
In this 3-credit course you will examine the role of relationships with family and community in early childhood education. Course competencies include: implement strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives when working with families and community; analyze contemporary family patterns and trends; identify strategies to strengthen and support families; explore effective communication strategies; discover strategies for developing respectful and reciprocal relationships with families; analyze strategies to promote family engagement in early childhood education programs; explore a variety of formats for meeting with families in their contexts; advocate for children and families; and explore community resources that provide a range of services for children and families.3 credits10-804-134Mathematical Reasoning
All college students, regardless of their college major, need to be able to make reasonable decisions about fiscal, environmental, and health issues that require quantitative reasoning skills. A collaborative, activity-based approach is used in this course to explore numerical relationships, graphs, proportional relationships, algebraic reasoning, and problem solving using linear, exponential and other mathematical models. Students will develop conceptual and procedural tools that support the use of key mathematical concepts in a variety of contexts. This course is not designed for Science, Engineering, or Math students and/or others who require calculus. This course may be used as the prerequisite for Quantitative Reasoning, Principles of Geometry, General Chemistry, and/or Survey of Physics.3 credits10-809-172Introduction to Diversity Studies
This course introduces the study of diversity from a local to a global perspective using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that encourages exploration and prepares students to work in a diverse environment. The course introduces basic diversity concepts, examines the impact of bias and power differentials among groups, explores the use of culturally responsive communication strategies, and compares forces that shape diversity in an international context.3 creditsFourth Semester10-307-187ECE: Children w diff Abilities
This 3-credit course focuses on the child with differing abilities in an early childhood education setting. Course competencies include: integrate strategies that support diversity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias perspectives; promote inclusive programs for young children; apply legal and ethical requirements including, but not limited to, ADA and IDEA; examine the consultation process to embed intervention in natural based settings; differentiate between typical and exceptional development; analyze the differing abilities of children with physical, cognitive, health/medical, communication, and/or behavioral/emotional disorders; identify community and professional resources; interpret an individual educational plan (IEP/IFSP) for children with developmental differences; adapt curriculum to meet the needs of children with developmental differences; examine strategies for cultivating partnerships with families who have children with developmental differences.3 credits10-307-210ECE: Field Experience 4
This final pre-professional field experience course focuses on demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of children birth to age 8, and families. An emphasis is on practicing the lead teacher role to design, implement and evaluate a connected unit of learning experiences.3 credits10-801-196Oral/Interpersonal Communication
Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.3 credits10-809-197Contemporary Amer Society
This is an interdisciplinary course covering issues that illustrate how our traditional institutions (such as family, education, media, the workplace, the economy and government) are being changed by global political, demographic, multicultural and technological trends. By exploring contemporary issues, students expand their use of critical-thinking skills.3 credits10-809-199Psychology Of Human Relations
This course explores the relationship between general psychological principles and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding is applied to human relations at home and on the job.3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now – Limited Seats Available!
This program has limited capacity and may reach maximum enrollment quickly. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
- Program capacity: 50 spots each Fall and 25 spots each Spring. It shares this capacity with other programs that have similar curriculum.
- Estimated Wait Time: No estimated wait time
Submitting your application now ensures you're considered as soon as space becomes available. If the program reaches capacity, a waiting list will be used to manage additional qualified applicants.
Learn more in the After You Apply section on this page.
Application Dates
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
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
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience 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
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
3. Residency Requirement
Per Wisconsin Statute TCS-10 because this program has a limited capacity:
- Non-district state residents
- May only be considered after January 1 for the upcoming fall term
- *Minnesota residents are considered non-district state residents for admission purposes
- Out-of-state residents (except Minnesota residents*) are offered a place in the program after district and state residents, if there are still spots available. Acceptance into the program is on hold until a month before the semester begins to determine if there is space in the program. Out-of-state residents are not eligible for admission to a program that has a waiting list.
Additional Notes
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a program or waiting list does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the program.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at enrollmentservices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Early Childhood Education career.
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After You Apply
This program uses a waiting list to manage program admission due to capacity limitations and high program demand. This means there are typically more applicants than there are open seats in the program.
A waiting list helps us manage applications in a way that is fair and transparent.
- Students on the waiting list receive priority in future terms based on the date they complete all application requirements.
- Priority does not guarantee a spot in the program.
- You may remain on the waiting list if you continue to follow the steps to notify Madison College of your continued interest.
