To learn more, visit: https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/programs/early-childhood-education/
Program Number: 10-307-1
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Campus: Fond du Lac, West Bend
This program is eligible for financial aid
The Early Childhood Education associate degree program at Moraine Park prepares students for their journey as educators, setting the stage for graduates to work as teachers and caregivers in two years.
About the Program
For students in the Early Childhood Education program, no day will be alike. Students in the program balance both academic coursework and practical experience, gaining hands-on experience at local child care centers. Students gain practice guiding child behavior and working cooperatively with staff and parents. This program has daytime courses offered at our Fond du Lac campus and evening courses offered at our West Bend campus, with some courses available online.
What You'll Learn
Students in the Early Childhood Education program learn to care for and educate children while playing a key role in children's development. Graduates will know how to maintain a clean and safe environment, as well as plan educational activities and assess child growth and progress. Graduates of the program are prepared to work with children from birth to 8-year age range and are well-prepared for a variety of Early Childhood Education jobs.
Scholarships may be available for students who are employed in a licensed child care center or a licensed or certified family child care program. Applicants must have the support of their employer and possess a high school diploma or GED. Scholarships for the Early Childhood Administrative Credential Certificate are available through the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association T.E.A.C.H. program.
Transfer Opportunities
Your academic journey can continue at a four-year college or university. Earn your associate degree at Moraine Park and then apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Starting at MPTC makes completing a bachelor’s degree affordable, accessible and convenient. You can go anywhere as MPTC has transfer agreements with colleges and universities both in Wisconsin and throughout the country.
Visit the Transfer to a Four-Year College page for more information on credit transfer agreements between Moraine Park and four-year colleges, both public and private.
Additional Information
State Licensure Disclosure: Moraine Park’s Early Childhood Education program prepares students to obtain the educational requirements for licensure to be employed/practice in the state of Wisconsin. No determination has been made if the curriculum matches the educational requirements for preparation, examinations, or licensure for other states. Visit the Accreditation page for more details about accreditation.
Important:
This program does not require a Criminal Background Check at the point of admission, but a Criminal Background Check will be required. Students will need to successfully pass a Criminal Background Check to progress in and complete the program. Students will receive information regarding completing this requirement before being placed working/observing in a child care facility.
Please Note:
Moraine Park Technical College does not guarantee
- Placement to practicum sites;
- Potential or future employment eligibility beyond graduation;
- Ability to sit for licensure or certification exams or achievement of credentials related to licensure or certification.
Taking a course within the Early Childhood Education curriculum prior to completing and passing a criminal background check does not guarantee enrollment in any one of the four practicum courses required for program completion.
More information regarding barred offenses that may impact a person’s ability to work at a child care center can be found here: http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/5206.pdf
Admission Process
Standard Admissions steps details
This program also requires:
Credit for Prior Learning
Transform the skills and abilities developed through previous experience into college credit through MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning process.
- Transfer credit from other colleges/universities
- Earn college credit for your military training and experience
- Earn college credit via Advance Placement, CLEP, DANTES/DSST or MPTC Challenge Exams
- Earn college credit from previous/current work and life experiences
Visit MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning page for more information.
Approximate Costs
Tuition
Occupational
- $149.50 per credit (resident)
- $224.25 per credit (out-of-state resident)
Associate of Arts/Associate of Science
- $188.90 per credit (resident)
- $283.35 per credit (out-of-state resident)
Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.
Student Fees
- $5.00 minimum per course Material Fee
- $13.45 per-credit Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate courses
- $4.50 per term mandatory Student Accident Insurance Fee
Please refer to Tuition & Fee Information for additional enrollment fee information.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available for associate degree and technical diploma programs (those that are 2 semesters in length and typically with 28 credits or more). Processing can take 4-5 weeks after a student's completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received. Visit the Financial Aid page to learn more.
While attending Moraine Park during the 2024-25 school year, your estimated cost of attendance for one full year includes tuition of $4,462 (15 credits for fall and spring semester), fees of $338, food and housing of $3,008 (if living with parents, $9,147 if living on your own), books and supplies of $1,465, personal expenses of $3,608, and transportation of $4,017 for a total of $17,002. Your direct costs (those costs paid directly to the college) include tuition & fees. The indirect costs (costs not paid to the college) can vary from individual to individual and your own personal needs.
Pathways
Earn certificates, a technical diploma and associate degree along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.
