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.
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.