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If you’d like to learn more about the Early Childhood Education program, we’d love to talk with you.
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Financial Aid Available
Program Transfers
Estimated Program Cost
Financial Aid
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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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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 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 SemesterSecond SemesterThird SemesterFourth Semester -
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
Fall 2024
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is November 15, 2024
Spring 2025
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is April 15, 2025
Fall 2025
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is November 15, 2025
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
Official transcripts must be sent from the institutions you attended and indicate 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, 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
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.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Early Childhood Education career.
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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.The terms of the B.S in Human Services Leadership agreement are limited to students who complete selective A.A.S degrees and are admitted to the Human Services Leadership at UW-Oshkosh. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higherStudents will first need to complete 60-61 Associate's Degree credits, then 26-31 Bachelor's Degree Credits, and 60-61 Special Education Licensure Credits, bringing the total to 146-153 Total Credit Hours.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 higherOutlines transfer pathway between two programs.WTCS Students who successfully complete and AAS degree or approved coursework after July 1, 2006 in Early Childhood Education (WTCS statewide core cirriculum) wishing to transfer to USWP can be awarded credits towards a BS 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.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.Allows students to be awards transfer credit towards degree when they complete Credentials as part of ECE.Transfer from MC AAS ECE to UW Whitewater B.S. ECEWisconsin Private Schools
Students must complete an ECE AA and meet Concordia University admission and additional testing requirements. Students must complete at least 48 credits at Concordia. Bachelor degree completion can be for licensure birth to grade 3.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 2015, 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.Bachelor of Science in Business Management and LeadershipOut-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.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.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 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
2021 2022 2023 Number of Program Graduates 19 31 25 Number of Surveys Sent 19 31 24 Number of Surveys Returned 13 15 9 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 10 11 8 Percent Available for Employment 76.9% 73.3% 88.9% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 23.1% 26.7% 0.0% Available for Employment
2021 2022 2023 Graduates Employed 10 11 8 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Employed in Related Occupation 7 11 6 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 70.0% 100.0% 75.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 3 0 2 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 30.0% 0.0% 25.0% 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
2021 2022 2023 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.7 3.7 4 Number of Satisfaction Responses 12 15 8 Very Satisfied (4) 10 11 8 Percent Very Satisfied 83.3% 73.3% 100.0% Satisfied (3) 1 4 0 Percent Satisfied 8.3% 26.7% 0.0% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 8.3% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2021 2022 2023 Number of Primary Reason Responses 13 15 8 Preparation for Getting a Job Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest Percent Personal Interest Other Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2021 2022 2023 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 10 11 8 Before Enrollment 5 4 3 Percent Before Enrollment 50.0% 36.4% 37.5% While Attending the College 4 2 2 Percent While Attending the College 40.0% 18.2% 25.0% After Training at the College 1 5 3 Percent After Training at the College 10.0% 45.5% 37.5% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2021 2022 2023 Number of Employment Location Responses 10 11 9 In College District 9 9 8 Percent In College District 90.0% 81.8% 88.9% In Wisconsin, Not in District 1 2 0 Percent of In Wisconsin 10.0% 18.2% 0.0% Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 0 0 1 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 0.0% 11.1% Salary Trend 2021 2022 2023 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 5 7 5 Average Monthly Wage $3,122 $3,245 $3,297 Average Hourly Wage $18.15 $18.86 $19.17 Average Work Hours per Week 43.0 41.6 40.0 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 1 0 1 Average Hourly Wage $15.75 $18.12 Average Work Hours per Week 20.0 15.0 32.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2023 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Kids' Safari Learning Center Infant Toddler Coach Cottage Grove Marshall School District Special Education Paraprofessional Marshall Sun Prairie Area School District Special Ed Assistance Sun Prairie UW - Madison Child Development Lab Toddler Teacher Wishing Well Lead Teacher DeForest YMCA Site Supervisor * - 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
