Looking to make a career of teaching? This associate degree offers transfer opportunities – so you can go on to get your B.A.
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19
Recent Graduates
There are 19 recent graduates of this Madison College program.
91%
Student Satisfaction
91% of our recent graduates report they are satisfied with their Madison College education.
70%
Employed
70% of our recent graduates got a job in the industry.

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Early Childhood Education
Program Number: 103071
Your Degree:
Associate Degree
Area of Study:
Education and Social Sciences
Delivery Method:
100% In Person
100% Online
Some Online/Some In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
60 Credits | Finish degree in 2 years
financial aid icon Financial Aid Available
transfer icon Program Transfers
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What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.
Estimated Tuition

$9,156.49

$8,176.65 Tuition
$723.84 Materials/Supplemental Costs
$256.00 Other Costs
  • 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

  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2023-2024 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
    10-307-151
    3 credits
    10-307-108
    3 credits
    10-307-167
    3 credits
    10-307-174
    3 credits
    Second Semester
    10-307-179
    3 credits
    10-307-188
    3 credits
    10-307-175
    3 credits
    10-801-195
    3 credits
    Third Semester
    Fourth Semester
    10-307-187
    3 credits
    10-307-199
    3 credits
    10-801-196
    3 credits
    10-809-197
    3 credits
    10-809-199
    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

    Spring 2023

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is April 15, 2023

    Fall 2023

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is November 15, 2023

    Spring 2024

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

    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

    Students must submit official transcripts for 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
      • Note: Effective with the 2023-2024 year, this may be fulfilled with at least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0

    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 Early Childhood Education career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Transfer Opportunities

    UW System Schools

    Students must meet admission requirements including a cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all transferring credits. Students may transfer in up to 39 program credits and up to an additional 33 credits from coursework that meets general education requirements. Students must meet UWM‘s general education and cultural diversity requirements and School of Education Early Childhood Education degree requirements.
    The terms of the Leadership & Org Studies agreement are limited to students who complete an associates of applied science degree and are admitted to the Organizational Studies emphasis of the Leadership and Organizational Studies at UW O. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. The terms of the Human Services Leadership agreement are limited to students who have complete an associates of applied science degree and have been admitted to the Human Services Leadership degree at UW O. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
    Students transferring to any UW System school from Madison College will need to complete 60-61 Associate's Degree credits, and then will need to complete 26-31 Bachelor's Degree Credits, as well as another 60-61 Special Education Licensure Credits, bringing the total to 146-153 Total Credit Hours; UW Oshkosh Transcripts will indicate 137-147 Credits to degree.
    Students who complete the early childhood education program at Madison College should anticipate completing 20 general education credits and 59 credits of early childhood (major) coursework at UW RF to fulfill the requirements of the comprehensive Early Childhood major. A minimum grade point average of 2.75 is required for transfer (from all institutions attended).
    WTCS wide agreement. Madison College students who successfully complete an A.A.S. degree or approved coursework after July 1, 2006 in Early Childhood Education wishing to transfer to UWSP will be awarded the credits per the agreement toward a BS degree in Early Childhood Education.
    Students must complete the AAS- Early Childhood Education degree at Madison College and meet UW Stout‘s admission requirements. Admission to UW Stout does not guarantee admission to a professional program. Education majors are admitted as pre-education and acceptance into the UW Stout professional program is based upon academic and non-academic factors. Minimum GPA of 2.75 on transferable work is required for education majors. UW Stout will apply 44 of the 69 ECE program credits toward their BS in Early Childhood Education. UW Stout will apply up to 54 credits of the ECE program toward their BS in Human Development and Family.
    This agreement supports the UW Superior Early Childhood-Minor program. Students must complete the identified course work with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to be considered for this agreement. WTCS general education courses may transfer to fulfill UW Superior general education requirements. All UW Superior general education core and knowledge category requirements not met by transfer credit and must be completed prior to graduation. This minor when combined with an Elementary Education major can lead to certification for licensure as an EC teacher in WI (birth-6th grade)
    Students who complete the Early Childhood Education program at Madison College may have up to 48 credits awarded toward a B.A. or B.S. degree in Early Child Care and Education. The 48 credits will be assigned in a block equivalency and via individual course-by-course equivalencies. General education requirements will be accepted on a course-by-course basis.
    Students transferring into the Early Childhood Education Program are awarded 38 credits towards a Bachelor's Degree in this program if they: Started an Associates in Arts degree in Early Childhood Education within the Wisconsin Technical College System beginning in or after August 2006 or prior to August 2019, have successfully completed the Associates in Arts degree, and have applied to and have been successfully admitted into UW-Whitewater.

