Program overview
Early Childhood Education programs allow students opportunities to work with young children and their families in a group settings. Associate degree programs are offered with the choice of emphasizing in Early Childhood Teacher, Early Childhood Paraprofessional, Infant/toddler Teacher, or Teacher Assistant.

Graduates also begin and operate their own Family Day Care Homes. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA as they progress through the program, and at least a 2.0 in all laboratory experiences.

Due to the nature of the work with young children and their families, all students enrolled in the courses must have a physical on file with a negative TB test and be cleared by the Child Abuse Registry through the KBI.

The career program is for students who want to enter the world of work after two years of college. An Associate in Applied Science degree is awarded after completion of 62 hours and 124 grade points. This degree allows students flexibility in selecting courses applicable to their needs. Of the 62 hours required, a minimum of 18 hours must be General Education courses.

Students who choose ECE for their field of education are people who deeply care about the children of today and tomorrow. They realize the potential in themselves as a creative guide and they realize the potential in young children. The student interested in ECE comes from a variety of backgrounds, loves people, and realizes the growth potential in this field.

The ECE program has choices. It is either a 2 year degree program at Cloud or a degreed or non-degreed transfer program to a University. Within the transfer program, the choices vary depending on the University. It is essential for the student to inform their advisor of their chosen path so proper advising can be established. Each path can be distinctly different.

The ECE 2 year degree program is based on 18 hours of general education courses and 44 hours of early education courses. Those students who graduate Cloud with an AAS in Early Childhood will be well equipped to step into a position of lead teacher in a preschool or infant/toddler program. They will also be well equipped to be a para-educator in a public or private school environment, but each institution has personalized employment requirements. The student who graduates Cloud with an AAS in Early Childhood Education will be knowledgeable about young children, how young children learn and what is Developmentally Appropriate.