Careers for early childhood education graduates include: preschool teachers, infant care providers, recreation leaders, parenting educators, curriculum specialists, licensing and regulatory experts, directors, family assistance administrators, and aides in elementary schools. 

Due to high demand for qualified early childhood professionals, graduates usually have a variety of options for employment.  Former graduates of our program include individuals who teach in preschools, owners of child care programs, work as parent educators, provide family child care, provide on-going training for early childhood professionals, direct programs, and teach college courses

Entry level positions for AAS/ECE graduates usually begin around $12/hour, $25,000/year in Fairbanks, plus benefits. The salaries will be higher for graduates of the B.A. program (see information below).

Supervisors, trainers, and administrators of large programs can earn up to $50,000 annually. A common benefit includes having your own children close to you while working and receiving free or reduced tuition for their care and education (estimated to be $5,000-$10,000/yr).

Degree Requirements

A 30-credit certificate in early childhood can be completed in one year. The A.A.S. degree in early childhood is a two-year program that can lead to state certification as an Early Childhood Education Associate II. It includes 30 hours of specialization in early childhood development.

An 18-credit minor in ECE is available upon completion of ECE 245 Childhood Development and 15 additional approved ECE credits. In addition, numerous special topics courses are offered each semester which appeal to non-degree students.

Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and Family Studies. Designed for early childhood administrators, teachers, or trainers who are looking to expand upon their A.A.S degree. The program offers an emphasis on preschool curriculum, administration, and family studies. For more information contact Patty Meritt.

For a complete description of the Early Childhood Education degree requirements, see the current UAF catalog.

Bunnell House Early Childhood Lab School

Early childhood courses are offered by TVC at sites in Fairbanks. Most of the major requirements have a lab component in which students observe, interact with and/or teach young children. These lab requirements are met at various child care facilities in the community or at Bunnell House Early Childhood Lab School on the main campus. Click here to learn more about Bunnell House.

Admissions Requirements

Students who wish to gain admission into the Early Childhood program need to submit a UAF Undergraduate Application for Admission, available at the Tanana Valley Campus Center at 604 Barnette Street, the UAF Office of Admissions, or online from the Admissions Office. To be accepted into a degree program at Tanana Valley Campus, you must be at least 18 years old, or have a high school diploma or GED.

Students will also be required to take the COMPASS or ASSET exam, which tests English and math skills. The test is free and is offered M-F at the TVC Student Assistance Center at 604 Barnette Street. For more information contact our Student Assistance Center at 455-2851or email at fytvc@uaf.edu. Once accepted into the program, you will have an academic advisor that will work with you to help you select your classes. In addition, our Student Assistance Center offers counseling and assistance with financial aid, tutoring, college "survival" skills and more. At the Tanana Valley Campus, we are here to help guide you on the road to success!

Contact Information :

Patty Meritt, Coordinator
Certificate, A.A.S.

(907) 455-2883

Veronica M. Plumb, MEd, Coordinator
B.A (Child Development & Family Studies)

Early Childhood Education
UAF Tanana Valley Campus, and
College of Rural and Community Development
P.O. Box 758040
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775

(907) 455-2038

email: ffvmp@uaf.edu