About Us
Early Childhood Education at Schoolcraft College
The program combines a combination of online, traditional and direct classroom instruction with experience in the college’s Children’s Center that leads to either a certificate or associate degree. Students learn to work effectively with children during their early development stages using both theoretical and practical experiences. Students also have the option of transferring to a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year institution.
Many courses offered in remote synchronous formats during Spring 2021 and Fall 2021 semesters. Schoolcraft also offers Prior Learning Credit (up to 13 credits) toward an AAS Degree in ECE to early childhood professional who have a valid/current CDA-Infant/Toddler and/or CDA-Preschool credentials issued by the Council for Professional Recognition.
Credential Options
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Skills Certificate
- Early Childhood Education Certificate
- Early Childhood Education AAS Degree
Career Outlook
Providing children with a quality education is vital to our nation’s future. We offer programs that can help prepare you for a career in this important field.
Alternate Route for Interim Teacher Certification
The Alternate Route for Interim Teacher Certification (ARC) is an expedited course of study for recent college graduates or those who want to transition from a different career to full-time teaching in an elementary or secondary classroom. With the ARC program, you can be teaching in a classroom following the completion of a semester of intensive academic coursework and a practicum.
In order to be able to apply for admission, you must:
- Have an earned bachelor’s or master’s degree with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. (4.0 scale)
- Pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Professional Readiness Exam and the applicable MTTC subject area tests
- Pass a criminal history check
- Complete the Schoolcraft College Application for Admission
- Download and submit the ARC Program Application
Completing ARC earns you Alternate Route for Interim Teacher Certification
Teacher Education (ARC) Program Advantages:
- Enables individuals to become certified teachers within one or two consecutive semesters
- Provides an emphasis on pedagogy and effective teaching
- Individuals with a degree in with any major or minor may become certified
- Mentoring and professional development support are provided during the initial three years of classroom teaching
- Can become a certified elementary, secondary, or K-12 teacher in a variety of subjects, except for special education and early childhood education
Early Childhood
Through traditional and on-line instruction, coupled with gaining experience in our Children’s Center, students learn to work effectively with children during their early-development stages.
Special Education
Children with disabilities require teachers with unique knowledge and skills to foster their learning. The Special Education program uses both theoretical and practical experience to prepare students for positions in public schools, group homes or supported-living programs. Students also get real-world experience working in Schoolcraft College’s Children’s Center.
Teacher Education Transfer Program
If you plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in education, we have two programs that will enable you to transfer your credits to a four-year institution:
- Liberal Arts Associate Degree—Can be transferred to a teacher education bachelor’s degree program at a college or university.
- Teacher Education Transfer Associate Degree—Includes specialized courses in teaching that transfer to select universities that offer teacher education bachelor degrees.
Both programs can save you thousands of dollars in tuition while putting you on the path to earning your bachelor’s degree in an education discipline.
