We are now accepting registration applications for the 2022-2023 school year!
View updates and key developments related to CWI's response to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
College of Western Idaho's accredited Early Childhood Education Preschool is among the top in the nation!
2022/2023 Preschool Sessions
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday / 9:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. / $750 per year
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday / 1:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. / $750 per year
Preschool classes are open to children of CWI students, employees, and members of the community
Tuition discounts are available for CWI employees and students
Payment plans are available
Each session runs the entire academic year or two semesters
Children must be 3 years of age by Sept. 1
PLEASE NOTE: Please complete a registration form to be placed on our waiting list.
Overview
Becoming an early childhood educator takes an equal amount of heart, knowledge, and skill. As a child care provider or preschool teacher, you have the responsibility for educating and nurturing young children from birth to age eight in a variety of early childhood settings. At the College of Western Idaho you will have the opportunity to develop your teaching skills right on campus in our own college Preschool Laboratory. Additional practical experience in community early childhood facilities expands career opportunities during college and after graduation.
Mission
The program curriculum covers a range of topics related to child development and teaching practice. Not only will you learn how to teach young children but you will also learn to how to create safe and healthy learning environments, effectively partner with parents in their child’s care, and develop professional policies to guide center and classroom procedures.
Why This Program
Students can start the program fall, spring or summer semester. Classes are offered during the day and evening as well as online. Students can take classes on a part-time or full-time schedule. This program involves classroom instruction as well as practical experience in our Preschool Laboratory or in early childhood facilities throughout the Treasure Valley. Students may use their own early childhood classroom to complete some practicums with children if the program meets certain requirements.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Understand the growth and developmental stages of young children
- Develop and deliver age appropriate curriculum in literacy, math, science, social studies, art and music
- Provide quality care and education for young children from birth to age eight
- Set up and maintain a healthy, safe learning environment
- Incorporate good nutrition into meals, snacks and food experiences
- Guide and foster positive social and emotional development of children in groups
- Partner with parents in their child's education
- Learn to include children with diverse backgrounds as well as special needs into classrooms
- Supervise and administer all aspects of an early childhood program
- Become a professional and advocate for young children and their families
Additional Opportunities
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
These Courses are now available online for students working in an early childhood education program!
The Early Childhood Education program provides the courses to meet the educational component of the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential of the Council for Professional Recognition. The program provides courses on a regular basis to meet the requirements for the Preschool, Infant/Toddler, and Family Child Care CDA. The program will upon special request provide the coursework for the Home Visitor CDA.
These courses meet the CDA 120 hours of the education:
- ECED 100 Foundations of Early Childhood Education, 3 credits
- ECED 101 Child Development and Guidance, 3 credits
- ECED 105 Teaching Young Children I, 4 credits
Supervision and support to complete the Professional Portfolio and Family Questionnaires is provided by a faculty advisor. Students who are awarded a CDA with college coursework for the educational component and decide to continue in the Early Childhood Education program may be eligible to challenge ECED 106 Teaching Young Children II.
If you are interested in learning more about the CDA coursework at CWI, contact Sherri Lauer, sherrilauer@cwi.edu or 208.562.3483. Please do not contact the One Stop about the CDA because it is not a CWI degree but a national credential from the Council for Professional Recognition.
To learn more about the types of CDA credentials and steps to achieving the credential, visit www.cdacouncil.org.
Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Early Childhood Education - Associates of Applied Science Degree
2
YEARSAAS
*See the Course Delivery Styles page for details about class options
Early Childhood Education - Basic Technical Certificate
0.5
YEARBTC
*See the Course Delivery Styles page for details about class options
Skills, Traits, and Prep Classes
- A desire to serve others
- Enjoyment and appreciation of young children
- Ability to work collaboratively with other adults
- Patience, energy and enthusiasm
- Creativity and flexibility
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Desire to learn and reflect on own personal growth
Advising
Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.
Prospective and new Early Childhood Education majors should contact Sherri Lauer, sherrilauer@cwi.edu or 208.562.3483, to learn about the program requirements, discuss career goals, transfer opportunities, and begin the advising process.
Additional requirements while enrolled include:
- Criminal History Background check with fingerprinting
- Pediatric CPR and First Aid training certificate
- Proof of negative Tuberculosis test
The Student Success Advisor will provide information to assist students in meeting the requirements.
Financial Aid Available
Did you know that as a student in this program you may be eligible for financial aid? Through grants, scholarships, and loans, more than 60 percent of first-time, full-time CWI students receive some form of financial assistance. To learn more about financial aid options and whether you may be eligible, visit Financial Aid.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for a full-time CWI student averages half the cost of a state university and a third of the cost of a private college. Tuition and fees vary based on program and residence. Visit Tuition and Fees for more information.
Career Info
Graduates work in child care centers, preschools, and Head Start programs as both assistant and lead teachers. Additionally, graduates begin their own business by starting family child care homes or child care centers and preschools. Career opportunities outside of teaching include becoming family educators and advocates, child life assistants, public school assistant teachers, and developmental techs in developmental disabilities agencies.
Work environments are busy and high energy with an emphasis on interaction between children and adults. The personal fulfillment of helping young children and their families is a tremendous benefit to professionals in this field.
Professions
- Child Care Center Teacher or Director
- Preschool Teacher
- Head Start Program Assistant or Lead Teacher
- Family Child Care Owner
Locations
Instructors
Program Department Chair
Instructor(s)
Respectful Community
The College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs

CWI partners with the Boise Art Museum to provide preschool children an opportunity to meet and work with professional artists.

Register today to enroll your child in the College's nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Preschool.

Beginning fall 2019, online courses for the Child Development Associate credential will be available for Early Childhood Education students.

The College of Western Idaho Early Childhood Education Preschool has earned national accreditation.

The CWI Early Childhood Education program sponsored an event at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America state conference.
Career & Technical Education
- Administrative Specialist
- Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Bookkeeping and Accounting
- Cisco Networking and Security Technologies
- Collision Repair Technology
- Computer Support Specialist
- Cybersecurity
- Dental Assisting
- Drafting Technology
- Education, Early Childhood
- Fire Service Management
- Fire Service Technology
- Heavy Duty Truck Technician
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Horticulture Technology
- Law Enforcement
- Machine Tool Technology
- Marketing Communications
- Medical Administrative Support
- Medical Assistant - Credit
- Network and System Administration
- Nursing, Practical
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Powersports and Small Engine Repair Technology
- Professional Truck Driving
- Software Development
- Surgical Technology
- Swift Programming
- Unmanned Aerial Systems
- Welding and Metals Fabrication
- Wildland Fire Management