Early Childhood Education

Why Early Childhood Education?

Early childhood educators shape the foundation for lifelong learning by nurturing curiosity, confidence, and social-emotional growth in young children. In this program, you will learn to create engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences in literacy, math, science, art, and music. You will gain the skills and knowledge to meet Wisconsin’s licensing requirements and become a trusted professional in this rewarding, high-demand field.

At Mid-State, you’ll study the Wisconsin Pyramid Model and Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards while applying best practices through hands-on learning. You’ll graduate ready to support children, families, and communities—or continue your education toward a bachelor’s degree.

Apply the Wisconsin Pyramid Model to promote positive social-emotional development.
Design learning experiences guided by the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards.
Gain practical experience through observation, assessment, and classroom practice.
Earn key credentials, including Abusive Head Trauma, SIDS, and Mandated Reporter certifications.
Develop strong communication, organization, and collaboration skills.
Transfer your credits toward a bachelor’s degree through established partnerships.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

61 Credits

Degree Type

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Program Length

Two Years

Delivery Method

In Person, Online, Hybrid

Location

Stevens Point Downtown

Start Dates

Fall

Estimated Program Cost

$11,104.53

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Child Care Center Teacher

Director of a Child Care Center

Early Head Start Teacher

Family Child Care Owner

$35k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $35,273. Source: Lightcast Data Set

3,298

Average Monthly Hires

3,298 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

100%

Mid-State Graduate Satisfaction Rate

Students leave proud, prepared, and confident in what comes next. Source: Mid-State Graduate Survey Results

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See below for full course details, see the program information guide, or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

Jill Przekurat, BS, MA
Jill has a bachelor's in early childhood education from UW–Stevens Point and a master's in education from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. She has taught 4K, kindergarten, and first grade and holds a Wisconsin DPI teaching license. A Wisconsin Pyramid Model Trainer, she is passionate about supporting educators, mentoring new teachers, and encouraging lifelong learning, believing that play and positive early experiences build the foundation for success.

“I joined Mid-State Technical College because I wanted to broaden my impact on early childhood education. I strongly believe that positive and enriching early childhood experiences lead to a healthy and successful life. And I agree with Plato: ‘Life must be lived as play.’”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Apply child development theory to practice.
Cultivate relationships with children, families, and the community.
Assess child growth and development.
Use effective, research-based best practices in teaching and learning.
Demonstrate professionalism.
Integrate health, safety, and nutrition practices.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Additional Resources

Explore the resources and next steps below. Your academic advisor will help you know what to complete and when.

Criminal Background Form

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Diploma

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students (age requirements apply)

“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.

Mid-State Grad

“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.

Mid-State Grad

“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.

Mid-State Grad

“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.

Mid-State Grad

“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.

Mid-State Grad

“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.

Mid-State Grad