Early Childhood Care and Education : Online
AAS
Why study Early Childhood Care and Education : Online?
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), "The demand for early childhood care and education programs continues to increase, not only in response to the growing demand for out-of-home child care, but also in recognition of the critical importance of educational experiences during the early years." This associate degree program in early childhood education prepares professionals who can provide high-quality educational experiences for their community’s youngest children. Students are usually practitioners working in preschools and other child-care and educational settings.
Graduates will be able to implement developmentally appropriate integrated activities and materials across the domains, including visual arts, music, movement, science and math, and early language development. The program also emphasizes working with young children and their families from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Admission Requirements
This program is open to all students with a high school diploma or GED and the desire to succeed in college. Students accepted into the program must meet the academic standards of the program to advance to upper levels of study.
** All students in the Early Childhood Care & Education Associate program will receive a scholarship in the amount of 24% off instructional fees only.**
Students who are successful demonstrate a passion for the field of early childhood education and a desire to master new challenges. Students must pass a background check, if not already required by their employer. Early childhood professionals must respect diverse children and families and be able to communicate effectively with children, parents, co-workers and supervisors. Computer skills are essential.
Graduates of this major pursue careers such as:
- Head start teacher
- Preschool teacher
- Infant/toddler specialist
- Program administrator in an early childhood setting
There is no minor in this program.
This educational opportunity is only available online. The Early Childhood Education Online (ECE Online) program supports over 600 students from every U.S. state and several foreign countries.
ECE Online has become a worldwide model for online education in the field of early childhood; conferences sponsored by national organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) have featured ECE Online as a model for effective online practices. In addition, several articles have been written and published about the student support system and the student teaching experience.
The online nature of this program has required an individualized approach to student support. Each student receives toll-free phone assistance prior to enrollment. Each student is assigned an advisor who is available via e-mail and phone for admission and registration advice and consultation.
Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) Kappa Delta Pi is a prestigious international honor society that recognizes scholarship and excellence in the field of education. Members must have a college GPA of at least 3.0 for undergraduate students or 3.25 for graduate students. KDP members work on several volunteer activities that focus on education. Some of the benefits of being a member of KDP include annual scholarships, professional development, a nationwide job database and access to the ideas, research, insights and expertise of internationally renowned educators.
Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) SCEC is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities and gifted children, as well as those typically developing. If you are committed to children, focused on becoming the best educator and want to meet new people, then SCEC is for you! Membership dues permit you to receive professional development opportunities, journals and newsletters with new research and classroom practices and the opportunity to attend conventions and conferences.
In order to graduate from the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, a student must:
- Complete all required course work and program requirements.
- Obtain at least a 2.0 university grade point average.
- Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension.
- Meet the college's residency requirement of 30 semester credit hours.
- Submit formal application for the degree by the posted semester of graduation deadline.
All transfer students must have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.
Students changing majors from other programs or colleges within UC will be considered based on the admission criteria for transfer students. Please contact an academic advisor for details.
International students should contact the University's Office of Admission for details. 513-556-1100
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester
Freshmen:
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1*
- Confirmation Deadline: May 1
* Your application must be complete by this date in order to be considered for scholarships and the Honors Program.
Transfers:
- Application Deadline: July 1
- Confirmation Deadline: Aug. 1
Spring Semester
Freshmen and Transfers:
- Application Deadline: Nov. 1
- Confirmation Deadline: Dec. 1
Summer Semester
Freshmen and Transfers:
- Application Deadline: March 1
- Confirmation Deadline: April 1
In addtion, the early childhood education program is accredited by the following:
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- Ohio Department of Education
Contact Information
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Program Code: 18ASC-ECLC-AAS-.ECLC-DL