The Early Childhood Education (ECED) program prepares students for positions working
with young children and families in a variety of early care and education settings.
Students may pursue an Associate in Applied Science Degree, AAS, an Associate of Education
degree (A.Ed.), a one-year certificate, or multiple program certificates. Graduates
of an Early Childhood Education degree program are often employed as lead teachers,
family home visitors, or administrators in childcare, Head Start, Early Childhood
Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), and preschool programs.
Program Highlights
- Classes held on alternating Saturdays.
- Find balance between in-person and independent online learning.
- Gain experience through practicum and student teaching in P-3 classrooms.
- Become a certificated P-3 classroom teacher.
The information above reflects the 2025-2026 course catalog and is subject to change. Please check with your advisor for the most
up to date information.
Classes are held every other Saturday on the Mount Vernon campus. Additionally, you
will be required to complete lab hours in a preschool through third grade classroom
every quarter. During the first two years of this three-year degree program, you can
complete your lab hours at your current workplace, if you already work in the early
learning field.
During the third year of the program, you will do your student teaching with a mentor
teacher in a PreK- 3rd grade classroom at one of the program’s partner schools in
the Mount Vernon or Burlington-Edison School Districts. Student teaching hours are
typically unpaid and are a significant investment of time.
You will complete 540 hours student teaching during the third year of the program.
The time commitment consists of the following:
- Fall quarter: 2 full weeks and 2 hours per day for 11 weeks
- Winter quarter: 2 full days each week
- Spring quarter: 5 full days each week
