Early Childhood

As an Early Childhood graduate from Southeast Technical College, you will be ready to work with children from birth to age 8, overseeing their emotional, physical, cognitive and social development. 

Whether you're looking to start your career or advance into a leadership role, STC offers flexible Early Childhood programs to help you succeed. Choose from:

• A full-time or part-time associate degree in the Early Childhood Specialist program. Earn an associate degree in two years, or balance work, family and education with flexible evening classes.
• A one-semester Early Childhood Leadership certificate for career advancement. Designed for working professionals looking to elevate their careers without putting their jobs on hold.

With hands-on training and industry-relevant coursework, our programs prepare you for high-demand roles in daycare centers, preschools and other early learning environments. You could work in a childcare center, family child care, a Head Start program, school district or social service program in your community. Your other duties might include: 

• Keeping records of children’s progress  
  
• Planning activities to ensure child safety 
• Observe signs of emotional or developmental concerns
  
• Implementing age-appropriate curriculum 

Compare: Early Childhood Education vs. Elementary Education  

As an early childhood educator, you will work with children from birth through age 8. Your objective is to help young children develop socially, academically and cognitively. A two-year program such as Southeast Tech’s program, qualifies you to teach at daycares, some early childhood programs, or own and operate your own program. If your interest is working with school-age children in an afterschool program or summer camps, this Southeast Tech's Early Childhood Specialist degree is a great foundation. In elementary education, the focus is on students from kindergarten through elementary school. Elementary education positions typically require a bachelor’s degree and a state licensure exam.

Why Study Early Childhood at Southeast Tech?  

During your early childhood training in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, you will study in the George S. Mickelson Center, where you will learn successful methods for working with young children. Other benefits to STC:

• Experienced faculty: Learn from industry professionals in child development, curriculum planning and classroom management.
• Hands-on learning: Engage in practical experiences that foster collaboration and developmentally appropriate teaching skills in nurturing environments.
• Career advancement: Our programs are designed to enhance your credentials, opening doors to various roles in early childhood education.

Your coursework also helps you: 

• Nurture teaching talent: As an Early Childhood Specialist, you will know how to build a meaningful and challenging course of study for young children. You will also understand the value and goals of accurate child assessments.
• Think critically: With the help of your STC faculty, you will know and use effective teaching strategies as well as understand the many influences on child development.
• Gain professionalism: As a top Early Childhood Specialist from Southeast Tech, you will maintain ethical standards as well as take part in professional development opportunities.
• Be a strong communicator: You will strengthen the educational experience for children by involving families and the community in their learning. 

Cost  

Costs are calculated based on a charge of $255 per credit hour, plus applicable fees.

Total Costs  Cost and Fee Breakdown

Faculty

Loretta Leloux

Instructor
Early Childhood
Mickelson Center 168B

Call 605-367-4298
Email Loretta

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