    Wisconsin Private Schools

    Due to individual variations in how WTCS general education requirements are met, transfer results will vary. The list of recommended courses to meet Core requirements is to be used for course planning at the associate level. A grade of "C-" or better is needed for the course to fulfill the specified requirement. The written and oral communication requirements must be passed with a "B-" or better.
    Students must complete the Early Childhood Education Applied Associates degree and meet admission requirements of Concordia University Wisconsin. Students must complete at least 48 credits at Concordia. Bachelor degree completion program can be for licensure birth to grade 3. Students may have additional testing requirements. This agreement is with all Wisconsin Technical College System schools.
    Students will be granted admission to a bachelors degree program upon completion of an approved transfer program at Madison College. Students must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater while at Madison College. Regardless of the number of credits transferred students must complete at least 25% of their baccalaureate degree credits at Herzing University University.
    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.
    Any Madison College student who has successfully completed an associate degree in applied science after 2015, and meets admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Technical Sales at MSOE by successfully completing the AAS to BBA Technical Sales Transfer Track in the Business Administration program. --- In particular, any Madison College student who successfully completes all technical courses and general education courses in their AAS program with a grade of C or better (not C-) in each course; successfully completes all other specified courses, as defined in this transfer agreement, with a grade of C or better (not C-) in each course; and meets the MSOE admission requirements for transfer students into the BBA Program at MSOE, minimum 2.75/4.0 cumulative GPA from the last regionally accredited school will be admitted into the AAS to BBA Technical Sales Transfer Track in the Bachelor of Business Administration program at MSOE.
    Madison College students who successfully complete the courses listed in the transfer guides with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.25, a grade of C or higher in all courses, and who apply for admission and meet Viterbo University’s standard admission criteria are guaranteed transferability of academic coursework as listed on the transfer guide. (Speak with a Madison College advisor to review the transfer guides and course lists.)
    Students who complete the early childhood education program can transfer up to 65 credits toward the Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Leadership offered through the College of Adult and Graduate Studies.

    Out-of-State Schools

    Students who complete any associate degree at Madison Area Technical College will have no additional general education core curriculum requirements to meet but must satisfy the Kirkpatrick Signature Series requirement. This applies to students who are pursuing a bachelors of arts, bachelors of science or bachelors of fine arts at Bellevue University.
    Per the agreement, students must complete the associates of arts, associates of science or associates of applied science with an overall GPA of a 2.0 prior to transferring. Articulation agreement is for students who graduate from appropriate program and wish to pursue one of the following degrees at Capella: Bachelor of Science in Business specializations, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Public Safety specializations, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (must hold a valid RN license) and Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
    Students graduating with an associate degree from MATC with a 2.0 GPA or higher are guaranteed admissions into CSU-Global and can transfer up to 64 semester credits from MATC to be applied toward earning a Bachelor’s Degree at CSU-Global.
    Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of all Madison College graduates with an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science or Associate of Applied Science. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer additional credits (up to a maximum of 94) 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.
    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      201920202021
      Number of Program Graduates172819
      Number of Surveys Sent172819
      Number of Surveys Returned121713
      Percent of Surveys Returned70.60%60.70%68.40%
      Available for Employment121710
      Percent Available for Employment100.00%100.00%76.90%
      Not in Labor Market003
      Percent Not in Labor Market0.00%0.00%23.10%
      Available for Employment

      201920202021
      Graduates Employed121510
      Percent of Graduates Employed100.00%88.20%100.00%
      Employed in Related Occupation12137
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation100.00%86.70%70.00%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation013
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation0.00%6.70%30.00%
      Employed - No Response010
      Percent Employed - No Response0.00%6.70%0.00%
      Seeking Employment020
      Percent Seeking Employment0.00%11.80%0.00%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      201920202021
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.83.53.7
      Number of Satisfaction Responses121712
      Very Satisfied (4)10810
      Percent Very Satisfied83.30%47.10%83.30%
      Satisfied (3)291
      Percent Satisfied16.70%52.90%8.30%
      Unsatisfied (2)000
      Percent Unsatisfied0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Very Unsatisfed (1)001
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.00%0.00%8.30%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      201920202021
      Number of Primary Reason Responses121713
      Preparation for Getting a Job351
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job25.00%29.40%7.70%
      Career Change112
      Percent Career Change8.30%5.90%15.40%
      Improvement of Existing Skills352
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills25.00%29.40%15.40%
      Preparation for Further Education565
      Percent Preparation for Further Education41.70%35.30%38.50%
      Personal Interest003
      Percent Personal Interest0.00%0.00%23.10%
      Other000
      Percent Other0.00%0.00%0.00%
      When Employment was Obtained

      201920202021
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses121410
      Before Enrollment565
      Percent Before Enrollment41.70%42.90%50.00%
      While Attending the College664
      Percent While Attending the College50.00%42.90%40.00%
      After Training at the College121
      Percent After Training at the College8.30%14.30%10.00%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      201920202021
      Number of Employment Location Responses121510
      In College District11159
      Percent In College District91.70%100.00%90.00%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District101
      Percent of In Wisconsin8.30%0.00%10.00%
      Outside of Wisconsin000
      Percent Outside Wisconsin0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Employer Location Unknown000
      Percent Location Unknown0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend201920202021
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count6135
      Average Monthly Wage$2,669$2,641$3,122
      Average Hourly Wage$15.52$15.36$18.15
      Average Work Hours per Week39.44143
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count31
      Average Hourly Wage$14.75$15.75
      Average Work Hours per Week23.320
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2021
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      Big Steps Little FeetTeacherSheboygan
      Little Chicks Learning AcademeyLead Teacher
      Monona Grove School DistrictAssistant TeacherMonona
      Private FamilyNanny
      Reach DanePreschool TeacherFitchburg
      Red Caboose Day CareDirector

      * - 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

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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