Our Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs are delivered completely online. They are for students who are interested in working with young children ages birth to eight and their families. Students will acquire an understanding of developmental patterns for children birth to eight in such areas as cognition, emotion, social interaction, and physical growth. Students will also acquire knowledge in parent engagement and the necessary skills required to administer an early childhood program. A secondary focus is imparting an understanding of Native American culture as it applies to children in early childhood programs. Hands-on experience will supplement reading and study. The program will give students resource materials and a basic foundation of knowledge. Classroom practicum is also incorporated.

The Bachelor of Arts in ECE is designed to prepare teachers, family service, education managers, and administrators of Indian Head Start facilities nationwide, which is the primary focus of these programs.

The Associate of Arts in ECE is designed to prepare teacher aids in Head Start facilities nationwide.

The Certificate of Completion in ECE is designed to prepare students for the CDA competency exam. Courses will focus on child growth and development from birth to age five, with emphasis on planning a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment for children, including strategies in positive guidance.

For students who obtained CDA credential elsewhere may be able to transfer CDA Credential, please click the link for more information.

Degree Program - Bachelor of Arts

Degree Program - Associate of Arts

Degree Program - Certificate of Completion

Degree Audit Form - Bachelor of Arts

Degree Audit Form - Associate of Arts

Curriculum Map - General Education

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Head Start is one of the leading employers for early childhood education, spending over $7,233,541,000 across the nation in 2015. With the Head Start Program Performance Standards and the Head Start Act, the Office of Head Start continues to demand staff qualifications and competency requirements for teacher assistants, teachers, management staff, and directors. Requiring Head Start programs to ensure no less than 50% of all Head Start teachers, have a baccalaureate degree in child development, early childhood education, or equivalent coursework. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2016, “employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 7% from 2014 to 2024”. Growth is expected due to a continued focus on the importance of Early Childhood Education and the transition of being kindergarten-ready. (BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2016)

According to the May 2021 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates from the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the following are the national median salaries. Starting salaries will generally be less than median salaries.  Some positions may require a bachelor’s degree.

“As a requirement for my job, I was asked to return to school to obtain a degree in Early Childhood. Not being a traditional student, this goal was a little intimidating. With the help of the online Early Childhood classes and the online format (Moodle), I was able to continue working full time while pursuing my degree. I was also able to interact with the instructors who were knowledgeable and had real life experiences to share. Thank you Bay Mills Community College Early Childhood Education program. Without your wonderful assistance, I may not have ever reached my goal.”   
-- Cathy Nash, Family Service Coordinator - Sault Tribe Early Childhood Education Programs

Early Childhood Education Gainful Employment Information