Welcome to Early Childhood Education

Just the Facts

Entry:        Fall or Spring

Length:      4 semesters

Award:       Associate of Arts

Admission Requirements

Admission to the college is granted to all individuals who are high school graduates or the equivalent.  We encourage you to review our Getting Started Checklist for specific requirements for admission.

Program Information

Picture yourself in a classroom helping young children learn and grow through hands-on experiences.  The Early Education program is designed for students who wish to become early childhood teachers from birth through grade three classrooms.  The program provides students with a strong general education foundation along with a solid foundation of knowledge, field experiences, and strategies for multiple roles within the field of early childhood education.

Graduates of this two-year program are awarded an Associate of Arts (AA) degree. 

After completing the two-year AA program, stduents may continue pursuing a four-year bachelors degree towards a teaching certificate at a college or university.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CAREER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, YOU CAN BEGIN A CAREER PATH TO TOUCHING THE FUTURE OF CHILDREN AT IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

Mission Statement

• The Early Childhood program will provide students with a foundation in research and theory concerning the cognitive, emotional, social and physical development of young children.

• The Early Childhood program is dedicated to promoting excellence in the field of early childhood through the application of knowledge in a variety of real world settings.

• Students will apply research and theory by demonstrating newly acquired skills in the Laboratory School under the supervision of laboratory instructors and staff.

• Students will develop skills necessary to be successful in the early childhood field.  These skills include but are not limited to demonstrating professionalism in all facets of the field, involvement in the community and adhering to the NAEYC Code of Ethics.

• To culminate the integration and application of theory, research and practice, students will be placed in applied settings where they must demonstrate competency and mastery of skills in early childhood studies.

Entrance Requirements/Enrollment

There are no entrance requirements for the Education program.  While enrolled in the Education program, you must maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. 

Course Sequence

For recommended course sequence, please refer to the program guide.  Early Childhood Education program course descriptions may be also be found in the catalog.

Articulation/Transfer Opportunities

Iowa Western Community College has articulation agreements with various four-year schools, local and state. 

The Facility

Classrooms at Iowa Western have the latest technologies for faculty to deliver quality instruction.  Iowa Western's spacious classroom and laboratory facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technology.

Our wireless network also allows students to access the internet from virtually anywhere on campus.

Career Opportunities

Choosing early childhood education opens the door to many possibilities.  There is an increasing demand for early childhood educators in the public schools as well as private settings.  Job prospects look good, especially in high demand areas such as math, technology, and science.

Scholarship Information

Iowa Western Community College has many scholarship opportunities available for new and continuing students.  We encourage you to take a moment to explore these options by visiting our Scholarship Page - the few minutes it takes to fill out the application may literally pay off.

State and federal loan forgiveness programs are available for educators.

Come See Us for Yourself!

It is important to research the program you would like to study and school you would like to attend, but it is equally important that you experience both before making your selection.  We encourage you to come experience Iowa Western for yourself by scheduling a visit or attending a program day.

 

National Association for the Education of Young Children

Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children

Association for Childhood Education International

Amy McGraw

Program Chair, Associate Professor

712-388-6811

1-800-432-5852 ext. 6811

E-mail: amcgraw@iwcc.edu

or you may contact the

Admissions Office:

712-325-3277

1-800-432-5852 ext. 3277