Begin your career in education with a pre-major designed for students seeking to teach and direct programs in a variety of early care and elementary classroom settings. Students will learn to deliver tailored learning experiences in general and special education settings such as preschool classes, lower elementary classrooms, childcare centers, Head Start Programs, Early Intervention home visiting programs, and special education settings from birth to 3rd grade.
This program lays the foundation for students to transfer into the Birth to Third grade Pre-Early Childhood Pre-General and Special Education and Lower Elementary Education bachelor’s degree program at Western Michigan University (WMU). Please plan to work with a GRCC Academic Advisor to ensure that your credits transfer seamlessly to WMU.
Why Start Your Degree at GRCC?
- Save money by earning your associate degree at GRCC before transferring to WMU as a junior.
- GRCC awards up to $1,600 in Teachers of Tomorrow scholarships every year.
- Small class sizes allow more communication and mentoring with you and your professors.
- Students in Education programs will gain practical experience working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers at GRCC’s Early Childhood Learning Laboratory.
- Transfer students report being just as prepared to continue their coursework at a four-year institution than students who attended that college or university their freshman and sophomore years.
- Our flexible class schedules and support programs are designed around your busy life.
Early Childhood Education Degree Tuition Calculator
GRCC is an affordable option for anyone seeking to start their early childhood education degree. Our tuition calculator can help you estimate the cost of earning your associate degree. You may also be eligible for financial aid and other scholarships, so be sure to schedule an admissions appointment if you have questions about your options to pay for college.
Please note that this calculator does not include additional student costs like books or parking. These costs are an estimate only and do not constitute a contract or binding agreement of costs to attend Grand Rapids Community College.
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Education Success Stories
Melissa Hartley
“GRCC is affordable and will help me obtain a higher education to make life better for me and my children. All my instructors have been very helpful and pushed me to be great while helping with questions I have asked.”
Caitlin Owens
“The instructors at GRCC are second to none. While I had years of experience in early childhood education before, GRCC is really what cemented my passion for education, families and developmentally appropriate practices.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Early Childhood General and Special Education
Still have questions about this program? Read through our frequently asked questions below or reach out to the Education Department directly at education@grcc.edu or (616) 234-3380.
How long does it take to get an early childhood education degree?
Most students complete their associate degree in two years. How quickly you finish your degree will depend on how many classes you decide to take per semester. Since this program requires at least 60 credits, you’ll need to take around 15 credits per semester to graduate in two years.
After earning your associate degree from GRCC, you will transfer to WMU to complete a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood General and Special Education and Lower Elementary Education: Birth through Grade 3.
We know that life doesn’t stop while you pursue your education, which is why GRCC offers support services like free tutoring, walk-in counseling, laptop loans, childcare resources, food assistance and more. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
How much does a degree in childhood education cost?
Use the tuition calculator to estimate the cost of earning your Pre-Early Childhood General and Special Education & Lower Elementary Education: Birth through Grade 3, A.A. Please note that this does not include costs like books and transportation, and is not an official estimate.
Additionally, many students qualify for scholarships and financial aid like Michigan Reconnect or the Michigan Community College Guarantee, which can significantly reduce tuition.
Please schedule an admissions appointment if you have questions about how to pay for college.
What is the transfer process to Western Michigan University like?
The courses in this program transfer and satisfy requirements at WMU. However, we recommend contacting WMU to obtain additional information about transfer requirements, as WMU will make the ultimate decision on how each course will be used to meet the bachelor’s degree requirements.
GRCC advisors and faculty are available to help students navigate transfer resources and create an individualized transfer plan, including the selection of elective courses, that meet all GRCC and WMU requirements. Please schedule an admissions appointment if you have additional questions about the transfer process.
What can I do with a degree in early childhood education?
Students with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education are eligible to teach early childhood (birth through kindergarten) and lower elementary (preschool through 3rd grade). With the ongoing teacher shortages in Michigan and around the country, graduates will have plenty of opportunities to work in community-based or school-based environments.
Is a degree in early childhood education worth it?
If you are passionate about providing learning experiences that boost a young child’s intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth and development, then earning your degree is definitely worth it. You’ll be ready to apply your skills in the classroom or as a program director.
Additional Information
Want to learn more about this area of study?
Visit the Department of Education
Questions about this program?
Department email: education@grcc.edu
Department phone: (616) 234-3380
