Early Childhood Education Preschool

Program Information

Degree Type
24-credit Technical Diploma

Program Code
30-307-7

Time to Degree
Less than 1 year

Start Date
August / January / June

How You'll Learn

Online
Hybrid
8-Week Courses
Daytime
Evening

Gain specialized training to work directly with preschool-aged children in a variety of early care and education settings. Learn to support the healthy growth, development and learning of children ages three to five years.

How To Apply

Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading or writing and math skills:
- High school GPA of 2.60 or above. Transcript must include completed coursework through the 11th grade.*
- ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
- Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
- If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.

*Unofficial copies of these documents can be sent to admissions@wctc.edu.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.

Apply Online

Program Details

Open All Close All

Contact Us

Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

Potential Careers

Spending time with young children and nurturing their love of learning is the reward for those who work in early childhood education. If you are patient, compassionate and enjoy working with young children and their parents, a career in early childhood education may be right for you.

Preschool Teacher
Early Childhood Education Teacher
Early Care and Education Provider
4K Assistant

High School Eligibility

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Learn more >

Open All Close All

Career Salaries

$20,800 – $24,600 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Lightcast. Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements. Find our graduates' entry wages in the most recent Graduate Success Report.

Financial Aid

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

Financial aid loans
Scholarships
Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

Program Courses

Education and Human Services Programs

Career Pathway

What Makes This Program Unique

Program students can obtain the Preschool Credential from The Registry at Career Level 10. Pair this program with the Early Childhood Education associate degree to earn a Registry Career Level 13.
Credits earned in this program can be applied directly to the Early Childhood Education associate degree.
Eligible high school students can pursue this diploma through WCTC's Dual Enrollment Academy.

Preschool teacher and student playing

Accreditation

The Registry promotes professional growth and verifies the education, training and experience vital to quality care for the Wisconsin childhood care and education workforce.

Similar Programs

Please wait while we gather your results.

Early childhood teacher painting with students

Early Childhood Education

Gain an understanding of the principles of early childhood education and learn to facilitate young children’s learning and development.

Elementary teacher and student in classroom

Foundations of Teacher Education

Acquire skills to help students learn by providing individualized instruction under the supervision of a licensed teacher.

Related Certificates

Please wait while we gather your results.

Child Care Administrator Credential (Wisconsin)

Explore administration, policy, marketing, financing, child development and advocacy in the early childhood field.

Infant Toddler Credential

Learn to provide quality care for infants and toddlers, from birth to age 2 ½.

Instructional Strategies

Learn the skills needed to work as an instructional assistant, supporting children with diverse educational needs.

Program Pathway

Earn certificates, technical diplomas and/or industry credentials along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Early Childhood Education Pathway

Earn credit for prior learning for the college-level knowledge and skills that you've already acquired through advanced high school classes, previous college coursework, self-study, military training work or volunteer experience.

More Credit Opportunities

Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.

Learn More

You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.

Learn More