Early Childhood Educator

Early Childhood Educator at Collin

Do you enjoy working with children? Would you like to make a positive impact on their lives? Consider kickstarting your career in early childhood education with our NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited Early Childhood Educator program at Collin College.

The Early Childhood Educator program at Collin College is designed to equip individuals for careers centered around the care and education of children from birth to age eight. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in various sectors within early childhood and early care. These roles encompass positions such as childcare teacher, youth-related social services, early care and youth programs, child development, and other community settings. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of young children.

The Early Childhood Educator program will provide you with the skills needed to support and advocate for young children. The program emphasizes a developmental approach aimed at fostering the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth of children. In this program you will learn how to provide support, increase school readiness, and set children up for success in future educational environments. You will gain practical knowledge and skills through hands-on field experiences, that prepares you to create developmentally appropriate, nurturing environments (an approved criminal background history check is required to complete your field experiences at a clinical, cooperative, practicum, or internship site).

Are you currently working with children? Several of our courses require 16 hours of labs. Depending on the specific course requirements and the nature of your current job, you may have the opportunity to complete the lab hours at your place of employment. This program is ideal for students who have prior experience in early childhood but is equally relevant to individuals without prior experience in early childhood.

Considering transferring to a bachelor's degree program after earning your Associate of Applied Science (AAS)? Articulation agreements facilitate smooth transitions to different universities. Ensure you consult with Collin College academic advisors and review the degree requirement of the intended transfer college before starting this program to confirm the transferability of course credits.

Program Requirements:

1. Declare an Early Childhood Educator award (AAS, Certificate Level 2, Certificate Level 1, or OSA).
2. Within the first two weeks of their child development course (CDEC or TECA), students must complete required paperwork to begin lab observations and locate a site from the approved center list to conduct their field experience.
3. Complete and sign a student record form as a contract to ensure the following:
   • Verification that the student has read and agrees to abide by the Texas Minimum Standards for childcare centers.
   • Verification that the student has read and agrees to follow the laboratory student guidelines.
   • Students must undergo and pass a criminal background history check by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. Please note that this is performed by their observation site.