Child care is an in-demand profession with financial incentives to help a new business get started. Being an early childhood education professional is a rewarding career that allows the opportunity to be your own boss, connect with children, and impact the future. In fact, for someone who loves children, it may not feel like a job at all.
Program Options
Early Childhood Education offers both a one-year technical certificate option and an Associates Degree option. High school seniors and juniors are also eligible to apply to this program.
The Early Childhood Education program prepares students for a challenging and rewarding career as an assistant or primary care professional for infant to PreK children. Students participate in interactive experiences directed toward the social, cognitive, physical, and emotional development of children in care settings.
In addition to FHTC’s standard admission requirements, applicants must also pass a background check, and have a health assessment and negative TB skin test result which must be performed by a licensed physician or a nurse trained to perform health assessments.
Career Opportunities
Technical Certification
- Lead Teacher at Childcare Facility
- Assistant Teacher at Childcare Facility
- Assistant Teacher at Head Start
- Military Early Childhood Educator
- Paraprofessional at Public School
- Preschool Teacher at Private Facility
- Advocate for Early Childhood Education
Associate’s Degree
- Lead Pre-K Teacher at Public School
- Head Start Lead Teacher
- Program Director at Childcare Facility
- Substitute Teacher
- Advocate for Early Childhood Education
Continue after your Associate Degree
- Family Specialist/Counselor
- Technical Assistance Specialist
- Elementary Educator
- Infant/Toddler Mental Health Specialist
- Professional Development Specialist/Trainer
- Researcher
- Higher Education Faculty
- Early Childhood Non-Profit Manager
- ECE Public Policy Analyst
Program Faculty
Nancy Robinson
Early Childhood Education Instructor
Academic Partnership
FHTC students who complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education may be eligible to utilize a 2+3 agreement with the following institutions to further their education.
Emporia State University: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Kansas State University: Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
Program Information & Resources
Estimated program costs and testing criteria are available in the documents below. Visit our admissions page to learn about admissions steps and other helpful information.
Requirements to Enroll in Early Childhood Education Program
- Must be 16 years of age (or turning 16 by September 1st) to enroll
- Complete and submit Health Assessment form CCL.357
- Complete and submit a negative TB test (current within the past 12 months)
- Complete and submit a Name Only Background Check
If you are currently working in an ECE setting, you can provide copies of the information held by your employer as enrollment paperwork.
Credit for Prior Learning
Current CDA (Child Development Associate) in good standing = 6 credit hours after completion of 12 other credit hours with FHTC
ECE 102 Child Development and Care
ECE 103 Building Relationships with Families and Communities
*A copy of the CDA must be provided upon enrollment
Prior Experience of one semester of experience with children 6 years old and younger in a child care or school setting = 3 credit hours after completion of 12 other credit hours with FHTC
ECE 102 Child Development and Care
*Must provide a resume with contact information for 3 families if you had/have a home daycare.
Currently certified in CPR and First Aid through the American Heart Association = 3 credit hours HHS 268 FA/Heartsaver Course
*Must provide a copy of your certificate