Early Childhood Education

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A teacher interacts with children seated around a table
A.S.

Start shaping young futures in your first semester.

At Monroe Community College, you won’t have to wait to get classroom experience. The Early Childhood Education Associate Degree program gives you teacher prep courses right away and hands-on work in local schools. Prefer flexibility? Choose our 100% online option and learn from wherever you are. You’ll study with expert faculty and be ready to transfer into a four-year education program and work toward New York State certification as a classroom teacher. 

What You’ll Learn

In the Early Childhood Education program at MCC, you’ll develop practical teaching skills rooted in child development and real classroom experience. 

In this program, you will: 

  • Understand early childhood learning and development 
  • Create engaging, age-appropriate lessons 
  • Work with real documents, like New York State Education Department’s Individualized Education Program (IEP)  
  • Support diverse learners in inclusive classrooms 
  • Build strong relationships with children and families 
  • Use observation and assessment to guide teaching 
  • Support children through culturally aware and trauma-informed teaching practices 
  • Apply classroom management techniques 
  • Gain hands-on experience in local schools 
 

A Degree Built for Transfer

MCC makes transferring easy. We have strong partnerships with four-year schools, so, you can move directly into a bachelor’s degree program in education. Our graduates continue their studies at top four-year schools, including: 

  • SUNY Geneseo 
  • SUNY Fredonia 
  • SUNY Oswego 
  • Nazareth University 
  • Roberts Wesleyan University 
  • St. John Fisher University 
  • Keuka College 

Our Transfer Services Team can help you choose the right courses and map out a clear path to earning your bachelor’s degree. 

Real-World Teaching Experience

Our Early Childhood Education A.S. program is the only one of its kind located in downtown Rochester. That means your fieldwork takes place in the heart of our community. You'll make valuable connections with schools, childcare centers, and employers looking for future educators.

100% Online

Need a flexible schedule? This program’s coursework can be completed 100% online. 

 

Ready to Apply?

Applying to MCC is free, with no college essay or test scores required.

Program Details

Get a clear path into the teaching profession. This program gives you the skills, coursework, and real classroom experience you need to prepare for transfer and earn your NYS teacher certification.
A.S.

Associate of Science

The Education Studies: Early Childhood A.S. degree program at MCC is designed for students who want to teach children from birth through second grade. You’ll take both education and general education classes. You'll choose electives that fit your interests and complete fieldwork early and often, so you can see what teaching is like in real classrooms. Classes are flexible with in-person, evening, and online options.

Length

2 years / 61 to 65 credit hours
Students typically complete this program in 4 semesters of full time study.

Location

Brighton Campus & Online

Program Requirements

Designed for Your Success

MCC provides the support and flexibility you need to achieve your goals.

Looking for Supplementary or Additional Certification? 

Our teaching microcredentials are designed for in-service educators pursuing certification in specific content areas. We also offer NYSED Workshops, including Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), Needs of Children with Autism, and more.

Earn a FREE Degree

Good news—this program is part of SUNY Reconnect, which covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies for eligible adults. See if you qualify today!
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You May Qualify for Free Tuition

SUNY Reconnect helps many adult students attend MCC for free. But if you’re not eligible, don’t worry—there are plenty of other financial aid programs that can help make MCC even more affordable. Explore all your options.

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