Study Early Childhood Education in Connecticut
Pursuing a degree in early childhood education is an excellent choice for those passionate about working with young children. Many individuals aspire to obtain a degree in this field, and upon graduation and acquiring the necessary teaching license or certification, they can apply the knowledge they have gained to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives.
Similar to numerous other states, Connecticut presents a wealth of opportunities for those pursuing a career in early childhood education. The state offers a range of programs that impart the vital theoretical knowledge for your chosen field while also ensuring ample hands-on experience in the profession.
Early Childhood Education Programs in Connecticut
Although the list of schools offering early childhood education in Connecticut is quite long, following are some of the popular schools offering early child education programs in Connecticut:
- Asnuntuck Community College
- Grand Canyon University
- Tunxis Community College
- Walden University
- Northwestern Connecticut Community College
- Capella University
- Capital Community College
- Purdue Global
To find out how we select colleges and universities, please click here.
Asnuntuck Community College
Asnuntuck Community College is one of the best schools in Connecticut. Located in Enfield, Connecticut, it offers various popular majors in different categories, including business, education, liberal arts and humanities, and more.
Asnuntuck Community College was founded in 1969, and it’s been helping students ever since. The goal of the college is to provide individuals with affordable and accessible education, while delivering quality teaching. What makes the institution great is the fact that it accepts students from all sorts of backgrounds, encouraging diversity.
Early Childhood Education Program
Asnuntuck Community College knows the importance of quality education for those who want to become early childhood educators. Therefore, it offers a great early childhood education program that can help students prepare for their future careers.
The Associate in Science degree in Early Childhood Education requires 63 credits in total, and it will last for two years. During this time, students will learn courses that include:
- Early Language and Literacy Development
- Creative Experiences/Children
- Intro to Early Childhood Education
- General Psychology
- Literature & Composition
- Principles of Sociology
This program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. It was created to help students get the necessary knowledge and skills for working with very young children in all environments. This degree program is well-suited for individuals who are just starting their career path, as well as those who are already working in the field and wish to broaden their expertise.
If you want to enroll in this program, there are two ways to do it: online or in person. This is especially true for first-time students, new transfer students, or re-admit students. All you have to do is select the right application based on when you wish to enroll. Then, you may also need to submit other documents, such as proof of high school completion and your immunization information.
Tunxis Community College
Tunxis Community College has been around for a long time, helping students work towards their dream careers. After being chartered in 1969 by the State of Connecticut, it finally opened for classes in October 1970. At the time, it had no more than 494 students. Today, the number has increased many folds and at least 7,000 students are attending the Tunxis Community College every year.
Despite being a smaller institution, the college is a publicly supported learning center. It has all it needs to prepare individuals for the job they want. The goal of the college is to provide effective, economical, and stimulating education.
Early Childhood Education Program
Tunxis Community College provides an Early Childhood Education program designed to equip students with the skills necessary to work with children both inside and outside the classroom. After completing this program, students will be proficient in employing best practices and collaborating effectively with children and their families.
The Associate Degree encompasses all required courses for successful completion. Upon graduation, students will possess the requisite knowledge to effectively engage with young children in real-world situations.
The program takes place over two years. To graduate, students must complete 64 credit hours.
Some of the courses are:
- Creative Experiences/Children
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- General Psychology
- Observation, Participation, and Seminar
- Student Teaching
- Children’s Literature
In order to apply for the program, you have to complete and submit an application first. Aside from this, important documentation has to be submitted, including immunizations and proof of high school completion.
Lastly, you will have to request financial aid where necessary, then register for classes.
Northwestern Connecticut Community College
Northwestern Connecticut Community College is located in Winsted, Connecticut. Its mission is to help and inspire students to learn through high-quality education. Students are welcomed to a great and supportive environment, with access to classes that help them prepare for the future.
Founded in 1965, the college has helped many students over the years, even if it is a small institution. Some of its most popular majors include Business, Nursing, Education, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. It has an acceptance rate of 100%.
Early Childhood Education Program
Northwestern Connecticut Community College is a great option for those who want to work in early childhood education in Connecticut. It offers an Associate in Science degree in early childhood education. Completing this degree will ensure that a graduate has the necessary knowledge and skills to work with children in a variety of environments. This way, they can help younger generations achieve greatness.
The program is accredited currently by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs.
Upon completing this program, you will be well-equipped to establish strong connections with colleagues, families, and the community. With the skills necessary to foster children’s learning and development, you will be adept at observing, assessing, and documenting their progress while providing support to both the children and their families.
You will only study under this program for two years, and graduation requires the completion of at least 60 credits. There are many courses that are part of this program, such as:
- Child, Family, & School Relations
- Creative Experiences for Young Children
- Early Language & Literacy Development
- Science & Math for Children
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- General Psychology
Anyone who would like to enroll for the NWCC would have to select an application depending on the time they would like to enroll. Besides the application, candidates should also provide proof of immunizations, and high-school completion certificate. If necessary, students can also apply for financial aid.
Capital Community College
Capital Community College is quite new, as it resulted from a merger between two schools in 1992. However, before this, it opened in 1967 as Hartford Community College. It ended up merging with the Connecticut Engineering Institute, which led to the great college it is today.
The college’s mission is to offer people access to higher education. It aims to prepare them for the future by providing not only high-quality education but also efficient workforce training.
Early Childhood Education Program
Individuals interested in working in early childhood education can pursue an Associate in Science degree. This program is designed to equip students with the essential theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and experience needed to effectively engage with children across various settings.
It is a two-year program ensuring that those who graduate will have no trouble finding a job in the field. This degree program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs.
The program requires the completion of a total of 60 credits and there are different courses required to complete the degree. Some of these are:
- Children’s Literature
- Science and Math for Children
- Administration and Supervision of Early Childhood Programs
- Creative Experiences /Children
- Anti-Bias Issues in Early Childhood Education
If you want to enroll, you will have to submit an application based on the time you would like to enroll. You can do it in summer, fall, or spring. Besides the application, you must also submit a high school diploma, transcript, or GED. Immunization evidence will also be necessary.
Furthermore, you can apply for financial aid and take a placement test. Then, all you have to do is activate your technology and email accounts, complete the CT State Community College – New Student Online Orientation, and go to a new student registration session.
Early Childhood Education Work Opportunities in Connecticut
When you graduate with an early childhood education degree in Connecticut, you have the opportunity to work with children from all sorts of areas and environments. For instance, you can choose to stay in a big city or work in a rural area where you can help kids that perhaps would not have the same opportunities as those in the urban areas. Besides, you can also work with children with special needs.
Connecticut offers numerous work opportunities for those who seek a career in early childhood education. There are multiple institutions looking to hire new teachers, assistants, counselors, and more. In terms of salary, on average, a preschool teacher earns around $50,231 per year.
To give you some job examples, in Connecticut, you can work for the United Way of Greater New Haven Inc as an early childhood council director. The institution also hires school readiness education coordinators.
Furthermore, you can work for the Bridgeport Public Schools as a director of early childhood, community outreach, charter, and preschools. The East Hartford Public School is looking for family resource center engagement coordinators, whereas Whitby School is searching for early childhood teachers.
So, if you look for work in Connecticut, you have plenty of options with an early childhood education degree. Moreover, if you don’t want to work as a teacher, then you should know there are many job options that do not involve teaching a classroom of children.
For example, you can become a childcare worker or childcare center director. Nanny positions are in high demand as well. And if you care about the well-being of children, with further education, you can also work as a school counselor or psychologist.
Connecticut is a great state for those who want to get an early childhood education degree from a renowned university. It offers many programs that can help you obtain the right knowledge and skills for the job.