Early Childhood Education student and a child playing with blocks

E-CHiLD

Associate Degree

60 Credits | 2 Years

Associate Degree | Financial Aid-Eligible

Online 

Career Cluster: Education & Training

FREE Childcare Essentials Pathway Certificate training through Ashland and Superior locations.

Early childhood educators work with young children during the pivotal years that build the foundation for future success. They use play, science, art, language, math and music to help young children of all abilities and backgrounds develop physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally. If you have a passion for education and creativity, and you enjoy working with young children, consider a fun and rewarding career in early childhood education. 


 

Heart logo ECE and Pathways

 

 

Financial assistance may be available as part of the QUEST: Support for Early Childhood Education and Child Care Grant. Learn more about this opportunity here.

 

 


 

Program Overview

E-CHiLD is an innovative Early Childhood Education associate degree program that blends online learning with community-based student teaching and prepares you to work as a teacher or caregiver in an early childhood setting. As a student, you’ll take a variety of courses related to early childhood development, curriculum, behavior guidance and working with families to prepare you for success in this high-demand field. You will engage in a variety of online teaching and learning experiences, including virtual live face-to-face classroom sessions one evening per week, with optional open teaching labs and technical support available. Graduates of this program will be recognized as Wisconsin Registry Career Level 12.

Program Outcomes

E-CHiLD graduates will be able to:

  • Apply child development theory to practice
  • Cultivate relationships with children, family, and the community
  • Assess child growth and development
  • Use effective research-based practices in teaching and learning
  • Demonstrate professionalism
  • Integrate health, safety, and nutrition practices
Early childhood education student and a kid playing with Play-Doh!

E-CHiLD is the online version of the Early Childhood Education associate degree program. E-CHiLD is designed to build meaningful relationships, maximize educational technology and promote timely program completion. 

Paint splattered everywhere and a hand print on a computer screen

Fully online. 

A child looking inquisitively at a toy

Learn by doing. 

Student and kids playing with shaving cream

University transfer opportunities. 


Academics

Graduates will become responsible for the care and education of children from birth to school-age. You will learn to create and maintain safe and healthy play environments, guide behavior, plan and implement learning activities, and work cooperatively with staff and parents.

All required program coursework is part of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) statewide curriculum, which aligns with Wisconsin’s YoungStar requirements and allows for numerous seamless transfer opportunities between area technical colleges and baccalaureate degree-granting colleges and universities. Graduates of this program will be recognized as Wisconsin Registry Career Level 12.

Students of this program may be eligible for the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood WISCONSIN scholarship. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WISCONSIN provides higher education scholarships to professionals who work in regulated early childhood and school age care settings seeking approved credit-based education, such as the Early Childhood Education associate degree. 

Career Pathways

As an E-CHiLD student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way! Graduates of this program will earn an E-Connect Child Care Services technical diploma and a Group Child Care Essentials pathway certificate.

Strong Employment Rate

According to Northwood Tech’s 2021-2022 Graduate Survey Responses, 92 percent of Early Childhood Education graduates were employed in a related field within six months of graduating. Typical careers available for graduates include childcare teacher, public school or Head Start teacher assistant, program director, and more.  

Part-Time Option

The E-CHiLD program accommodates your life by providing a 3 or 4 year part-time schedule to complete your education, making it easier to work around childcare, work and other responsibilities.


Required Courses

Coursework focuses on developmentally appropriate practice and brain-based learning and promotes play, science, art, language, math and music to help young children of all abilities and backgrounds develop physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally. You will learn how to create and maintain safe and healthy play environments, guide behavior, plan and implement learning activities, and work cooperatively with staff and parents. 

Explore the Required Courses

Featured E-CHiLD Courses

10307110
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
This 3-credit course will focus on beginning level curriculum development in the specific integrated content areas of social studies, art, music, & movement (SSAMM).
10307160
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
In this 3-credit introductory field experience course, you will be introduced to the foundations of early childhood education under guided supervision of a mentor teacher in an early childhood setting, working with children birth through age 8. This course meets the requirements for the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards 18-hour training. PREREQUISITE: Admission to Early Childhood Education/E-CHiLD or E-Connect-Child Care Services or dean approval.
10307112
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
This 3-credit course will focus on beginning level curriculum development in the specific integrated content areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

E-CHiLD is Part of a Career Pathway

As an E-CHiLD student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way! 

 

You could take this first and get a credential.

Pathway Certificate
6 Credits / 2 Semesters Part Time
Potential Careers
Child Care Teacher, Assistant Child Care Teacher
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Continue your education.

Technical Diploma
27 Credits / 1 Year / 2 Semesters Full Time; Part Time Option Available
Potential Careers
Child Care Teacher, Child Care Assistant Teacher, Family Child Care Provider, Infant or Toddler Caregiver, Au Pair/Nanny, Early Childhood Special Needs Assistant, Public School Teacher Aide/Assistant
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This is the program you’re looking at.

Associate Degree
60 Credits / Associate Degree - 2 Year
Potential Careers
Child Care Teacher, Preschool Teacher, Family Child Care Provider, Infant or Toddler Caregiver, Early Childhood Special Needs Assistant, Public School Teacher Aide/Assistant, Head Start Teacher/Assistant, Program Director/Administrator, Au Pair/Nanny
Arrow pointing down

Continue your education to earn your bachelor's degree.


Admissions and Tuition

Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.

Requirements and Application

Tuition and Fees

Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost. 

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships. 

Learn More About Paying for College

Estimated Total Program Costs 2023-24*

E-CHiLD

60 Credits | 2 Years

$9,639


*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented. 


After the Northwood Tech E-CHiLD Program

Upon completion of the program, you will earn a pathway certificate in Group Child Care Essentials, an E-Connect Child Care Services technical diploma, and an Early Childhood Education associate degree. 

Student studying at a computer

Transfer Center

Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond. 

View Transfer Center

 

Career Outlooks

Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.

View Career Options

Student studying at a laptop

Partnership

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Wisconsin logo, a program of Wisconsin Early Childhood Association

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WISCONSIN provides higher education scholarships to professionals who work in regulated early childhood and school age care settings. Since its inception in 1999, T.E.A.CH. has provided more than 14,000 scholarships to over 8,000 early childhood teachers.

Learn more about T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WISCONSIN here.

2908 Marketplace Drive, Suite 101, Fitchburg, WI, 53719

Call 800.783.9322

 


 

Professional Licensure and/or Certification Information

Northwood Tech’s Early Childhood Education Associate Degree is designed to prepare students to obtain the required licensure to be employed/practice in the state of Wisconsin. However, Northwood Tech has not made a determination whether this program meets licensure requirements in states other than Wisconsin. Students who may be seeking professional licensure or certification in states other than Wisconsin should contact the appropriate licensing board in that state to verify that the Northwood Tech program meets licensure or certification requirements.

To learn more, visit: 

The Registry

Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

Contact

Choose a campus to view contact information, or for general assistance, please contact us.

Rice Lake Admissions Contact

Nicole Messicci

Admissions Advisor

715.788.7144

Contact

Ashland Admissions Contact

Jennifer Bednarik

Admissions Advisor

715.685.3039

Contact

New Richmond Admissions Contact

Jodi Saliny

Admissions Advisor

715.752.8119

Contact

Superior Admissions Contact

Anna Kalin

Admissions Advisor

715.319.7331

Contact

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