Early Childhood Education CTS

Certificate of Technical Studies Degree

Program Director: Deb Huestis

Program Website

The Early Childhood Education CTS degree is offered onsite.

This program is designed to prepare students with the skills needed to be successful working with young children in infant/toddler and early childhood care educational settings.

This stackable credential may lead students directly into the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education.

For more information on other degrees offered for Early Childhood Education, visit the catalog pages for the Early Childhood Education CAS and Early Childhood Education AAS.

Graduates are prepared to:

• Know and understand young children's characteristics and needs.
• Know and understand the multiple influences on development and learning. 
• Know and understand the importance, central concepts, inquiry tools, and structures of content areas or academic disciplines. 
• Identify and involve themselves with the early childhood field.
• Know about and uphold ethical standards and other professional guidelines.

Estimated Resident Program Cost*

Estimated Resident Program Cost

Item	Cost
Tuition and Fees	$2,131
Lab/Course Fees	$75
Books/Supplies	$140
Total	$2,346

*

Fall 2026 MUS Student Health Insurance Premiums may be changing. Please check the Health Insurance website for confirmed premium rates.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Spring		Credits
ECP 100	First Aid and CPR +	1
EDEC 108	Introduction to Early Childhood Education +	3
EDEC 130	Health, Safety & Nutrition in Early Childhood +	4
EDEC 249	Infant/Toddler Development and Group Care +	4
EDEC 251	Montana Preschool Teacher Education +	4
	Credits	16
	Total Credits	16

+

A grade of C- or above is required for graduation.

*

Indicates prerequisites needed.

**

Placement in course(s) is determined by placement assessment.