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Early Childhood Education and Transfer Pathway

  • Starting Cost: $4,141*
  • Apply By: January 5, 2026
  • Classes Start: January 12, 2026
Apply Now
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Turn a passion for children into a career of care and developmental education for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Students learn skills in:

  • Child growth and development, language and literacy
  • Diverse children/family relations

Graduates can either go directly into the workforce or transfer to a partner Minnesota State university to earn a bachelor’s degree to obtain a Minnesota teaching license to teach pre-kindergarten through third grade.

* Tuition/fees and additional costs are approximate and based on 2025-26 school year.
  • 17 & 18 credit certificates
  • 60 credit degree
  • Online courses
  • Start in fall or spring
Apply Now
Request Info
Financial Aid

Program Delivery

  • Fully online
  • No set meeting time; students attend lectures and access class materials according to their schedules
  • Required internships
  • Fall and spring start

Program Cost*

Tuition/Fees

  • AS Degree: $13,601
  • Certificate: $3,846-
    $4,073

Additional Costs

  • Books: ~$250/semester
  • Background check: $45

Awards & Certificates

Early Childhood Education Transfer Pathway AS Early Childhood Education Certificate Early Childhood Special Education Certificate

Careers & Jobs

  • Early Childhood Educator: Pre-K-3
  • Childcare Director
  • Childcare Teacher
  • Preschool Teacher
  • Family Childcare Provider

Faculty

Cindy Salfer

Cindy Salfer

Early Childhood Education Instructor

Cindy Salfer
Call Email

Cindy Salfer

Early Childhood Education Instructor

Office: 250c – Hutchinson

Education history:

Bachelor of Science – Elementary Education, St. Cloud State University
Bachelor of Science – Special Education, St. Cloud State University
Master of Science – Education, Saint Mary’s University
Master of Science – Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Literacy, Minnesota State University – Moorhead (in progress)

Applicable career history:

I taught in the PreK – 12th grade school system for 12 years prior to teaching at Ridgewater.

Professional acknowledgments/honors:

Quality Matters Certified Course
Live United Award – West Central United Way
Golden Apple Awards

Year started teaching at Ridgewater:

1996

Tiffany Bredeson

Tiffany Bredeson

Education Instructor

Tiffany Bredeson

Tiffany Bredeson

Education Instructor
Call Email
Nancy Hafner

Nancy Hafner

Early Childhood Education Instructor

Nancy Hafner

Nancy Hafner

Early Childhood Education Instructor
Call Email

Related Programs

Agricultural Science and Technology

Agricultural Science and Technology

Elementary Education Foundations and Transfer Pathway

Elementary Education Foundations and Transfer Pathway

Special Education Transfer Pathway

Special Education Transfer Pathway

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Willmar Campus

2101 15th Ave NW
Willmar, MN 56201
320-222-5200
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Hutchinson Campus

2 Century Ave SE
Hutchinson, MN 55350
320-234-8500
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Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

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Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Ridgewater College is an equal opportunity employer and educator.

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