Jumpstart Your Career with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from NECC
Why pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education?
Does working with young children bring you joy? Would you like to channel that passion into a profession? If so, NECC’s Early Childhood Education Associate in Science degree program will show you how to effectively support the development of young children, preparing you for a rewarding career as a preschool teacher, a kindergarten teacher, or another type of early childhood educator.
Flexible Learning Options for Tomorrow’s Early Childhood Educators
Childhood educators are an integral part of the education system, benefiting the lives of children and families in our communities. At NECC, our Early Childhood Education Associate Degree program offers a mix of classroom learning and fieldwork, allowing students to apply theory and skills under expert guidance and supervision. With this program, students gain knowledge in areas such as child development, child behavior, learning styles, developmentally-appropriate children’s literature, and how to create a safe learning environment for children.
Available in day and evening learning formats, this program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Development Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Upon program completion, our academic advisers will show you how to apply for an entry-level job or transfer credits towards a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field at a four-year school, saving you thousands of dollars on your education!
What you’ll get from our Early Childhood Education program
Learn the Essentials in Real-Life Settings
Immerse yourself in the early childhood education world, as you discover how children grow, develop, and learn through classroom instruction and supervised field experiences. Learn about numerous topics, including how to plan and implement lesson plans, learning activities, and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Discover what it takes to become a knowledgeable, responsive, and innovative educator, empowering you to positively impact the lives of young children, families, and communities.
Do Cool Stuff, Not Just Homework
Forget about endless lectures. We’re talking about interactive classes and workshops where you practice what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios, as well as projects that connect you with early childhood education professionals in the community.
Gear Up for a Great Career in the Early Childhood Education Field
At NECC, we’re here to help you build a skill set that’s in demand. Whether you see yourself as the next great preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher, childcare center director, or other ECE professional, we’ve got you covered. While guiding you every step of the way, our experienced instructors will show you how to:
Understand how children grow, develop, and learn through coursework and field experience- Participate in supervised practicums and field placements where you can apply theory and skills in classrooms and educational programs
- Plan and implement lesson plans, learning activities, and developmentally- appropriate curriculum
- Become a certified lead teacher or a childcare center director
Your Schedule, Your Rules
Juggling life, work, and study? No sweat. With a mix of online and on-campus options, NECC makes it easy for you to fit study into your life, not the other way around. Once you’ve completed our Early Childhood Education Associate Degree program, you’ll be able to pursue immediate employment or apply your credits towards a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field at a four-year school.
Where this Journey Can Take You
Professionals with ECE backgrounds are always in demand. Upon graduation with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, you can begin working in the field and decide whether you like it before investing additional time and money obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
Like a blank curriculum template, you can use your associate degree as a foundation to build upon, empowering you to choose a wide variety of academic and career paths.
Imagine yourself serving in one of these ECE roles:
- Preparing young children for kindergarten as a Preschool Teacher
- Helping children learn about various subjects as a Kindergarten Teacher
- Optimizing program efficiency and impact as a Childcare Center Director
- Helping lead teachers educate young students as a Kindergarten Teaching Assistant
- Keeping young children safe and comfortable as a Early Childhood Educator
- Seamlessly managing all program aspects as a Preschool Director
- Create a nurturing environment as a Family Childcare provider
Why choose NECC for your Early Childhood Education degree?
We Get It
At NECC, inspiring our students to succeed is our top priority. Modern, relevant, and engaging, our Early Childhood Education Associate Degree courses are designed with you in mind.
NECC’s dedicated faculty and staff help students develop the skills they need to advance in the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support, empowering students to thrive academically. We also offer a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising.
With over 60 credit programs, two convenient campuses, robust student support services, and a vibrant student life, NECC is committed to providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education for all.
Learn from the Pros
Our instructors aren’t just teachers. They’re experienced professionals who live and breathe early childhood education.
Experience Beyond the Classroom
At NECC, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about building a network, finding your tribe, and acquiring the tools necessary to chase your dreams. Our Haverhill and Lawrence campuses are home to a diverse range of clubs and organizations and activities that help students connect with peers who share similar interests.
Whether you choose to gain leadership experience, stay healthy and fit, join a club, or participate in varsity sports, and student activities, we’ll guarantee you’ll have fond memories of your time at NECC.
We Got Your Back
From the day you start until the day you land your first big gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on. At NECC, our goal is to empower our students by equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive, wherever they choose to work.
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What Can I Do With This Major?
Got Prior Learning or Work Experience?
With NECC’s Credit for Prior Learning, you can move through the program at a faster pace, and graduate sooner! The best part is these credits are covered free-of-charge for eligible Massachusetts learners.
Support for Every Student
NECC offers a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, to help students thrive academically. Want to transfer to NECC? Our advisors are happy to assist you.
Career Outlook for Early Childhood Educators North of Boston
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in many early childhood education occupations is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations over the next nine years. For example, job openings for preschool teachers are projected to increase by 4% during that period, with a total of 23,300 new jobs created.
At NECC, our Early Childhood Education Associate Degree program graduates have an exceptional rate of employment while working as preschool teachers, kindergarten teachers, childcare center directors, preschool s, and more. Some have gone on to start their own successful businesses!
How much can I expect to make with an Early Childhood Education degree?
The earning potential for early childhood education professionals varies based on several factors, including education, licenses, certifications, experience, setting, and additional skills. For example, according to Salary.com, the average salary for a Childcare Center Director in Massachusetts was $93,098 as of December 2024.
With an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from NECC, you’ll be qualified to start or advance your career in these roles:
Preschool Teacher
Helps young children develop social, language, and problem-solving skills to prepare them for kindergarten. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $45,090 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $40,770 and $51,010.¹
Kindergarten Teacher
Creates lesson plans to teach students 5 and older subjects, such as reading, science, and math. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $69,285 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $57,416 and $83,284.¹
Childcare Center Director
Manages all aspects of a daycare or childcare program, including managing the facility, establishing policies and procedures, budgeting, hiring staff, overseeing curriculum, and maintaining relationships with families. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $93,098 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $81,027 and $109,558.¹
Kindergarten Teaching Assistant
Assists the lead teacher by supporting young students in various activities while following the teacher’s instructions and lesson plans. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $34,000 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $29,300 and $40,400.¹
Early Childhood Educator
Helps maintain a safe and comfortable learning environment for children, providing care, support, and classroom supervision. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $36,396 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $32,801 and $40,468.¹
Preschool Director
Supervises staff, designs program plans, oversees daily activities, maintains relationships with families, and prepares budgets. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $184,386 as of December 2024. The wage range typically falls between $150,621 and $222,493.¹
How to Get Started Earning an Early Childhood Education Associate Degree in the Merrimack Valley Region
Feeling pumped? We thought so! Learn more about how to apply for the Associate in Science Degree in Early Childhood Education . Still unsure that it’s the right fit for you? Contact us to chat more about why this could be the best decision you’ll ever make!
This program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The current accreditation term runs from August 2021 through September 2027.
FAQs
Sources and Citations: ¹Salary information provided on this page is sourced from Salary.com. The data reflects estimates based on employer surveys and job listings. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.