Welcome
Just the Facts
Entry: Fall or Spring
Length: 2 semesters
Award: Diploma
Admission Requirements
Admission to the college is granted to all individuals who are high school graduates or the equivalent. We encourage you to review our Getting Started Checklist for specific requirements for admission.
Program Information
If you like working and providing for children. Iowa Western's Early Childhood Diploma program could be for you. In this program, you learn how to care for children of all ages. Individuals are prepared for entry-level jobs in child care centers, nanny positions and as home child care providers. Graduates of this one-year program earn a diploma.
Other options would include the two-year Early Childhood Studies program which would earn you an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree; or the two-year Early Childhood Education program which would earn you an Associate in Arts (AA) degree; or the two-year Education: Grades K-12 program which would earn you an Associate of Arts (AA) degree.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CAREER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, YOU CAN BEGIN A CAREER PATH TO TOUCHING THE FUTURE OF CHILDREN AT IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
Mission Statement
- The Early Childhood program will provide students with a foundation in research and theory concerning the cognitive, emotional, social and physical development of young children.
- The Early Childhood program is dedicated to promoting excellence in the field of early childhood through the application of knowledge in a variety of real world settings.
- Students will apply research and theory by demonstrating newly acquired skills in the Laboratory School under the supervision of laboratory instructors and staff.
- Students will develop skills necessary to be successful in the early childhood field. These skills include but are not limited to demonstrating professionalism in all facets of the field, involvement in the community and adhering to the NAEYC Code of Ethics.
- To culminate the integration and application of theory, research and practice, students will be placed in applied settings where they must demonstrate competency and mastery of skills in early childhood studies.
Course Sequence
For recommended course sequence, please refer to the program guide. Early Childhood program course descriptions may be also be found in the catalog.
The Facility
All students receive supervised hands-on work experience in the Children's Center on the IWCC Council Bluffs campus and in community sites. The Children's Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Careers and Benefits
Careers in the field of early childhood care and education are plentiful. Types of jobs include, but are not limited to:
- Nanny—live-in or live-out
- Family home child care provider
- Child care center aide
- Head Start assistant teacher
Salaries vary widely according to job, education, training, and location. In addition to salary, benefits may include insurance, retirement plans, and college tuition reimbursement. Other benefits include the intangibles such as hugs, sticky finger prints, smiles, and knowing that you are “touching the future” by working with children.
Skills Needed
- Persons working in jobs in the early childhood care and education field need to be knowledgeable about how children grow, develop, and learn.
- They also need to be aware of how to plan activities to enhance children’s learning.
- Persons working in this field need to love the job, like children, have a good handle on stress management, be able to laugh often, and be able to lift at least 60 pounds.
- Working with children requires creativity, endurance, energy, and enthusiasm.
The more training you have in working with children, the greater your career options in the field. Some jobs require college courses; others require college degrees. The career ladder allows you to move up with further training and salary.
Come See Us for Yourself!
It is important to research the program you would like to study and school you would like to attend, but it is equally important that you experience both before making your selection. We encourage you to come experience Iowa Western for yourself by scheduling a visit or attending a program day.
Links
National Association for the Education of Young Children
Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children
Association for Childhood Education International
Contact Information:
Amy McGraw
Program Chair, Associate Professor
1-800-432-5852,ext.6811
712- 388-6811
or you may contact the
Admissions Office::
1-800-432-5852,ext.3277
712-325-3277