Early Childhood

AAS Degree - Certificate

As an Early Childhood graduate from Southeast Technical College, you will be ready to work with children from birth to age 8, overseeing their emotional, physical, cognitive and social development. 

Whether you're looking to start your career or advance into a leadership role, STC offers flexible Early Childhood programs to help you succeed. Choose from:

• A full-time or part-time associate degree in the Early Childhood Specialist program. Earn an associate degree in two years, or balance work, family and education with flexible evening classes.
• An Early Childhood Leadership certificate for career advancement. Designed for working professionals looking to elevate their careers without putting their jobs on hold.

With hands-on training and industry-relevant coursework, our programs prepare you for high-demand roles in daycare centers, preschools and other early learning environments. You could work in a childcare center, family child care, a Head Start program, school district or social service program in your community. Your other duties might include: 

• Keeping records of children’s progress  
  
• Planning activities to ensure child safety 
• Observe signs of emotional or developmental concerns
  
• Implementing age-appropriate curriculum 

Compare: Early Childhood Education vs. Elementary Education  

As an early childhood educator, you will work with children from birth through age 8. Your objective is to help young children develop socially, academically and cognitively. A two-year program such as Southeast Tech’s program, qualifies you to teach at daycares, some early childhood programs, or own and operate your own program. If your interest is working with school-age children in an afterschool program or summer camps, this Southeast Tech's Early Childhood Specialist degree is a great foundation. In elementary education, the focus is on students from kindergarten through elementary school. Elementary education positions typically require a bachelor’s degree and a state licensure exam.

Choose Southeast Tech for Early Childhood Education Training

Studying Early Childhood at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota prepares you to make a meaningful impact during the most important years of child development. Classes are held in the George S. Mickelson Center, where you learn proven methods for supporting young children through nurturing, developmentally appropriate instruction.

At Southeast Tech, your training combines theory with hands-on experience so you graduate ready to succeed in early learning environments.

Learn from Experienced Early Childhood Education Faculty

Southeast Tech Early Childhood students learn from experienced faculty with professional backgrounds in child development, curriculum planning and classroom management. Instructors bring real world insight into the classroom and guide you through evidence-based teaching strategies used in today’s early childhood settings.

Build Confidence Through Hands-On Early Childhood Training

Hands-on learning is a core part of the Early Childhood program at Southeast Tech. You participate in practical experiences that encourage collaboration, observation and developmentally appropriate teaching strategies used in real classrooms.

As part of your coursework, you work directly with young children by collaborating with the Scarbrough Center, Southeast Tech’s on-site childcare facility. This experience allows you to apply instructional methods in a real learning environment while gaining valuable insight into daily classroom operations.

By learning in supportive and nurturing settings, you build confidence and graduate with in-demand skills and real world experience employers value from day one.

Develop Teaching, Assessment and Leadership Skills

Your coursework helps you build essential skills needed to thrive as an Early Childhood Specialist, including:

• Designing meaningful and challenging learning experiences for young children
• Understanding the purpose and value of accurate child assessment
• Applying effective teaching strategies based on child development research
• Recognizing the social, emotional and environmental influences on learning

Build Professionalism and Communication Skills Employers Expect

As a graduate of Southeast Tech, you develop professionalism rooted in ethical practice and lifelong learning. You will participate in professional development opportunities that support career advancement and classroom leadership.

You also strengthen communication skills that help you engage families and community partners. By involving families in the learning process, you create stronger educational experiences and support positive outcomes for children.

Make a Lasting Impact on Young Learners

With practical training, collaborative instruction and industry-relevant coursework, Southeast Tech empowers you to turn your passion for early childhood education into a rewarding career. This is where your dedication and hands-on experience come together to shape the future of young learners.