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Education Program

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Welcome to the Dona Ana Community College Education Program! 

We are proud to provide our students two associate degree programs, as well as an administrative certificate in early childhood education:

Associate Degree Programs:

Associate in Early Childhood Education
Associate in Education

Certificate Program:

Administrative Certificate in Early Childhood Education

Our associate degree programs are aligned with the bachelor's degree programs at New Mexico State University in order to allow for a smooth transition for students planning to become certified classroom teachers.

The Early Childhood Education associate degree program is designed to prepare students to become highly qualified teachers, assistant teachers, or family day care providers in professional child care for children ages birth through eight years. Students will gain a broad understanding of the specific needs of young children and develop strategies for meeting those needs. They may choose to continue their education at any four-year institution in New Mexico.

The DACC program includes the lower division courses required for entry into the Teacher Education Program (TEP), a baccalaureate program at New Mexico State University. Completion of this program does NOT guarantee admission into a Teacher Education Program at a four-year institution. Early in their second year of study at DACC, students should contact the four-year institution they have chosen to obtain application information.

Administrative Certificate for Early Childhood Educators:
The Administrative Certificate for Early Childhood Educators is designed for students who are or would like to work as administrators of early education programs.  Students completing this certificate are eligible to apply for an early childhood administrative specialist certificate with the New Mexico Office of Child Development.  In order to do so, students submit an application and their transcripts to the New Mexico Department of Child Development to receive a provisional administrative  specialist certificate.
The permanent certificate is granted upon completion of the associate degree program in Early Childhood Education.

This is a limited access program.  Contact the Education Program Director to register or for more information.

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The Education associate degree program at Dona Ana Community College is designed to prepare students for transfer into the Teacher Education Program (TEP), a baccalaureate program at New Mexico State University. Alternatively, students may opt to transfer to a similar program at another four-year institution. The DACC program includes the lower division courses required for entry into the TEP. Completion of this program does NOT guarantee admission into a Teacher Education Program at a four-year institution. Early in their second year of study at DACC, students should contact the four-year institution they have chosen to obtain application information.

It is recommended that students check the requirements for their planned bachelor’s degree. Requirements may differ for some bachelor’s degrees. See education advisor for course selection information.