Early Childhood Education and Family Studies
The Mt. Hood Community College early childhood education and family studies program is designed for students interested in teaching or working in related careers with children birth to age five and their families. You have the option to obtain an associate degree or earn short-term certificates with credits that can be applied towards your degree.
The Experience
Program Details
Our early childhood education program offers classes to deepen your knowledge of child development and family partnerships. You’ll apply the knowledge and skills you’re learning in our classes during your fieldwork in early childhood settings.
Your future
With a degree or certificate in early childhood education and family studies, you will graduate from MHCC ready for careers in early learning, preschool administration, paraeducator in elementary schools, family services, and more.
How To Get Started
The early childhood education and family studies program begins in the fall term. Are you starting classes during another term? Don't worry! There still may be courses you can start taking if you're starting college in a different term. Please contact the program advisors for details. Any student admitted to MHCC can sign up for classes in the program after reading, writing, and math placement requirements have been met.
See Students in Action
Learn more about courses and curriculum
As you work to complete the early childhood education and family studies program at MHCC, you will work with a close-knit group of students and faculty. The degree program will take 90 total credits to complete. If you choose to pursue the one-year certificate, it will take 45 credit hours to complete. Alternatively, the child development career pathways certificate takes only 15 credit hours to complete. Credits from any certificates you earn will count toward your degree if you choose to pursue it.
The child development career pathways certificate program is not eligible for financial aid. However, the one-year certificate and degree programs are aid-eligible.
Take the next step with Mt. Hood Community College
Have questions about the Early Childhood Education and Family Studies Program?
Read Early Childhood Education and Family Studies Frequently Asked Questions