Degree and Certificate Options
Early Childhood Education and Development A.S.
Early Childhood Education and Development, A.A.S.
Early Childhood Education and Development Certificates
What will I Learn?
The Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) program prepares students for careers working with children from birth through age 8. Kansas-recognized Certificate A and Certificate B provide foundational knowledge in child development, learning theories and observation techniques. Students build skills in developmentally appropriate practices and program management. Certificate coursework applies toward the ECED Associate in Science (A.S.) and Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees.
Transfer for Bachelor's
The A.S. degree is designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution. The program combines general education, secondary education and early childhood education coursework. Graduates are prepared to pursue teacher licensure programs or bachelor's degrees in related fields while completing lower-division coursework at an affordable cost.
Enter Early Childhood Career
The A.A.S. degree prepares students to enter or advance in the early childhood profession. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, evidence-based teaching practices and classroom management. Students gain real-world experience through fieldwork and an internship with a community partner or current employer. The degree also includes completion of a National Association for the Education of Young Children standards-based portfolio.
Career Paths
A.S. Degree for Transfer
Students who earn the Early Childhood Education and Development A.S. can continue their education at a four-year university and pursue careers as kindergarten teacher, special education teachers, education specialists or professional development specialists and coaches for school districts and other educational organizations.
A.A.S. Degree for a Career
Graduates of the Early Childhood Education and Development A.A.S. can begin or advance careers as infant, toddler or preschool teachers in Head Start programs, community-based organizations, and early learning centers. They may also work as paraeducators within school districts.
Certificates A and B
Students who complete the program's state-recognized certificates may qualify for entry-level positions in early childhood education or, depending on licensing requirements, become directors of childcare programs. Others may choose an entrepreneurial path by operating a family childcare business or opening a small childcare center.
Where This Education Can Take You
Early childhood education is a rewarding career field for individuals who want to make a lasting impact on children and families from diverse backgrounds. The knowledge gained through these programs is also valuable for professionals who work with children and families in other fields, as well as for parents seeking a deeper understanding of child development.
Points of Pride
HyFlex Courses
The ECED program offers HyFlex courses, providing students with the flexibility to attend classes face-to-face, online, or remotely (live or recorded). Students can choose the format that best fits their schedule each week while only coming to campus twice per semester to complete required in-person competency demonstrations or assessments. This flexible approach helps working professionals, parents and traditional students balance their educational goals with other responsibilities. For more information, contact Annette Farrell, ECED Coordinator, at 913-288-7177.
The Only Program in Kansas Metro
海角黑料 is the only community college in the Kansas City, Kansas, metropolitan area that continues to offer Early Childhood Education and Development degree programs. We recognize the value of prior learning and provide opportunities for students to earn credit through the Life Experience Learning Program. Students who have completed professional training or earned credentials, such as the Child Development Associate, may be eligible to receive college credit, helping them complete their degree more quickly.
High School Students Can Earn Certificates
The program also partners with area high schools through the Thomas R. Burke Technical Education Center (TEC), allowing eligible students to earn college credit and complete state-recognized certificates while still in high school. Certificate pathways can be completed in as little as two semesters and provide students with an early start toward a rewarding career in early childhood education. The program starts in the fall. Contact the High School Partnership team or a high school counselor.
Convenient Location, Dedicated Advisors
Housed at the TEC, the ECED program emphasizes personalized advising and strong student support. Faculty and advisors work closely with students to help them identify the educational pathway that aligns with their career goals, ensuring they make the right decisions to maximize their time and investment in this field. Interested students should .
Instructor Perspective
鈥淪tudents enroll in our program because courses are offered at different locations, using various modalities to fit their busy lives to earn a degree.鈥
*Potential salaries use third-party national and regional aggregated data, some of which may be estimates. Results may not reflect local or timely trends. Some careers listed may require additional education or degrees beyond those offered at 海角黑料. Completing a program, degree, or certificate does not guarantee employment or a specific salary.