Early Childhood Education

Shaping Young Minds with Unparalleled Passion and Educational Expertise

Teachers working with group of young children while sitting in a circle on the floor

Program Overview

Are you inspired to shape the future of young children? At College of Western Idaho (CWI), our Early Childhood Education program is designed for you. This program offers the perfect blend of entry and advanced-level courses, guiding you to become a skilled educator for children from birth to age eight. Here, you will delve into curriculum development, learn about child assessment methods, and explore health and safety standards — all through a lens of the latest research-based practices.

Imagine yourself working hands-on with children in our preschool lab and various practicum sites, applying what you learn in real-time. Whether you are juggling work or other commitments, our flexible online and evening courses fit into your life. Plus, our program paves the way for you to earn the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential, recognized by many employers as a standard for employability in the industry. With CWI, you are not just studying early childhood education; you are embarking on a journey to make a lasting impact in the lives of young learners.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Applied Science

Basic Technical Certificate

Time to Complete

0.5 – 2 years

Primary Location

Student working with two young children at a table

Learning Opportunities

  • Direct Interaction with Young Learners: Engage with children in our preschool lab, practicing your skills and nurturing their development.
  • Study at Your Pace: Choose online or evening classes, making it easier to balance your education with your personal and professional life.
  • Real-Life Teaching Experiences: Apply observation, assessment, and activity planning in diverse educational settings.
  • Skills for Now and the Future: Develop practical skills that are valuable in your immediate career and transferable to future educational endeavors.
  • Pathway to CDA Credential: Progress toward earning the CDA credential, a key qualification in early childhood education. 

      CDA logo

Preschool Services

Early Childhood Education's nationally-recognized preschool is now accepting registration applications for the 2023-2024 academic year! 

  • Preschool classes are open to children of CWI students and employees, as well as members of the community. 
  • Payment plans are available, and CWI employees and students may receive tuition discounts.
  • Sessions run the entire academic year or two semesters. 
  • Children must be 3 years of age by Sept. 1.
  • To be placed on the waiting list, please complete a registration form.

Learn More & Register

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Early Childhood Education – Associates of Applied Science Degree

Early Childhood Education – Basic Technical Certificate

Person sitting in classroom in circle with group of kids

Career Opportunities

  • Childcare Workers

    Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play. Excludes “Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education” (25-2011) and “Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education” (25-9042).

    135

    Annual Openings*

    $9.85

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $20,488

    Annual Median Salary

    11.44%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education

    Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth. Excludes “Special Education Teachers” (25-2050), “Substitute Teachers, Short-Term” (25-3031), and “Childcare Workers” (39-9011).

    48

    Annual Openings*

    $11.46

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $23,837

    Annual Median Salary

    35.51%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Social and Human Service Assistants

    Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care. Excludes “Rehabilitation Counselors” (21-1015), “Psychiatric Technicians” (29-2053), “Personal Care Aides” (31-1122), and “Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs” (43-4061).

    30

    Annual Openings*

    $17.65

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $36,712

    Annual Median Salary

    18.83%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Child, Family, and School Social Workers

    Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

    8

    Annual Openings*

    $22.55

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $46,904

    Annual Median Salary

    20.23%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Social and Community Service Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization’s budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

    7

    Annual Openings*

    $23.37

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $48,610

    Annual Median Salary

    15.95%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare

    Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care. Excludes “Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education” (25-2011) and “Childcare Workers” (39-9011).

    2

    Annual Openings*

    $15.84

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $32,947

    Annual Median Salary

    29.6%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

Admissions

Step 1

  • Apply to CWI.
  • Choose Early Childhood Education as your major.

Step 2

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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News

College of Western Idaho’s Early Childhood Education faculty joined Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children and other educators around the state for Early Learning Day at the...

Read more about Early Childhood Education Spends Day at Capitol for Early Learning Day

CWI partners with the Boise Art Museum to provide preschool children an opportunity to meet and work with professional artists.

Read more about Early Childhood Education Preschool Co-Creation Project

Register today to enroll your child in the College's nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Preschool.

Read more about Early Childhood Preschool Openings for 2019-20

Beginning fall 2019, online courses for the Child Development Associate credential will be available for Early Childhood Education students. 

Read more about Online Early Childhood Development Courses

The College of Western Idaho Early Childhood Education Preschool has earned national accreditation.

Read more about Early Childhood Education Preschool Among Top in the Nation

The CWI Early Childhood Education program sponsored an event at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America state conference.

Read more about Early Childhood Education Program Helps with State Event
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