Degree and Certificate Options
Early Childhood Education and Development A.S.
Early Childhood Education and Development, A.A.S.
Early Childhood Education and Development Certificates
What will I Learn?
In Certificate A, students learn basic health, safety, nutrition guidelines to work with children. They obtain knowledge of theories, approaches and child development while growing observation skills. Students participate in field experiences with professional teachers as mentors in community programs, and prepare a standards-based industry portfolio. Students can obtain college credit while preparing for the Child Development Associate Credential. Certificate A feeds directly into Certificate B. Certificate B advances knowledge on developmentally appropriate practices and program management. Content focuses on developing language and literacy skills, curriculum development, creative activities for engagement and the business of early learning.
Courses target hands-on opportunities to demonstrate evidence-based teaching methods and program management skills. The certificate courses bridge into the two-year degree, associate in applied science-early childhood education and development (ECED). This degree focuses on general education and ECED courses. Students learn about community partnerships, social-emotional development and issues children and families face. They gain valuable real-world experience serving children and families and the impact of the teacher role.
The associate in science-early childhood education and development is a transfer degree focusing on general education requirements required by the state of Kansas, and coursework that prepares students to enter a teacher licensure program to become a certified teacher in a public-school program. The institutional coursework is geared to prepare and practice skills while introducing the student to ECED. Students also complete a 90-hour internship with a partner program, complete a NAEYC Standards-based interview portfolio and earn their degree upon completion of all requirements.
Career Paths
An associate degree can lead graduates to a variety of careers in early childhood education. Individuals can become a para educator; infant, toddler or preschool teacher in Head Start and work in community programs or school districts. Others may want to own a family childcare business; be a director of a childcare program, parent educator, nanny or camp counselor or be a sales representative or family advocate. Other careers with more education include instructional coach, kindergarten or special education teacher, education specialist and much more.
This is a wonderful career path for individuals who want to learn/develop continuously, are mentally tough, who can physically keep up with demands and work with diverse populations, not only children.
Points of Pride
KCKCC’s program focuses on building relationships and advising students to meet their life goals. This is the key to ensure they enter the right path and do not take unnecessary courses or waste money or time. Early childhood education is a career that focuses on the science of working with people (stakeholders, families and their children, direct/indirect customers).
Instructor Perspective
“Students enroll in our program because courses are offered at different locations, using various modalities to fit their busy lives to earn a degree.”
*Potential salaries use third-party national and regional aggregated data, some of which may be estimates. Results may not reflect local or timely trends. Some careers listed may require additional education or degrees beyond those offered at KCKCC. Completing a program, degree, or certificate does not guarantee employment or a specific salary.