Learn more about waiting lists and Admission to Programs with Limited Capacity.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at enrollmentservices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Transfer Opportunities
UW System Schools
The terms of the B.S in Leadership & Org Studies agreement are limited to students who complete selective A.A.S or A.A.A. degrees and are admitted to the Organizational Studies emphasis at UW-Oshkosh. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higherThis program-to-program articulation agreement between UW-Whitewater and Wisconsin Technical College System allows students to be guaranteed admission to the fully online Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education degree and be awarded 43 credits toward the in-person or online Bachelor of Science in Education and 15-25 credits for general education (Madison College total applicable credits are 61 ), if they meet the following criteria: Successfully complete the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)-Early Childhood Education at any Wisconsin Technical College offering this degree. Earn a cumulative GPA of a 2.5 (less than 72 transferrable credits) or 2.75 (72+ transferrable credits) (on a 4.0 scale), including coursework from other institutions (if appropriate), and according to UW-W repeat policy: https://www.uww.edu/registrar/policies#repeats Have applied to and are successfully admitted into UW-Whitewater (all UW-Whitewater application deadlines apply) beginning fall 2025 and any subsequent terms: https://www.uww.edu/admissions/transfer Declare the Bachelor Science in Education – Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education major at time of admission/upon transfer to UW-Whitewater.Wisconsin Private Schools
Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.Completion of an A.A.S. Degree at Madison College after 2018, and meeting admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a B.B.A degree in Technical Sales at MSOE.Guaranteed transferability of courses listed in the transfer guides for students earning a grade of C or higher, a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher, and meeting Viterbo University’s standard admission criteria.Out-of-State Schools
Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of Madison College graduates with an AA, AS, or AAS. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer up to 94 additional credits toward their baccalaureate degree. -
Career Outcomes
Madison College Early Childhood Education 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.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 25 16 25 Number of Surveys Sent 24 16 25 Number of Surveys Returned 9 5 13 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 8 4 12 Percent Available for Employment 88.9% 80.0% 92.3% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 0.0% 0.0% 7.7% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 8 4 12 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Employed in Related Occupation 6 3 12 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 75.0% 75.0% 100.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 2 1 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 25.0% 25.0% 0.0% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 0 0 0 Percent Seeking Employment 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 4 3.8 3.8 Number of Satisfaction Responses 8 4 13 Very Satisfied (4) 8 3 11 Percent Very Satisfied 100.0% 75.0% 84.6% Satisfied (3) 0 1 2 Percent Satisfied 0.0% 25.0% 15.4% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 8 4 13 Preparation for Getting a Job 1 2 2 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 12.5% 50.0% 15.4% Career Change 3 1 4 Percent Career Change 37.5% 25.0% 30.8% Improvement of Existing Skills 1 0 2 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 12.5% 0.0% 15.4% Preparation for Further Education 2 0 5 Percent Preparation for Further Education 25.0% 0.0% 38.5% Personal Interest 1 1 0 Percent Personal Interest 12.5% 25.0% 0.0% Other 0 0 0 Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 8 4 12 Before Enrollment 3 0 3 Percent Before Enrollment 37.5% 0.0% 25.0% While Attending the College 2 1 5 Percent While Attending the College 25.0% 25.0% 41.7% After Training at the College 3 3 4 Percent After Training at the College 37.5% 75.0% 33.3% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 9 5 12 In College District 8 3 12 Percent In College District 88.9% 60.0% 100.0% In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 0 0 Percent of In Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Outside of Wisconsin 0 1 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 20.0% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 1 1 0 Percent Location Unknown 11.1% 20.0% 0.0% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 5 3 9 Average Monthly Wage $3,297 $3,447 $3,069 Average Hourly Wage $19.17 $20.04 $17.84 Average Work Hours per Week 40.0 41.7 44.4 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 1 2 Average Hourly Wage $18.12 $21.25 Average Work Hours per Week 32.0 27.7 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Children's Community School Lead Teacher Mount Horeb Eagle's Wing Childcare Assistant Teacher Goddard School Lead Preschool Teacher Middleton Learn Laugh And Grow Childcafe Childcare Provider Madison Area Technical College Lead Teacher New Morning Nursery School Lead Teacher Peace Lutheran Preschool Teachers Assistant Waunakee Red Caboose Day Care Teacher Spartan Day Camp Lead Counselor Stoughton Area High School Educational Assistant Stoughton Unspecified Certified Nursing Assistant Woods Hollow Children's Center Assistant Teacher Fitchburg * - 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
