Early Childhood Education Program Details

Early Childhood Education AAS

The Early Childhood Education-Associate program is designed to extend and expand on those skills developed in the Early Childhood Education diploma program and to broaden the student's background in general education. Required coursework includes participation in the DMACC Child Development Center. Essential skills needed to successfully complete the required lab courses include the ability to maintain awareness of active children in a group setting, to demonstrate stamina while engaging in multiple tasks and activities with children, to respond quickly and appropriately to children's changing needs and to keep children safe. Further competence in early childhood education is developed through coursework in building relationships between home, program and community, administration of programs for children and a community-based internship.

Students completing the Early Childhood Education-Associate in Applied Science degree may take one of the many jobs available in early childhood education working with infants and toddlers, preschoolers or school-age children, such as lead, assistant or associate teaching in child care centers, preschools, child development homes and public and private schools, home visiting or program coordination and management in early childhood programs. Students who intend to teach in a Pre-K through third-grade setting will need to transfer to a teacher licensure institution and should contact the Early Childhood Education program chair or program counselor regarding transfer agreements with four-year institutions.

Current health and immunization records are required for each student. In addition, DHS criminal history record checks and fingerprinting are required. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse will prevent students from participating in lab and field experiences and internship. Students unable to complete these classes will not receive a degree in Early Childhood Education.

• Available at Ankeny Campus

Early Childhood Education Diploma

The Early Childhood Education program prepares students for careers working with young children in a variety of settings. Students who successfully complete the program requirements are competent to assume a position of responsibility in early childhood education.

Coursework introduces students to the early childhood field and includes child growth and development, guidance techniques, curriculum planning and assessment, infant and toddler care, and health, safety and nutrition in the context of families and communities.

Required coursework includes participation in the Des Moines Area Community College Child Development Center. Essential skills needed to successfully complete the required lab courses include the ability to maintain awareness of active children in a group setting, to demonstrate stamina while engaging in multiple tasks and activities with children, to respond quickly and appropriately to children's changing needs and to keep children safe.

When coursework is completed, students will assume positions as assistant teachers or early childhood professionals in a variety of settings such as child care centers, preschools, child development homes, and public and private schools working with infants and toddlers, preschoolers or school-age children. Coursework from the Early Childhood certificate of specialization transfers into the ECE diploma; coursework from the diploma may be applied to the ECE AAS degree.

Current health and immunization records are required for each student. In addition, DHS criminal history record checks and fingerprinting will be required. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse will prevent students from participating in lab and field experiences. Students unable to complete these classes will not receive a degree in Early Childhood Education.

• Available at Ankeny & Newton Campus

Early Childhood Education Certificate

The Early Childhood Education certificate prepares the student for an entry-level position in a child care program. This program meets the requirements for clock hours of formal child care education required for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Upon completion of the certificate program, the successful student will be able to practice appropriate guidance techniques, recognize and carry out appropriate activities and assessment for young children, maintain a healthy and safe setting, and be able to communicate effectively with children and families.

Essential skills needed to successfully complete the required lab courses include the ability to maintain awareness of active children in a group setting, to demonstrate stamina while engaging in multiple tasks and activities with children, to respond quickly and appropriately to children's changing needs and to keep children safe. In addition, DHS criminal history record checks and fingerprinting will be required. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse will prevent students from participating in the required lab experience. Students unable to complete these classes will not receive a certificate in Early Childhood Education.

Courses in the certificate program are also required for the Early Childhood Education diploma and AAS degree. Students who successfully complete the certificate may choose to apply these courses to either a diploma or Associate degree in Early Childhood Education.

Online Completion Criteria​:

To complete the ECE 343 Guidance Lab Online, students must be working with children ages 2.5-5 in a group setting for at least 6 months; otherwise, they will be assigned to a DMACC location.​​

• Available at Ankeny & Urban Campus and Online

Early Childhood Program Administration Certificate

This Certificate is designed to provide students with leadership and management skills needed to work successfully with diverse individuals in early childhood settings. Option classes allow students to tailor the certificate to their work demands or goals. Students may take certificate courses as part of the Early Childhood AAS.

• Available at Ankeny & Urban Campus

Child care is available for the children of DMACC faculty, staff and students on student contact days all three semesters. Children ages 8 weeks to age 5 ar​e eligible for child care between 7 a.m. and 5 p.​m. Fall and Spring semesters, and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. summer semester. Click to access information regarding student contact days.

The DMACC Child Development Center is located in Bldg. 9 on the Ankeny Campus. Children must attend on a regularly scheduled basis. There is generally a waiting list. Enrollment occurs in April for Summer Semester; July for Fall Semester; and November for Spring Semester.​

Access the Application for Child Care

Child Care payments can be made using a credit card: Make a Child Ca​re payment

• Learn more about the DMACC Childhood Development Center