Ivy Tech Community College recently launched new Early Childhood Education Program at the Valparaiso Campus. Ivy Tech says the program is positioning itself as both a workforce solution and a gateway to meaningful, purpose-driven careers at a time when the demand for qualified childcare professionals is rising. The program prioritizes experiential learning, as students design lesson plans, engage in classroom simulations, and participate in real-world settings, from childcare centers to community-based programs.
Additionally, Ivy Tech says one of the program’s defining features is its “stackable credential” model. Students can enter at multiple points and build qualifications over time:
• Short-term certificates (as little as one semester) for quick entry into the workforce
• Technical certificates over one year
• Associate degrees (AAS or AS) completed in about two years
“This flexible structure is designed to meet students where they are—whether they are recent high school graduates, career changers, or current childcare workers looking to advance. Our focus is to offer the best college experience for our students, where hands-on learning is essential, whether courses are in-person or online,” said Aco Sikoski, Campus Chancellor.
The Associate of Science track is built for transfer, allowing graduates to continue into a bachelor’s program, often entering as juniors through statewide articulation agreements. “The program is explicitly career-focused. Graduates can pursue roles such as assistant teacher, childcare provider, Head Start teacher, or even childcare center director,” said Patti Shields, Vice Chancellor of Ivy+ Career Link. The program is available across more than 19 Ivy Tech campuses statewide.
