Support the child.
Child Care Technician
Lake Area Tech’s Child Care Technician program offers two pathways into early childhood education and care. Students can complete a nine-month Child Development diploma or continue into the Associate of Applied Science in Child Care Management, depending on their career goals.
The Child Care Management AAS prepares students for leadership roles beyond direct care. Coursework combines child development, communication and business principles. Students learn to manage or operate child care facilities while supporting high-quality early childhood education.
Students who want to enter the workforce sooner can complete the Child Development diploma. This option builds a strong foundation in child development while preparing graduates to work with children and support families. Both pathways reflect the growing demand for trained early childhood professionals.
Graduates of the AAS program can pursue careers as daycare directors, administrators and business owners. The program also provides valuable business and financial training to support leadership roles.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
Child Care Technician Program Outcomes
- Identify the stages of lifespan and development.
- Create age-appropriate activities and lesson plans.
- Manage child care facilities, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with relevant regulations.
- Implement strategies to maintain a respectful, safe, and positive work environment.
- Build relationships with families, staff, and community resources.
Child Care Technician Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Child Care Technician degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Child Care Technician sector.
Lead Preschool Teacher (Child Care Technician)
Graduates of the Child Care Technician program can pursue careers as Lead Preschool Teachers, guiding young children through important stages of learning and development. In this role, you'll create engaging learning experiences, support social and emotional growth, and help children build the foundational skills they need for future success in school and life. It's an excellent career path for individuals who enjoy teaching, creativity, and making a positive impact every day.
Where you might work:
• Child care centers
• Preschool programs
• Early learning centers
• Faith-based education programs
• Private early childhood programs
Infant–Toddler Teacher (Child Care Technician)
As an Infant–Toddler Teacher, you'll help support the growth and development of children during some of the most important years of life. Graduates can expect to create nurturing environments, encourage early learning, monitor developmental milestones, and build strong relationships with families. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working closely with young children and supporting their earliest experiences.
Where you might work:
• Child care centers
• Early learning programs
• Infant and toddler classrooms
• Family child care programs
• Early childhood education centers
Head Start or Early Head Start Teacher (Child Care Technician)
Head Start and Early Head Start Teachers support children and families through programs designed to promote school readiness and healthy development. In this role, you'll provide age-appropriate learning experiences, support social and emotional growth, and collaborate with families to help children reach developmental goals. This career combines education, family engagement, and community impact.
Where you might work:
• Head Start programs
• Early Head Start programs
• Community action agencies
• Nonprofit early childhood organizations
• Family support programs
Early Childhood Special Education Paraprofessional (Child Care Technician)
As an Early Childhood Special Education Paraprofessional, you'll work alongside teachers and specialists to support children with diverse learning, developmental, or physical needs. Graduates can expect to assist with classroom activities, implement individualized support strategies, and help create inclusive learning environments where every child can thrive.
Where you might work:
• Public school districts
• Early childhood special education programs
• Developmental learning centers
• Educational service agencies
• Specialized early learning programs
Inclusion Aide (Child Care Technician)
Inclusion Aides help ensure that children of all abilities can participate successfully in early childhood programs. In this role, you'll provide individualized support, encourage social interaction, and help children engage in classroom activities alongside their peers. This rewarding career is ideal for graduates who are passionate about accessibility, inclusion, and child development.
Where you might work:
• Child care centers
• Preschool programs
• Inclusive education settings
• Early learning centers
• Community-based child development programs
In-Home Child Care Provider (Child Care Technician)
As an In-Home Child Care Provider, you'll create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children within a home-based setting. Graduates can expect to plan activities, support child development, communicate with families, and manage daily operations while providing personalized care. This career offers flexibility and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in children's lives.
Where you might work:
• Home-based child care businesses
• Family child care programs
• Private household settings
• Community child care networks
• Self-owned child care operations
Quality Improvement or QRIS Coach* (Child Care Management)
Quality Improvement and QRIS (Quality Rating and Improvement System) Coaches help child care programs strengthen educational quality and improve outcomes for children and families. In this role, you'll support educators, provide guidance on best practices, assist with quality standards, and help programs achieve continuous improvement goals. This career is well suited for graduates who enjoy leadership, mentoring, and advancing the early childhood profession.
Where you might work:
• Early childhood resource and referral agencies
• Child care support organizations
• State early learning programs
• Quality improvement initiatives
• Child care management organizations
*Some leadership positions may require additional experience and/or state credentialing.
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Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $8,643 |
| State Fees | $2,903 |
| Departmental Fee | $2,688 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,000 |
| Course Fees | $150 |
| Books | $1,144 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $18,718 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Child Care Technician FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
How long does the LATC childcare program take to complete?
- Child Care Technician Diploma: approximately 9 months
- Child Care Management Associate of Applied Science (AAS): approximately 18 months
These accelerated options allow students to enter or advance in the workforce quickly.
What hands-on experience is included in the childcare tech degree?
Students complete 270 internship hours within the first year of the program. In addition, students gain direct, hands-on experience working with children through classroom observations, developmental assessments, and planned learning activities. This real-world training helps students build confidence and practical skills for early childhood settings.
Is the Child Care Management program accredited?
The Child Care Management program is not an accredited program. However, it is designed to align with industry expectations and prepare students for leadership and administrative roles in early childhood education settings.
Does Lake Area Tech offer job placement support for childcare graduates?
Yes. Lake Area Tech regularly shares job postings and employment opportunities with Child Care students both before graduation and after completion of the program, helping connect graduates with employers in the early childhood field.
What courses are included in the Child Care Management program?
Courses in the Child Care Management program focus on leadership and administration in early childhood settings. A full list of required courses can be found in the program outline, which details coursework in management, supervision, compliance, and program operations.
Do I need previous childcare experience to enroll in this program?
No prior child care experience is required to enroll. The program is designed for students new to the field as well as those with experience. A passion for working with children and an interest in teaching and caregiving are strongly encouraged.
How much does the Lake Area Tech childcare degree cost?
Program costs vary by pathway and semester. Estimated total program costs for the 2025–2026 academic year include tuition, fees, books, and technology requirements. The estimated total program cost is approximately $18,280, depending on enrollment and course sequence. Detailed semester-by-semester cost breakdowns are available through Lake Area Tech.
What skills will I learn in the Child Care Management program?
Child Care Technician (Diploma):
The Child Care Technician program prepares students for direct employment in early childhood education and care settings. Students develop skills in child development, health and safety, developmentally appropriate practices, positive guidance techniques, family engagement, and inclusive care. Graduates are prepared to work with children from infancy through early school-age.
Child Care Management (AAS):
The Child Care Management program prepares students for leadership and administrative roles in early childhood programs. Coursework emphasizes program administration, staff supervision, regulatory compliance, budgeting, enrollment management, quality improvement, and professional ethics. Graduates are prepared to move into supervisory or management positions with additional experience.
Child Care Technician Staff
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