About

A Broad Field That Offers a Multitude of Options

Would a career in early childhood education be the right choice for you?

Teachers and others working in the field of early childhood education must have strong foundational knowledge in child development theory and demonstrate practical skills while working directly with infants, toddlers, and young children.

Early Childhood Education

 The Early Childhood Education associate degree program is designed to prepare students to become highly qualified teachers, assistant teachers, or family day care providers in professional child care for children ages birth through eight years. Students will gain a broad understanding of the specific needs of young children and develop strategies for meeting those needs. They may choose to continue their education at any four-year institution in New Mexico.

The DACC program includes the lower-division courses required for entry into the Teacher Education Program (TEP), a baccalaureate program at New Mexico State University. Alternatively, students may opt to transfer to a similar program at another four-year institution. Completion of this program does NOT guarantee admission into a Teacher Education Program at a four-year institution. Early in their second year of study at DACC, students should contact the four-year institution they have chosen to obtain application information.

Early Childhood Development Certificate - This Child Development Certificate indicates completion of the early childhood courses that allow a student to meet the professional requirements for teachers already working in a classroom setting with infants and toddlers or preschool children. The professional certification additionally requires a state awarded certificate issued by the New Mexico Office of Child Development upon completion of course requirements. For more information, contact the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Development at (505) 277-7900.

Early Childhood Administrator Certificate - This New Mexico Early Childhood Administrator’s Certificate indicates completion of the early childhood professional courses (approximately 29 credits) within the associate degree program’s transfer module. Upon completion of the DACC Certification, the Early Childhood Administrator Certificate is issued by the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department. For more information, contact the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department at (800) 832-1321.

How to Get Started

It is recommended that prospective students arrange an initial degree-planning session with a program adviser in DACC’s Education Department.

NOTE: Both programs require that student take and pass a security background check in order to take the field experience and practicum courses. Past criminal violations may prevent a student from completing a degree in the education program.

 

Check out our Grow Your Own Teacher Scholarship

 

Various children are enjoying computer time in their computer lab.

Program Goals

Goal 1: Students who complete the Associate of Early Childhood program at DACC can apply for the Teacher Education Program at New Mexico State University to complete their final two years in the Baccalaureate program.

Goal 2: Students who complete the Early Childhood Development Certificate at DACC may apply for the New Mexico Certificate of Child Development certification.

Goal 3: Students who complete the Early Childhood Administrator Certificate at DACC may apply for the New Mexico Early Childhood Administrator certification.

Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education associate degree program is designed to prepare students to become highly qualified teachers, assistant teachers, or family day care providers in professional child care for children ages birth through eight years. Students will gain a broad understanding of the specific needs of young children and develop strategies for meeting those needs.


NOTABLE COURSES: Child Growth, Development, and Learning;  Health, Safety, and Nutrition; Assessment of Children and Evaluation of Programs; Family and Community Collaboration

REQUIREMENTS: C- or above is required in all relative courses to graduate

DURATION: 4 semesters / 2 years SEE ROADMAP >>

Early Childhood Development

Completion of this certificate indicates completion of the early childhood courses that allow a student to meet the professional course requirements for the New Mexico Child Development Certificate for teachers already working in a classroom setting with infants and toddlers or preschool children. The professional certification may be obtained through a state awarded certificate issued by the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department upon completion of course and other requirements. For more information, contact the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department at (800) 832-1321.


NOTABLE COURSES: Child Growth, Development, and Learning; Guiding Young Children; Assessment of Children and Evaluation of Programs; Family and Community Collaboration

REQUIREMENTS: C- or above is required in all relative courses to graduate

DURATION: 2 Semesters / 1 Year SEE ROADMAP >>

Early Childhood Administrator

Completion of this certificate indicates completion of the early childhood courses that allow a student to meet the professional course requirements for the New Mexico Administrators Certificate. The professional certification may be obtained through a state awarded certificate issued by the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department upon completion of courses and other requirements. For more information, contact the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department at (800) 832-1321.


NOTABLE COURSES: Program Management, Effective Program Development for Diverse Learners and their Families and Practicum, Professional Relationships and Practicum

REQUIREMENTS: C- or above is required in all relative courses to graduate

DURATION: 3 semesters / 1.5 years SEE ROADMAP >>

So, have we caught your interest?

Don't wait too long! Next Semester begins August 21st