Early Childhood Education
Program Description

Minneapolis College’s Early Childhood Education program works closely with Minneapolis College’s Education program emphasizing cultural diversity and urban teaching. Working with children and families of all backgrounds, you will learn to create healthy, respectful and challenging learning environments in urban childcare centers, nursery schools, elementary classrooms and after-school programs.
Advantages
- Your training will be enriched by resources provided by the many agencies and organizations with which Minneapolis College partners.
- The program incorporates cultural diversity into all of its courses, emphasizing working with children and families of all kinds in an urban setting.
- Many students who complete their Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education go on to have successful careers in the field.
- The Early Childhood Education program offers online courses so that family childhood providers may obtain their certificate while continuing to work in the field.
Program Details
Award Requirements and Course Descriptions & Outlines
Please select the award below to view the degree options and requirements in the college catalog.
- Early Childhood Education A.S.—60 credits
- Early Childhood Education A.A.S. Degree—60 credits
- Early Childhood Education Diploma—31 credits
- Early Childhood Education Certificate—18 credits
- Course Descriptions & Outlines
- Transfer Agreements
What You Will Learn
- You will study teaching and learning methods and be trained to observe, document and assess children in a classroom setting.
- You will learn to create healthy, respectful and challenging learning environments for young children and create and maintain respectful and supportive relationships with families.
- You will learn to design and implement developmentally and culturally appropriate activities and curriculum.
Beyond-the-Classroom Opportunities
You will put your new knowledge to work and gain experience through two practicums. Minneapolis College partners with many agencies and organizations that provide you with wonderful learning opportunities.
Occupational Outlook
There is great demand for quality trained child care workers and teachers. Further, government sponsored early education programs will provide even more opportunities for people trained to work in a diverse urban environment.
Potential Job Titles
- Child Care Worker
- Child Care Center Director
- Para-Educators in Pre-School or Elementary School
- Instructional Coordinator
- Special Education Para-Educator
- Teacher Aide
Where You Could Work
This program prepares you to both organize and lead activities and provide nurturing care for children in urban childcare centers, home child-care provider settings, nursery schools, elementary classrooms, family resource agencies and after-school programs.