What can I expect from Hesston's ECE program?
You'll find that learning experiences of all kinds fill Hesston College's Early Childhood Education (ECE) program. If you like children and want to make a career of working with young children in the classroom, child care or preschool setting, Hesston is for you.
Hesston's ECE program allows you to internalize your learning as you work with children, not just study about them. This opportunity begins as you participate in the college-owned preschool on campus during your first semester.
What is unique about Hesston's ECE program?
You relate directly with children to apply your own learning and to see concepts of development and curriculum in action.
As a sophomore, you will learn as part of the Hesston College Preschool teaching team for one semester. For other ECE classes you will visit and observe children in a variety of early childhood environments that serve the needs of infants through grade three. Through these varied experiences, you will be exposed to many possibilities for your later work with children and their families. Included in these experiences will be settings for special education with the exceptional child.
What kind of degree will I receive at Hesston?
At Hesston, you will earn an associate degree in Early Childhood Education and complete at least 60 hours of college credit. The options after graduation from Hesston College are as varied as our students.
The two-year degree goal is one option. Students complete two years of studies at Hesston and find employment right away.
But the associate degree that you receive at Hesston College may be only the beginning of your education. You may choose to continue your education courses at another college or university and earn a bachelor's degree and perhaps a graduate degree in early childhood education, early childhood special education, child development, family studies, elementary education, social work, speech pathology, or other programs.
Is this the right career for these times?
Children are important. Current studies show an increase in the importance of education for children in their early years and the importance of the first years of life on long term development. Opportunities are open for well-trained ECE professionals.
