Area of Study
Early Childhood Education
Becoming an Early Childhood Educator through Morgan Community College offers a wealth of benefits, both personally and professionally. The program provides a robust foundation in child development, effective teaching strategies, and practical classroom management techniques, preparing graduates to make a significant impact on young learners’ lives.
Engaging & Flexible Curriculum
The hands-on experience and engaging course content ensures that students are well-prepared for real-world challenges. Morgan Community College’s commitment to small class sizes and personalized attention fosters a supportive learning environment and enhances individual growth and skill development. Additionally, this program features a flexible schedule and class formats as well as utilizes different learning styles that benefit everyone.
Graduates emerge with a deep understanding of the critical role early education plays in shaping future success, equipped with the credentials and confidence to excel in a rewarding and impactful career.
Why Choose MCC for your Education Career?
Save Money
MCC is 1/3 the average cost of university with small class sizes!
Flexible
Classes are online, evenings, or weekends with in-person, Zoom, and hybrid options.
Experienced Faculty
Program faculty are experienced and high-qualified teachers.
Field Experience
Hands-on, in-classroom experience is built in to each certificate/degree.
Interested in Education?
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It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you speak with an advisor to ensure you are on the right pathway.
Early Childhood Education Degree & Certificate Options
Early Childhood Education Assistant
CERTIFICATE
Ages: Infant to preschool (3-5 years)
What? Assists teachers in infant to preschool age classrooms
Leads to: This is the first certificate all ECE students earn as it leads to all of the others
Does not: Lead a classroom, develop curriculum
Infant/Toddler Teacher
CERTIFICATE
Ages: Infant to 3 years
What? Teaches the youngest children in their most critical development years
Leads to: This certificate is a building block in the Early Childhood Education Director Certificate
Does not: Teach preschool age children
Early Childhood Teacher
CERTIFICATE
Ages: Infant to Preschool (0-5 years)
What? Begins more formal curriculum and focuses on social skills
Leads to: This certificate is a building block in the Early Childhood Education Director Certificate
Bonus: Can also lead school age (0-12 years) after school/summer programs
Limitations: Not certified K-3rd grade
Early Childhood Education Director
CERTIFICATE
Ages: Infant to preschool classroom, school age after school/summer programs (0-12 years)
What? Manages the day-to-day of an early childhood care facility
Early Childhood Teacher Education
TRANSFER DEGREE
Ages: Birth to 3rd grade (8 years)
What? Ability to teach all ECE age children IF you earn a Bachelor’s Degree by transferring to a university
Associate Degree: Can only teach infant through preschool if you stop at this level
Other Education Levels
Are you interested in:
- Being a paraprofessional to assist in K-12 classrooms?
- Teaching K-6th grade (requires Bachelors Degree)?
- Teaching middle/high school levels (requires Bachelors Degree)?
View the catalog for courses and program requirements.
Early Childhood Teacher Education
Early Childhood Education Assistant
Infant/Toddler Teacher
Early Childhood Teacher
Early Childhood Education Director
Careers & Salaries
Updated October 2023. Career information from O*Net Online.
| Position | Median |
|---|---|
| Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare | $49,690 |
| Preschool Teachers | $35,300 |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers | $60,490 |
| Teaching Assistants, Preschool & Elementary | $30,920 |
Meet the Faculty
Faculty
Jamie Hochanadel, Ed. S.
Jamie started adjunct teaching in the Early Childhood Education program in Summer of 2020. Prior to working at MCC, Jamie worked for Morgan County School District at Sherman Early Childhood Center for 8 years. Jamie received her B.A. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Northern Colorado, her M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University, and her Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.
Jamie lives in Morgan County with her husband and four children. She enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, gardening, and is an avid reader.