Early Childhood Education
Degree and Certificate Programs
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Early Childhood Education (ECE) is a professional technical program designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of early childhood settings. Course content focuses on the educational and developmental needs of children from birth to age eight. The ECE program combines theory and practical experience with emphasis placed on active student involvement.
In helping to shape the lives of children, childcare professionals also help to shape the future of society. The Early Childhood Education department at WTC seeks to empower students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience to meet the emotional, social, intellectual, creative, and physical needs of the children in their care.
DEGREE & CERTIFICATES OFFERED
The A.A.S. program requires students to complete 60 semester credit hours of coursework with 42 in the major area of study and 18 in general education coursework. The program offers two certificates for part-time students: Child Development Certificate requires students to complete 18 hours of coursework and the Early Childhood Certificate requires students to complete 36 hours of coursework. The certificates build on each other and lead to the Associate of Applied Science degree.
Degree Offered:
- Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education
Certificates Offered:
- Child Development
- Early Childhood
Degree and Certification requirements are subject to approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
THERE'S ROOM FOR WTC IN YOUR SCHEDULE
Students may enroll in the ECE program at the beginning of any semester on either a full or part-time basis. All courses are offered online or evenings to accommodate the varied schedule of working students and dual credit students.
For course descriptions and tuition and fee information, please see the Course Catalog.
JOB OUTLOOK
Employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the next 10 years. Graduates of this program are hired by Head Start programs, day-care centers, private preschools, and resource and referral agencies. Public schools hire graduates as teaching assistants and parents hire graduates as nannies. Some graduates also start their own in-home childcare and preschool programs.
GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
REQUEST MORE INFORMATION
Would you like to receive more information about this program? Fill out the Information Packet Request HERE.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Ready to apply? Check out our New Student Checklist. For more information on applying to the program, please contact:
Misty Hinton
Instructor, Early Childhood Education
Building 18 Room 106
misty.hinton@wtc.edu
325-574-7662
Shawn Fonville
Dean of Career & Technical Education
Bldg. 15 Rm. 108
shawn.fonville@wtc.edu
325-574-7645