Western Technical College
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Early Childhood Professional

  • Technical Diploma
Early Childhood Professional Image

Program Number: 

313073

Program Credits: 

27.00

Estimated Total Cost: 

$4,432.05

Typical Start: 

Fall
Financial Aid Eligible

The Early Childhood Professional technical diploma provides the knowledge and experience necessary to truly make a difference in the lives of children. Hands-on fieldwork and related academic work will prepare you to work with children from birth through five years of age in a child care center setting.

Start your child care teaching career with this credential, or continue your education with Western's Early Childhood Education associate degree.

Early Childhood Professional 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats

Graduates16
Graduates Responding16
Employed in Related Occupation1
Employed in Non-related Occupations0
Seeking Employment0
Continuing Education15
Not in Labor Market15

Salary Data - Related Employment

Part TimeFull Time
Responding00
Average Hours Per Week
Average Hourly Wage
Hourly Wage Range
Average Annual Salary

Respondents in Related Occupations

No occupations reported.

Career Opportunities

Day Care Aide
Nanny
Preschool Aide
Child Care Assistant

Program Outcomes

  • Identify the relationship between child development theory to practice
  • Develop positive relationships with children and adults
  • Assess child growth and development
  • Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum
  • Demonstrate professionalism
  • Utilize health, safety, and nutrition practices

Admission Requirements:

College Requirements

Application: 

Yes

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Software and Technology

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form [1].

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

  • Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [2].
  • Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
  • Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [3] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

  • Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [4]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [5].
  • The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [6] or call 608-785-9198.

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons [7]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

Career Pathways: 

Early Childhood Professional

Prior Learning: 

Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more [8] about what may apply to this program.

Certificates: 

ECE: Professional Development

Technical Diploma: 

Early Childhood Professional

Associate Degree: 

Early Childhood Education

Courses

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [9] for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [10] self-service portal for academic planning.

First Term

ECE: Field Experience 1
Course Number: 10307160
Credits: 3.00
ECE: Foundations of ECE
Course Number: 10307148
Credits: 3.00
ECE: Hlth Safety & Nutrition
Course Number: 10307167
Credits: 3.00
ECE: Professional Preparation
Course Number: 10307149
Credits: 2.00
Strengths Seminar
Course Number: 10890106
Credits: 1.00

Second Term

ECE: Child Development
Course Number: 10307179
Credits: 3.00
ECE: Early Language & Literacy
Course Number: 10307108
Credits: 3.00
ECE: Field Experience 2
Course Number: 10307170
Credits: 3.00
ECE: Infant & Toddler Dev
Course Number: 10307151
Credits: 3.00
ECE: Soc S, Art, & Music
Course Number: 10307110
Credits: 3.00

Western Technical College
400 7th Street North
La Crosse, Wisconsin
54601

608-785-9200
800-322-9982


Links
[1] https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DniDXv9HckGZ5BpZ1xtAINzEPDqm29RGnADqdoibRwxUM0ZIV0tLRE1OS0NaOTY5U01aOFNVNDdVUS4u
[2] https://westerntc.libguides.com/blackboardforstudents/
[3] https://kb.westerntc.edu/112380
[4] https://www.westerntc.edu/computer-labs
[5] https://www.westerntc.edu/regional-locations
[6] mailto:LearningCommons@westerntc.edu
[7] https://www.westerntc.edu/learning-commons
[8] https://www.westerntc.edu/credit-prior-learning
[9] https://www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks
[10] https://mywestern.westerntc.edu/