Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Development and Education
January 11, 2027
Overview
The Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Development and Education provides a strong foundation for a rewarding career, equipping you to work with children and families in various settings. Our completely online program is designed to meet the needs of diverse students. Whether you’re looking to start a new career path or take the next step in advancing your existing career in early childhood education, this program is designed to support your goals.rnrnu003cstrongu003eCDA Credential Benefit:u003c/strongu003ernrnAn active Child Development Associate (CDA) credential counts as 13 credit hours toward the Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Development and Education, helping you save on tuition and complete your degree faster. This puts you on an accelerated path to advancing your career in early childhood education.rnrnu003cstrongu003eFor our military-affiliated learners:u003c/strongu003ernrnOhio State is dedicated to supporting our military community. Registered Virtual Lab School users who have completed all 15 foundational courses within the Infant Toddler, Preschool, or School-Age track, can use 13 credit hours from the Virtual Lab School towards the online degree in early childhood education, as well as any scholarships or aid available from the U.S. Department of Defense or Ohio State’s military affairs to assist in covering the cost of tuition.
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u0022The wide variety of challenging classes has given me the confidence and training I need to be successful in the workplace.u0022
Mikayla Garrison Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Development Graduate -
u0022I would tell someone if you're passionate about it , this is definitely the way to go. On its own it's a great way to start your professional career in teaching , but if you want to build upon it and pursue your education, that's another opportunity as well.u0022
Rabia Khan Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Development Graduate
Frequently Asked Questions
Please find key information about the Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Development program below.
There is no in-person class requirements for the Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Development and Education, this program is 100% online.
Yes, this program’s curriculum aligns with Ohio State’s bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Sciences as well as Primary Education.
The program is structured to be completed in a little over 2 years if taking classes full-time. However, this program is flexible and allows for part-time which would take longer to complete. Speak with an enrollment advisor to discuss a timeline that works best for your schedule and lifestyle.
Official Recognition
Recognition from our partners.
National Veterans Leadership Foundation Alliance Partner
The NVLF partners with universities to enhance experiences and outcomes for veteran and military-connected students.
Collegiate Purple Star Award
The Collegiate Purple Star recognizes those public and independent colleges and universities in Ohio that are supportive and inclusive of military-connected students.
Pat Tillman Foundation Partner
The Pat Tillman Foundation identifies remarkable military service members, veterans and spouses, empowering them with academic scholarships, lifelong leadership development opportunities and a diverse, global community of high-performing mentors and peers.
Related Content
Related Content
Early Childhood Education Online: Rabia’s Journey with Ohio State
Hear from a graduate of the Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Development and Education and discover how our flexible online degree can help you build a rewarding career.
Use your CDA for credit towards an early childhood education degree
Discover how to apply your child development associate (CDA) credential to your future online degree.
Supporting military-affiliated students in early childhood education
Find out the benefits that military affiliated students have access to, such as the VLS and tuition assistance, while pursuing a degree in early childhood education.
Academic Calendar
The Online Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education program offers the flexibility of enrolling in three terms each year: spring, summer, and autumn. This schedule allows students to progress through their studies at a pace that suits their personal and professional commitments.
Academic Calendar
The Online Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education program offers the flexibility of enrolling in three terms each year: spring, summer, and autumn. This schedule allows students to progress through their studies at a pace that suits their personal and professional commitments.
Spring 2027
u003cstrongu003eApplication Deadlineu003c/strongu003ernrnrnu003cstrongu003eTerm Start Dateu003c/strongu003ernJanuary 11, 2027
Summer 2027
u003cstrongu003eApplication Deadlineu003c/strongu003ernrnrnu003cstrongu003eTerm Start Daternu003c/strongu003eMay 10, 2027
Autumn 2027
u003cstrongu003eApplication Opensu003c/strongu003ernAugust 3, 2026rnrnu003cstrongu003eApplication Deadlineu003c/strongu003ernrnrnu003cstrongu003eTerm Start Dateu003c/strongu003ernAugust 24, 2027
Admission Criteria
To apply for the Associate of Early Childhood Development and Education program, students must meet the following requirements:rnu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eHigh school diploma or equivalent.u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eMust reside in the United States. International applications are not accepted.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernThis program is ideal for individuals with prior college experience, but all applications will be reviewed holistically.
