Early Childhood

Education
Award
Diploma
Credits
31
Locations
Online
Entry
Fall
Time to Complete
12 Months
Young kids doing crafts in a classroom

Combine your passion of caring for children with a foundational knowledge of child development to become a childcare professional working with children 0-8 years of age in educational settings. Gain experience in a child development center on campus and apply what you learn in class toward a safe and healthy environment and assess children's progress within learning domains. Learn how to determine where each young child is developmentally and apply the Iowa Early Childhood Learning Standards to plan, implement, evaluate and adapt learning experiences for young children. If you have a passion for teaching and caring for children, this program is the perfect fit for you at a time when childcare professionals are desperately needed locally and nationally.

Apply Now Request Information

Paying for the Program

Tuition and Fees

$7,840*

Out-of-State Tuition and Fees

$8,962*

Program Supplies

$59
* Approximate cost. Amount reflects the estimated tuition and student fees based on rates at the time of publication. These rates do not include additional expenses (books, tools, supplies, living expenses, licensures, remedial or pre-requisite coursework or partnership tuition and fees, etc.) related to your NICC education. Rates are subject to change.

Financial Aid & Tuition Assistance

There are many options available for tuition savings. Credit programs may have opportunities for Financial Aid eligibility, while non-credit programs have separate tuition savings available on a per-program basis.

Kibbie Grant Eligible

This scholarship is for Iowa residents enrolled in specific high-demand career/technical programs. It provides a maximum award of $4,500 per year for up to two years. The FAFSA is required and the award is based on need.

NICC Scholarship Eligible

Any student enrolled in this program is eligible for NICC scholarships. The NICC Foundation offers a wide range of scholarship award amounts and all students are encouraged to apply.

Vo-Tech Grant Eligible

This scholarship is for Iowa residents enrolled in specific career/technical programs. It provides a maximum award of $1,000 per year for up to two years. The FAFSA is required and the award is based on need.

Learn more about Financial Aid.

Career Outlook

Enrollment Process

  1. Apply for admission.
  2. Submit official high school, high school equivalency and/or college transcripts to the Admissions Office of the campus you plan to attend.
  3. Complete ACCUPLACER® reading and writing assessment and ALEKS® math assessment for course placement. Assessments may be waived based on previous college coursework or submission of valid ACT®, or SAT® test scores. Reading and writing scores are valid for three years, and math scores are valid for two years.
  4. View the Program Admission Checklist.

Program Information

View a sample schedule for this program of study.

Review program courses, admissions and academic requirements.

Additional Information

Gainful Employment Information

View gainful employment information for this program.

T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Program

The T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program offers scholarships that are available for:

  • CDA (Child Development Associate) credentials
  • CDA Renewal
  • One Class for QRS points
  • Diplomas
  • Associate degrees in Early Childhood Education
  • Bachelor degrees in Early Childhood
  • Bachelor Degrees in Elementary Education WITH an Early Childhood Endorsement designated, or an Early Childhood Endorsement.
  • Teacher licensure renewal

Eligibility requirements for early child care and education providers who:

  • Work in a regulated preschool, child care center, or home program for at least 30 hours per week (or all the hours your preschool offers programming with a 20 hour minimum)
  • Have worked with children birth to age 5 in current program for at least 3 months (6 months for bachelor scholarships)
  • Are working toward an early childhood degree, CDA credential (or renewal), endorsement, or teacher licensure renewal at an Iowa college
  • Have the support of your employer (if applicable).
  • Demonstrate participation in or progress towards a quality initiative such as QRS, QPPS, Head Start, or NAEYC/NAFCC accreditation.

Visit the Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children for more information.

Transfer Information

The Early Childhood program currently has transfer agreements in place with the institution(s) listed below. Students are encouraged to speak with their transfer college or university to verify that their planned courses at NICC will meet necessary requirements. Learn more about transferring from NICC.

Program Contacts

Nikki Brodbeck
Nicole Brodbeck, M.Ed.
Early Childhood Education Instructor
  • brodbeckn@nicc.edu
  • 844.642.2338, ext. 1470
  • Calmar
Julie Griep
Julie Griep, M.Ed.
Instructor
  • griepj@nicc.edu
  • 844.642.2338, ext. 2309
  • Peosta