Note: CACE internship students will be required to pay a $20.00 fee at the time they complete the background study.

The CACE Program prepares students for employment in a variety of human service positions by providing courses in human development, managing behavior, inclusive learning environments, planning curriculum, implementing strategies for learning, and practical experience that is gained through internships and classroom activities.

The completion of credit courses offers several options for fulfilling training and in-service requirements for assistant teachers, teachers, directors, paraprofessionals, family child care providers, and other interested individuals.  After a student completes their AAS or AS degree they have the option to continue their education at Southwest Minnesota State University to obtain a 4 year degree in teaching birth thru 3rd grade.  The courses are offered here at SCTCC via ITV and on-line. For more information, visit SMSU's Distance Learning page.  The program courses are in agreement with the Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing guidelines for child care providers.

Career opportunities for the Child and Adult Care and Education graduates may be found in early childhood centers, licensed family child care, before and after school programs, Head Start programs, facilities for people with disabilities, group homes, long-term care facilities and for students who are interested in starting their own business as child care providers.

Career opportunities for Paraprofessional Education graduates may be found in Special Education, Title 1, Bilingual Programs, Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), elementary and secondary schools, group homes and residential treatment centers.

Process

Additional Program Information is available from this webpage on the left-hand side including the Admissions Process for the programs, Program Faculty Information, and other important program related information.  Please review all of the program information on the Program Admissions link.  Use the CACE Checklists to understand Prerequisites and Co-Requisites.  This is a professional education program and you will be expected to display personal responsibility and understanding of the requirements of the program and profession.  If you still have additional questions, please attend an information meeting and learn more about applying to the program and what types of jobs this education can lead towards.

Informational Meeting

All students interested in the Child and Adult Care Education Program should sign up for an informational meeting. The meeting is held once a month and offers those interested in the program a chance to meet faculty, tour our Education Programs Classrooms and receive all the information needed to be considered for the program. This is also where the program application will be handed out. This application is in addition to the college application.  To view and sign up to attend an upcoming meeting, please view our informational meetings calendar here.