Early Childhood Education

Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education—Dual Language

Get the quality education and training you need to become a certified early childhood educator. With high demand in Arizona, our Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education—Dual Language program can prepare you for a creative, rewarding career making a lasting impact on the lives of children. With a bachelor’s degree in this field, you will be qualified to earn your Arizona Early Childhood Education teaching certification for birth to age 8 or grade 3. Proficiency in a language other than English is not required.

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Vision and Mission

Early Childhood Education (ECE) spans from Birth to Age 8 or Third Grade. Children are born with about 25% of their brains developed and about 90% of brain development occurs by age 5. Investing in EC strengthens the role of the family in their child’s future. This investment improves the child’s performance in school. When young children are prepared with a solid foundation for schooling in their early childhood years, they are indeed SET for life!

At Mesa Community College in the Early Childhood Education Program, our mission is to empower aspiring students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to excel in the dynamic field of early childhood education. Through innovative curriculum and experiential learning opportunities, we are dedicated to nurturing a diverse community of learners who are equipped to positively impact young children's lives. Our program offers stackable credentials, including certificates of completion, Associates’ and a Bachelor's degree, ensuring that students have a clear pathway to professional success while fostering a lifelong passion for working with and on behalf of all children and in turn their families.

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Early Childhood Certificates and Degrees

MCC offers Certificates of Completion, Associate Degrees and Transfer Degrees for this program. Your interests and goals will guide you in selecting the pathway that is ideal for you. You may find a combination of certificates, degrees or transfer options is the fastest way to realize your dreams. The coursework is offered in a range of formats: in-person, fully online, live online, and hybrid with synchronous in-person & virtual options.

Early Childhood Certificates and Degrees

Program Requirements

Program Requirements Background Clearances and TB Testing Information: The State of Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance (Fingerprint Identity Verified Print (IVP) card and documentation of a negative Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test are required by child care programs and school districts for most field experiences. We recommend that you obtain your fingerprint clearance and TB test as early as possible in your program of study. Your background clearance must valid for the entire semester you are enrolled in a course that requires field experience. Be sure to maintain a file of your original clearances and TB test results where it is easily accessible.

IVP fingerprint clearance card process at https://www.azdps.gov/services/public/fingerprint Be sure to request an IVP card, which is a step above a Level One card. Offenses that preclude obtaining a fingerprint card are per A.R.S. 41-1758.03

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Accreditation

The AAS in Early Childhood Education degree is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs.

Accreditation Information

Scholarships, Transfer, Resources

Professional Development

Community members working in or exploring the P-12 teaching field are invited to explore our professional development programs and coursework that satisfies certification requirements including endorsements.

Professional Development Information