Field of Interest
Make a positive impact on the lives of children.
Early childhood education plays a critical role in supporting the healthy growth and development of children during a unique and pivotal period in their lives: birth through age eight. If you’re interested in making a positive impact on the well-being of young children, their families, and their communities, the Early Childhood Education program might be for you.
The Right Pathway for You
MCC offers Certificates of Completion, Associate Degrees, Bachelor’s 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.
Certificates
The knowledge and skills acquired while earning a Certificate of Completion (CCL) can help launch you into a new career or energize your current job. Generally requiring fewer credit hours than degrees or transfer programs, a CCL may be your best first step into higher education.
A list of available certificates offered in the Early Childhood Education program
| Name |
Type |
Title |
Courses |
|
Certificate of Completion |
CCL |
Early Childhood Education |
Pathway Map |
|
Certificate of Completion |
CCL |
Foundations of Early Childhood Education |
Pathway Map |
Associate Degree
MCC’s associate degrees enhance your resume and prepare you to enter the workforce with an advantage. Whether you are interested in simply completing basic, required college courses or specializing in a specific area, there’s a degree for you.
A list of available associate degrees offered in the Early Childhood Education program
| Name |
Type |
Title |
Courses |
|
Associate in Applied Science |
AAS |
Early Childhood Education |
Pathway Map |
University Transfer Degrees
Want to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a university? Save money by starting at MCC in manageable, small classes taught by renowned faculty. Our transfer pathways with Arizona universities help you achieve two goals: completing an associate’s degree while also staying on track to earn a bachelor’s degree at your transfer destination. MCC’s university partnerships throughout the nation assure your seamless transition toward a four-year degree.
A list of available transfer degrees offered in the Early Childhood Education program
| Name |
Type |
Title |
Courses |
|
Associate in Arts |
AA |
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Early Childhood Education |
Pathway Map |
|
Associate in Arts |
AA |
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Educational Studies Early Childhood |
Pathway Map |
Bachelor’s Degree
Our newly accredited bachelor’s degree programs offer the value and convenience of a community college with the quality of a 4-year program–setting you up for more savings and greater success. With tuition rates at one-third the cost of a traditional university, MCC offers you an affordable path to a bachelor’s degree.
A list of available transfer degrees offered in the Early Childhood Education program
| Name |
Type |
Title |
Courses |
|
Bachelor of Arts |
BA |
Early Childhood Education - Dual Language |
Pathway Map |
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of a degree or certificate within the Early Childhood Education program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages*. Some occupations may require additional education or training. You can click on any occupation to view more detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$23.82
Annual Median Wage
$49,547
Number of People Employed
4,890
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 12.1%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$41.12
Annual Median Wage
$85,534
Number of People Employed
3,356
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 6.7%
Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care.
Typical Education Level
an Associate degree
Hourly Median Wage
$23.88
Annual Median Wage
$49,674
Number of People Employed
949
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 6.3%
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$24.62
Annual Median Wage
$51,226
Annual Job Openings
1,152
Number of People Employed
14,827
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 4.5%
Teach academic, social, and life skills to elementary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$25.31
Annual Median Wage
$52,660
Number of People Employed
1,357
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 3.5%
Teach academic, social, and life skills to kindergarten students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$25.31
Annual Median Wage
$52,660
Number of People Employed
1,357
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 3.5%
Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$25.22
Annual Median Wage
$52,466
Number of People Employed
1,788
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 4.3%
Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.
Typical Education Level
a high school diploma or less
Hourly Median Wage
$17.05
Annual Median Wage
$35,476
Number of People Employed
7,240
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 9.8%
Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities. Organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation, camping, and hobbies, taking into account the needs and interests of individual members.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$17.50
Annual Median Wage
$36,415
Annual Job Openings
1,425
Number of People Employed
6,285
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 9.1%
Teach occupational, vocational, career, or technical subjects to students at the secondary school level.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$41.55
Annual Median Wage
$86,435
Number of People Employed
207
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 3.9%
Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$25.14
Annual Median Wage
$52,296
Number of People Employed
216
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 7.9%
Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic, social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.
Typical Education Level
a certificate
Hourly Median Wage
$16.86
Annual Median Wage
$35,073
Annual Job Openings
2,021
Number of People Employed
15,811
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 4.4%
Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.
Typical Education Level
a certificate
Hourly Median Wage
$16.86
Annual Median Wage
$35,073
Annual Job Openings
2,021
Number of People Employed
15,811
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 4.4%
* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer
Financial Aid
You can get a high-quality, affordable education. MCC’s low tuition rates and various financial aid opportunities make it possible. Explore federal and state grants, Federal Work-Study, scholarships, student loans, and other options today.
Connect with an Advisor
Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.
Before signing up for classes, you’ll want to connect with an academic advisor. Together, you’ll lay out an academic plan that suits you best. This step is essential to your academic success.
