Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education

This degree and certificate program is designed for students who are interested in working with children from birth to grade three and the families of those children.

Students will study child development, the foundations of early childhood education, curriculum development through play, assessment and practicum, and programs evaluation.  All of which are essential for becoming an early childhood teacher or specialist, a day care director, a pre-school and nursery center director or other positions that help children grow and learn. Students can also acquire real-life experience at the college’s Kids Campus early childhood development center located on the SFCC campus or through the Aprende pre-apprenticeship program. Students who are already working in an early childhood setting should consider the Aprende apprenticeship program to get credit for their work.

Obtaining an associate’s degree partially fulfills the New Mexico Public Education Department’s competencies for teacher licensure up to third grade and the coursework is designed to transfer to a bachelor’s program at a four-year institution.

NOTE: People who already have a college degree can earn a license in teaching through SFCC’s state-accredited alternative teacher licensure program.

The number of jobs available in early childhood education in New Mexico is expected to increase during the next 10 years. Teacher salaries are also rising in NM due to new state initiatives. Additionally, some schools are offering bonuses, higher pay, and other incentives to attract new teachers. School teachers earn a median annual salary of $61,400.