Early Childhood Assistant Teacher - Technical Diploma
Imagine a career in which you can make a difference in the lives of children every day. The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher program prepares individuals to be assistant teachers in a variety of settings. As a student in the program, you’ll learn through a combination of hands-on fieldwork in area child care centers, working with children in the birth-to-five-years age range, along with related academic work at the College. The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher program 31 credits seamlessly transfer into the Early Childhood Education associate degree, providing graduates the opportunity to advance their careers and pursue a bachelor degree. The Early Childhood Assistant Teacher program meets YoungStar educational requirements and is fully eligible for financial aid.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
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Follow Your Path
All credits from this technical diploma apply toward the following associate degree(s):
Early Childhood Education, 103071
All credits from the following certificate(s) apply toward this technical diploma:
Early Childhood Licensing Basic Ages 0-2, 613073
Early Childhood Licensing Basic Ages 3-5, 613072
Four courses from the following certificate will apply toward this technical diploma:
Early Childhood Preschool, 9030711
One course from the following certificate will apply toward this technical diploma:
Early Childhood Infant Toddler, 903073
Delivery
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
- High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript).
- College transcript (if applicable).
- If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
- Demonstrated suitability to the early childhood profession as indicated by completion of a functional ability checklist.
- Complete a physical examination report no more than 12 months prior to admission.
- Completed an American Heart Association CPR course prior to program entry to include the AED component for infants, toddlers and adults. Students are required to maintain a current CPR card on a two-year renewal cycle.
- Mastered basic math before entering this program. Basic math covers whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, and measurements.
- To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 2.6 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.
- Complete DCF caregiver background check, including fingerprinting. A fee is charged for this service. Must be completed to be accepted to the program.
- Attend mandatory program orientation. Check your email for invitation to register for orientation.
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
What are my courses?
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Technical Diploma in the number of semesters shown. Courses can be taken in-person, online, web conference, and blended, as long as prerequisites are met.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- Curriculum Note: Field experience courses include student teaching placement hours which must be completed in person at a local early childhood setting, in addition to course work. NWTC faculty arrange student teaching settings for/with students. Students are required to complete student teaching in each center placement. Students are required to achieve a grade of "C" or higher in the field experience courses to continue in or graduate from this program.
- Failure to pass a field experience course on the second attempt, may result in removal from the program. See Program Handbook.
- The credit for 10-890-101, College 101, is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a grade of a "C" or better.
- Students must earn a grade of a "C" or higher in all 10-307-XXX courses to successfully graduate the Early Childhood Assistant Teacher Technical Diploma. If a grade earned is "D" or "F", the course must be retaken to earn the grade of "C" or better to continue in and graduate from this program. If the course is sequential, the successful retake must occur before continuing the sequence.
Program Outcomes
- Use child development theory in practice.
- Develop relationships with children, family, and the community.
- Observe child growth and development.
- Identify best practices in teaching and learning.
- Practice professionalism.
- Apply health, safety, and nutrition practices.
What careers are in my future?
Graduate Employment
with 63% in field
Median Starting Salary
Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey
Employment Potential
A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:
- Early Childhood Assistant Teacher or Teacher in Preschool or Group Childcare Center: plans and implements daily activities with concern for health, safety, and welfare for a designated group of children; assists in or administers instructional program to young children that promotes their physical, social, psychological, and intellectual development; and provides a flexible balance of active and quiet activities, individual and group activities, indoor and outdoor activities, free choice, guided activities and conduct developmental assessments.
- Family Childcare Provider/Teacher/Owner: same functions as above only in a home setting.
What else do I need to know about the program?
Note
- A student who does not meet the requirements for program entry is required to consult with an NWTC advisor about ways to make up any deficiencies through testing or course work.
- Complete a physical examination report no more than 12 months prior to admission.
- Students will be required to wear a NWTC issued name tag, provide their own transportation to assigned sites and cover any other expenses related to field experience placements. Students may be expected to travel distances. An NWTC approved education program shirt is required for program students, along with specific dress code per placements.
- Availability: Student Teaching hours will span between 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. with the majority of the required hours occurring in the morning.
- Completion of a Wisconsin Technical Skills Attainment (TSA) is required to graduate from this program.
- NWTC offers credit-based courses, credentials and degree options that align with the YoungStar requirements.
Industry Credentials
Successful graduates of this technical diploma will be eligible to apply for Wisconsin Registry Career Level 11.
Defy expectations and follow your passion
Dream jobs have nothing to do with gender. Discover the benefits of nontraditional occupations.
- Online
-
Classes wherever you have an internet connection.
- An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
- Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
- Day
- Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Evening
- Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Weekend
- A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
- Full-time
- 12 or more credits per term.
- Part-time
- Fewer than 12 credits per term.