About the Program
Lake Michigan College offers individuals interested in working with young children an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills to work effectively in child care settings and prepare for the Childhood Development Associate (CDA) credential awarded through the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. Early Childhood Education (ELCH) classes teach students to become caregivers who can work with children (infants through primary school-age) in home day care, child care centers, and public educational facilities.

Individuals who learn to implement developmentally appropriate programs can offer high-quality, professional child care. These caregivers meet the specific needs of diverse groups of children and work together with parents and other adults to nurture children's physical, social, emotional, intellectual, language and aesthetic growth.

Degree requirements

Scholarship Opportunities
There are several general scholarships that are based on academic excellence, need, and other criteria that are available to students enrolled at Lake Michigan College.

To see if you qualify for one of these scholarship, please visit the Financial Aid section of our website.

Transfer Options
This curriculum has articulation to Western Michigan University's Baccalaureate degree in Family Studies after completion of the Associate's degree.

This program satisfies requirements for MACRAO.

Note: This program does not lead to certification in Elementary Education.