Early Childhood Education

Students may choose from a certificate, diploma or degree program in Early Childhood.

The Early Childhood Program curriculum prepares individuals to work with children from infancy through middle childhood in diverse learning environments. Students will combine theory with practice in actual settings with young children under the supervision of qualified instructors.

Students learn about child growth and development, physical/nutritional needs of children, care and guidance of children and communication skills with parents and children. Students will foster the cognitive/language, physical/motor, social/emotional and creative development of young children.

Graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriate programs in early childhood settings. Employment opportunities include child development and child care programs, preschools, public and private schools, recreational centers, Head Start programs, Smart Start programs and school age programs.

Students in the diploma and associate degree programs receive a 160-hour cooperative work experience at a child development center in the MCC service area.

Extracurricular Activities

The Alpha Beta Chi (ABC) Club is a voluntary campus organization comprised of students, faculty and staff at MCC and anyone who is interested in being an advocate for children. The club works to provide students with opportunities to promote their profession in the community, to participate in fundraisers and outreach activities, and to learn about people and agencies that play a vital role in the early childhood field.