Early Childhood
Early Childhood
Subject Area: Education, Human and Public Services
Award: Diploma
Minimum Credits: 31
Location: Calmar, Peosta
Entry: Fall, Spring, Summer
Description
Childcare centers, preschools, kindergartens and child development centers offer many possibilities for employment due to the increasing recognition of the importance of early childhood training. Graduates of the Early Childhood program primarily function as assistants, teachers or directors of childcare centers and preschools. You receive preparation in the guidance and supervision of children in such activities as outdoor play, dramatic play, art, music, literature and language, science and math, health activities and field trips. You will also develop a basic understanding of the principles of child development, safety procedures, assessment and evaluation diagnosis, communication skills and nutritional needs. Upon graduation you will have employment opportunities nationwide.
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Enrollment Process
- Apply for admission.
- Submit official high school, high school equivalency and/or college transcripts to the Admissions Office of the campus you plan to attend.
- Complete ACCUPLACER® reading and writing assessment for course placement. Assessments may be waived based on previous college coursework or submission of valid ACT®, ACT Compass® or ALEKS® test scores. ACCUPLACER® scores are valid for three years.
Program Requirements
In addition to College admissions requirements, prospective students will also need to meet additional program requirements including health requirements, drug testing and background checks prior to their admission to the Early Childhood program.
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Academic Requirements
Fall Course Title Credits ECE:103 Intro to Early Childhood Education 3.0 ECE:133 Child Health, Nutrition, and Safety 3.0 ECE:158 Early Childhood Curriculum I 3.0 ECE:243 Early Childhood Guidance 3.0 ECE:343 Early Childhood Guidance Lab 1.0 SDV:179 The College Experience 3.0 Spring Course Title Credits COM:723 Workplace Communications 3.0 ECE:159 Early Childhood Curriculum II 3.0 ECE:170 Child Growth and Development 3.0 ECE:221 Infant/Toddler Care and Education 3.0 ECE:359 ECE Curriculum II Lab 1.0 ECE:920 Field Experience/ECE 2.0 This Diploma program requires a minimum of 30 credits (excluding Developmental courses). Three of these hours can include SDV:179 The College Experience. If The College Experience course is waived or transfers in for less than three credits, an elective is required.
To graduate from this program, students must complete all required coursework with a "C-" grade or above and earn a minimum 2.0 grade point average. Students not receiving a minimum of a C- grade in the prerequisite courses for ECE:920 will not be allowed into Field Experience.
A First Aid/CPR course that includes infant, child and adult CPR must be successfully completed prior to beginning ECE:920 and may be taken through NICC Business and Community Solutions.
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Employment Information
With an annual income range of $17,677 - $22,039 and a projected growth of 5.0%, the career outlook for Early Childhood graduates is growing.
Source: EMSI; Salary range represents 10th percentile - median annual wage for related occupations within a 100-mile radius from the center distance between Calmar and Peosta Campuses. Growth rate based on projections from 2017-2021.Future Ready Iowa is an initiative led by the governor to build Iowa’s talent pipeline by meeting the goal of 70 percent of all Iowans to have a two-or four-year college degree, industry recognized certificate or other credential that meets employer need by 2025. Northeast Iowa Community College has the programs necessary to meet this goal.
View Gainful Employment information for this program.
Employers of NICC Alumni
Early Learners, Dubuque, IA
Finley Daycare, Dubuque, IA
Frog Hollow, Dubuque, IA
Grandview Intergenerational Center, Dubuque, IA
Grandview Preschool, Dubuque, IA
Hippity Hop Preschool, West Union, IA
Kessel Kids Child Care Center, Cresco, IA
Kid Project, Dyserville, IA
Kinderwood, Edgewood, IA
Little Husky Learning Center, Oelwein, IA
Little Rascals, Dubuque, IA
Mercy Child Development Center, Dubuque, IA
Montessori School, Cedar Falls, IA
NICAA Head Start, East Dubuque, IL
NICC Child Development Center, Peosta, IA
Northeast Iowa Community Action, Decorah and Oelwein, IA
South Winneshiek Elementary/Middle School, Ossian, IA
St. Joe's Early Childhood Center, Key West, IA
St. Joseph's the Worker Early Childhood, Dubuque, IA
St. Joseph's Daycare, Earlville, IA
Waukon Elementary, Waukon, IA
West Union Elementary, West Union, IA
YMCA, Dubuque, IASample Job Titles
Assistant
Assistant Teacher
Center Manager
Head Start Center Manager
Para. Co-teacher
Teacher/Family Service Worker
Teaching Assistant
For additional job titles, visit O-Net. -
Transfer Information
The Early Childhood program currently has transfer agreements in place with the institution(s) listed below. Students are encouraged to speak with their transfer college or university to verify that their planned courses at NICC will meet necessary requirements. Learn more about transferring from NICC.
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Contacts
Nicole Jansen
Early Childhood Instructor
800.728.2256, ext. 470
jansenn@nicc.edu