Program Tips

Academic Advising & Student Success

Academic advisors assist students with developing academic plans based on their degree evaluations. Their goal is to plan the right pathway to graduation by maximizing students' potential and ensuring success based on the student's previous academic experience, career path, and responsibilities outside of being a student. Student success specialists assist students in overcoming barriers that many students encounter over their academic career. Their goal is to help students become academically successful by assisting with goal setting, interpersonal issues, success plans, and community-based referrals. More information can be found on Commons (Student Services & Support).

Technology Requirements

Students must have access to a laptop, computer, or device, and have reliable Wi-Fi at home or off-campus.

Academic Support

Free academic help including drop-in tutoring, test preparation, and technology support available online and face-to-face. More information is available on Commons (Student Services & Support).

Caregiver Background Check

A Wisconsin caregiver background check and fingerprints are required in order to be placed at a field experience site. The program director and field experience instructor will provide directions on how to complete a background check and fingerprints from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF). The fees related to the initial fingerprints are at the student's expense. A list of offenses that can affect the ability to gain placement can be found on the DCF website.

Physical Requirements

The physical can be conducted at a clinic of the student's preference.

Field Experience (Practicum) Requirements

Students have the option to register for an online or face-to-face section of the field experience course. Regardless of course format, students are required to attend their placement site 8 hours per week (typically two 4-hour mornings per week), in person. Placements are arranged by the instructor for Field Experiences 1 and 2. Placements are arranged by the student for Field Experiences 3 and 4. If you are currently working with children, you can complete up to two placements at your place of employment pending instructor and program director approval. CVTC Early Childhood Education is an accredited program by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). As an accredited program, we will ensure that you meet NAEYC requirements for field experiences (2 out of 3 of the age groups: Infants/Toddlers, Preschool, School Age (K-3) AND 2 out of 4 types of settings (Family Care/In-home, Center Care, Headstart/4K, Public School).

Study Abroad

Students may have the opportunity to participate in an International Practicum course. This course is not listed on the program requirements, however it can be substituted for a practicum course as indicated by the program director. International Practicum is an optional course; while the tuition for the course is eligible for financial aid, the remaining costs will be at the student's expense.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

CPL offers CVTC students an opportunity to earn college credit toward an associate degree or technical diploma for previous knowledge and mastered skills directly related to program curriculum. Previous knowledge and skills may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military experience, and courses completed at other institutions. If a student wishes to attempt CPL for a course in progress, it is imperative that CPL is attempted within the first week of the class to be eligible for a tuition refund. More information can be found at cvtc.edu/CPL.

Transfer Credit

Students planning to transfer to a university have the option to take 200-level courses that will count toward general education requirements in the four-year degree being pursued. While some of the 100-level general education courses listed on the program requirements may meet approval for transfer, the 200-level courses are more widely accepted for transfer. To determine what courses may transfer, utilize Transferology.com. Students should also contact the college or university they are pursuing to determine exactly what the school will accept and when to seek admission. Students should maintain contact with the other institution, given that program requirements are subject to change.

Suggested Electives (3 credits)

Elective credits allow students the flexibility to tailor their education to meet their interests and future goals, as well as their format preferences. Students are not limited to the courses below. Students are welcome to explore other options and are encouraged to work with universities regarding transferability. Remedial, preparatory, continuing education units, or technical diploma level courses do not fulfill this requirement.

Some suggested electives are as follows:

• 809-128 Marriage & Family
• 101-111 Accounting 1
• 557-125 Children's Literature & Services
• 102-130 Innovative Business Mindset
• 809-159 Abnormal Psychology
• 802-211 Spanish 1
• 809-188 Developmental Psychology
• 804-189 Introductory Statistics

Financial Aid Consideration

Courses must be part of the student’s program to be eligible although some specific courses may not be eligible for financial aid. Students must follow their program requirements to be eligible for financial aid. To be eligible for financial aid, students must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress of a 2.0 Term GPA, 2.0 Cumulative GPA, complete 67% of attempted credits each semester, and complete their program by the time 150% of the published credits have been attempted.

Employment Requirement

Current CPR certification is not required for students to enroll in their program, it is required for employment in a child care setting. CVTC offers Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider courses. In addition, students may contact the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or local clinics to register for the course.

804-134 Mathematical Reasoning

Students may be eligible to earn credit for the Mathematical Reasoning course if they have taken the WorkKeys test or scored a 25 or higher on the Math section of the ACT. If students have met the ACT score or taken the WorkKeys test, or would like to take the WorkKeys test in lieu of taking the Mathematical Reasoning course, please contact the Credit for Prior Learning office cpl@cvtc.edu for more details. Students are advised to contact CPL prior to the semester starting or within the first week of the class to ensure that if they pursue CPL, they are eligible for a tuition refund.

Embedded Credential

The Child Care Services Technical Diploma is the first year of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Associate Degree. ECE students will have this credential embedded into their transcript/degree. Students who wish to receive a physical copy of the Child Care Services Technical Diploma can request it via Commons.

Title IX Pregnancy and Postpartum

CVTC does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy or related conditions and will fully comply with Title IX regulations. Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy and maternity leave will be excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by a student's medical provider, and students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work. Students are encouraged to contact Diversity Resources at 715-833-6234 or diversity@cvtc.edu to set up an appointment as soon as the pregnancy is known.

Students with Disabilities

CVTC welcomes individuals with disabilities. We will provide and coordinate reasonable accommodations for all individuals with documented disabilities. Students that might benefit from accommodations during their college experience at CVTC can contact Diversity Resources at 715-833-6234 or diversity@cvtc.edu to determine what accommodations they may be eligible for and what documentation may be required.

Last Updated: March 22, 2024 @ 1:21 p.m.