Early Childhood Education
at Mount Aloysius College
Associate’s Degree
The Mount’s early childhood education associate’s program prepares you for a fulfilling and rewarding career in instructing and engaging young developing minds. From curriculum design to communication skills, students develop the fundamental creative and critical thinking practices needed in teaching young students, while obtaining a broad knowledge base in the liberal arts.
Students of the Mount Aloysius College Education Department are supported by school resources and connections, including an advisory board of local education leaders, and hands-on experience offered through a variety of educational contexts. Through this degree program, students become caring, enthusiastic, and well-equipped educators, prepared for the complexities and joys of teaching.
Program Highlights
See how the Mount’s education department helps its students succeed, including by fostering a tight-knit community and embracing technology-based teaching practices!
Courses Designed to Prepare You for Your Career
The Mount’s early childhood education program is designed to not only provide you with the knowledge and skills to help you be successful in future jobs, but to help you explore your passions and expand your horizons. Check out more information about the opportunities available to you.
Quick Facts About the Early Childhood Education Program at Mount Aloysius
- Associate’s degree program (2 years)
- Minor available
- Convenient course offerings in the evenings and online with several courses offered in an accelerated 8-week format
Graduates from this program go on to touch thousands of young lives in careers like:
- Preschool Teacher
- Assistant Teacher
- Instructional Aide
- Child Care Provider
- Before School/After-school Teacher
- Youth Recreation (YMCA)
- Children’s Museum Educator
- Nanny
- Disability Specialist (Lifesteps)
- Child Protective Services or Foster Care
A variety of field experiences are embedded into the coursework and the culmination of the program includes a practicum experience in an early childhood classroom.
The demand for Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers is expected to rise 4% from 2021 to 2031, an increase of 60,200 jobs.
The average wage for elementary school teachers (except special education) was $61,400. The average wage for kindergarten teachers (except special education) was $60,900.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Graduates from the Early Childhood Education Associate Degree program will:
- Develop an evidence-based understanding of birth to age 8 across domains, and apply this knowledge-recognizing each child’s individuality and sociocultural contexts-to support equitable and effective learning and development.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the diversity of families and family-school connections, and evaluate how teachers communicate with families about their children’s development and learning.
- Develop and apply a comprehensive understanding of diverse assessment types, purposes and methods in early learning settings to ethically and appropriately inform instructional planning, document developmental progress, and collaborate with families and professionals to support positive outcomes for all children.
- Plan and implement evidence-based and play-based learning experiences that demonstrate positive, supportive interactions and use differentiated, developmentally appropriate, culturally and linguistically responsive, and UDL-aligned teaching strategies to support each child’s learning trajectory and executive function development.
- Identify and involve oneself with the early childhood field by upholding ethical early childhood professional guidelines and by developing the habit of reflective and intentional practice in their daily practice with young children.
- Understand the importance of physical, nutritional and mental health and safety in creating environments that support young children’s learning and development.
Check out the links below to learn even more about the Mount’s Education Department.
Join the Nation’s Largest Honor Society
Kappa Delta Pi: Honor Society in Education has evolved over 100 years to become America’s largest national honor society in education. The Alpha Lambda Zeta chapter at Mount Aloysius College embodies the vision of KDP that excellent teachers build thriving communities and create lifelong opportunities by providing quality, equitable education for all. The values of KDP include excellence, integrity, expertise, equity, diversity, and empathy.
Check Out These Recent Education Alums!
Guided by Local Education Professionals
The Mount Aloysius College Education Department has an advisory board that consists of public and private school superintendents, executive directors of local intermediate units, and CEO’s and directors of early childhood education organizations. Each year our Advisory Board hosts a mock interview session for students to network with local education leaders and hone their interview skills.
Affordable Tuition
Make an investment in your future with a quality, career-focused education at an affordable rate. Plus, check out our scholarships and institutional aid opportunities–99% of Mountie students receive some form of financial aid!
Questions?
Our admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you may have!
Email: admissions@mtaloy.edu
Phone: 814-886-6383