Moraine Park Technical College’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) program has officially become the College’s first Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) associate degree. This means 100% of the textbooks students need throughout the program are open educational resources—free and available from day one.
This initiative represents nearly $2,000 in savings over the course of the program.
Moraine Park’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) technical diploma was the first program to transition to ZTC in 2024. Expanding these efforts to ECE highlights the College’s commitment to educational equity and affordability.
“Transitioning any program to Zero Textbook Cost is a significant step toward increasing educational access and equity,” Andy Baus, associate dean of health and human services at Moraine Park, said. “Students no longer have to worry about shipping delays, backorders or buying the wrong book. They have immediate, reliable access to course content from day one. This can have a positive impact on retention, engagement and overall success.”
ECE was a strategic choice for ZTC implementation. These programs often enroll working adults and caregivers, and reducing textbook costs can have a direct impact on student success and retention.
“By removing financial barriers through ZTC, Moraine Park can better support students in completing their credentials and entering the workforce more quickly,” Baus said. “This not only helps stabilize the supply of qualified educators but also ensures that children and families across Wisconsin have access to high-quality early learning environments.”
The ECE ZTC program is more than a cost-saving measure—it’s an investment in students, the workforce and the future of Wisconsin’s children.
Learn more about Moraine Park’s Early Childhood Education program.