Early Childhood Education

Degrees and Programs

Working with children and infants is a challenging career with great rewards. Our program will prepare you to work in child care centers, preschool settings, Head Start, before-and-after-school programs, family home care, and as classroom aides and nannies. You will learn in real childcare settings from experienced professionals. We also have an active student organization and have helped in providing child care activities during special events.

As a childcare provider, you will provide appropriate playtime activities, read stories, and teach sharing and basic skills. You'll prepare and serve meals and snacks. You'll also communicate with parents about the activities of their child(ren). Patience is an essential quality in this field. If you earn an associate of arts degree, you may continue your education at a four-year college for a bachelor's degree in early childhood, early childhood unified education, or elementary education with an endorsement in early childhood.

We also offer this degree completely online through a cooperative effort with other Nebraska community colleges. Scholarships are available for already employed childcare workers.

Child care providers require a criminal background check before employment. You must submit to a background check before enrolling in early childhood education practicum courses. Individuals with a criminal record may not be eligible for employment. Please check with an advisor.

Career Information

The childcare field continues to grow and the job outlook is good. Parents and employers seeking quality childcare find that our graduates are well-trained to assist in the development of children.