Early Childhood Education : Online
BSED
Why study Early Childhood 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" (naeyc.org/). This bachelor degree program in early childhood education prepares professionals who can provide high-quality educational experiences for their community’s youngest children.
This Early Childhood Education Birth to Age 5 program is designed to build on associate degree competencies to enhance professionals’ ability to design and implement developmentally appropriate learning environments for children ages birth-five years. Students are usually practitioners working in preschools and other child-care and educational settings.
Graduates will be able to facilitate positive transitions of children with disabilities and special needs, to nurture early language development and early reading and writing and other growth in other domains, to build early resiliency and self-regulation and to develop as early childhood stakeholder leaders.
Admission Requirements
Freshmen applicants, please visit the Admission Requirements page for more information.
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
- MRDD consultant trainer
- Program administrator in an early childhood setting
This educational opportunity is only available online. The Early Childhood Learning Community (ECLC) supports over 600 students from every U.S. state and several foreign countries.
ECLC 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 ECLC as a model for effective online practices. In addition, several articles have been 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 and extends beyond graduation in some cases. After a student decides to enroll, an orientation specialist leads each student through a program orientation and a technology orientation, so students learn Blackboard before they begin online courses. Each student is also assigned an advisor who is available via e-mail and phone for admission and registration advice and consultation.
Students are required to meet the program’s transfer criteria for admittance into the bachelor’s degree: a minimum GPA of 2.5 at the associate degree level. Students not meeting that requirement may request admittance into the associate degree program until the required transfer GPA is reached.
ECLC’s website may be accessed at cech.uc.edu/programs/eclc/ for additional information on deadlines, registration and a complete list of articulation agreements.
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 2.8 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.
- File formal application for the degree by the posted semester of graduation deadline.
All transfer students must have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) for all college work attempted.
Students changing majors from other programs or colleges within UC will be considered based on the same criteria as outside transfers.
International students should contact the University of Cincinnati's Office of Admission at 513-556-1100 for details.
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
The early childhood education birth-5 program is also accredited by the following:
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Ohio Department of Education
Contact Information
Find related programs in the following interest areas:
Program Code: 18BAC-ECEB5-BSED-.ECEB5-DL