Early Childhood Education

Take the first step towards a rewarding career shaping young minds.

SCC’s Early Childhood Education programs are the perfect launchpads for careers in childcare and education. Gain hands-on experience and skills needed to work in childcare facilities or continue onto a four-year teacher licensure program to earn a certification to work in preschool settings as a licensed educator.

Inspire yourself. Then go and inspire others.

Why Early Childhood Education at SCC?

Make a Difference: Be the positive influence kids need during their crucial early years.

Versatile Career Pathways: Open doors to a variety of teaching roles, from childcare centers to preschools to elementary schools and beyond.

Take Advantage of Transfer Opportunities: Seamlessly transition to a four-year institution to pursue advanced degrees and certifications.

Get Hands-On Experience: Gain practical skills through real-world classroom experiences, including our childhood education center Corse Early Childhood Center.

Prepare for In-Demand Profession: Join a field with a high demand for qualified educators and childcare providers.

What you’ll learn

Child Development Fundamentals: Understand the intricacies of child growth and development.

Effective Teaching Strategies: Learn modern teaching techniques to engage and inspire young learners.

Classroom Management: Master the art of creating a positive and productive learning environment.

Curriculum Planning: Develop age-appropriate lesson plans that foster curiosity and critical thinking.

Technology Integration: Stay ahead in the digital age with tools and strategies for effective teaching.

What makes SCC unique

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  Corse Early Childhood Center

  Spend time in our learning lab at Burlington Community School District's Corse Early Childhood Center. Work in an actual school setting with children in this special hands-on lab.

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  Field trips & site visits

  We're about hands-on practice to complement classroom lectures. You'll visit schools and childcare centers - including Kiddie Campus childcare center... located just down the hall!

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  Specialized transfer degrees

  SCC maintains partnerships with a number of 4-year institutions so you can transfer to earn your bachelor's degree seamlessly.

Key classes you’ll take

• ECE-103 Introduction to Early Childhood
• ECE-133 Child Health, Safety & Nutrition
• ECE-140 Early Childhood Curriculum Planning
• EDU-920 Field Experience

What you can do after finishing this program

• Childcare Facility Manager/Director/Owner
• Preschool Teacher
• Elementary School Teacher
• Secondary School Teacher
• Special Education Teacher
• Head Start Teacher

Education partners

• Great Prairie AEA
• DHLW Early Childhood
• KidZone Burlington
• YMCA Head Start
• Corse Early Childhood Center
• Iowa Children First Early Childhood
• Iowa Community Action
• Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children

Programs of study

Two years

One year or less