Application Requirements
If you earned your GED we will need official scores to evaluate as part of your application. The best way to order those is to visit this site and request your scores.
To complete your application, you should request that all colleges or universities you’ve attended send your official transcript to Ohio State. Include a transcript of any college courses taken in high school. Note: You do not need to provide a transcript for course work completed at Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
- Request that your transcript be sent electronically, if available, to avoid processing delays.
- If ordering a transcript online, select The Ohio State University as a recipient. In the absence of a list of universities to select from, have your school email your encrypted transcript directly to ugdocs@osu.edu.
- If your school does not offer electronic delivery, please have your transcript(s) mailed to:
The Ohio State University
Undergraduate Admissions
PO Box 182646
Columbus, OH 43218-2646.
What is not accepted:
- Advising reports
- Unofficial transcripts or scans labeled “UNOFFICIAL”
- Documents with a URL across the top
- Transcripts missing the institution’s name, seal, stamp, or GPA
Transcripts should not be delivered by the student or sent to other addresses on campus. Doing so will prevent acceptance of the transcript as official.
Application Instructions
Follow the steps below to start your application as a first-time freshman.
1. Start here, create an account using the link at the bottom of the form.
2. Select Application: “Freshman Domestic Online Only Application“.
3. Select the Academic Program: “Early Childhood Development and Education”.
4. Select the term that you want to start the program.
5. Click Start Application.
6. Under Available Sub-Plans/Specializations, leave blank.
7. Complete the application
8. Pay $60 non-refundable application fee to submit.
Follow the steps below to start your application if you have earned college credit since high school.
1. Start here create an account using the link at the bottom of the form.
2. Select Application: “Transfer Domestic Online Only Application“.
3. Select the Academic Program: “Early Childhood Development and Education”.
4. Select the term that you want to start the program.
5. Click Start Application.
6. Under Available Sub-Plans/Specializations, leave blank.
7. Complete the application.
8. Pay $60 non-refundable application fee to submit.
u003cstrongu003eOnce admitted:u003c/strongu003e You must accept your offer within three weeks of receiving your admission notice. To secure your spot, you’ll need to pay a $100 nonrefundable acceptance fee. Your notice of admission will be emailed to you as soon as you’re admitted and will include instructions on how to accept or decline the offer. You can also pay the acceptance fee through your u003ca href=u0022http://appstatus.osu.edu/u0022u003eApplicant Centeru003c/au003e. As a condition of enrollment, all admitted applicants are required to answer a u003ca href=u0022http://go.osu.edu/community-reviewu0022u003eu003cuu003equestion regarding disciplinary and felony historyu003c/uu003eu003c/au003e prior to paying the acceptance fee.
Have questions on the application process?
Your enrollment advisor is here to help each step of the way.
Is this program available in my state?
Select your state from the map below to view program availability.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
Career Outlook
The Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education program prepares students to work with children ages 0-5 in childcare centers, preschools, and pre-K programs. Graduates can pursue roles such as early childhood educators, preschool teachers, teacher assistants, or childcare workers, helping to foster children’s cognitive and social development. The program also serves as a solid foundation for those interested in continuing their education, such as obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
Work Activities
Develop or implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities. Communicate nonverbally with children to provide them with comfort, encouragement, or positive reinforcement. Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, or administrative regulations.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $45,620
- Mid Level: $64,830
- Senior Level: $130,040
Related Careers
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
- Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Psychology
What They Do
Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.
Work Activities
Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips. Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers. Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $27,150
- Mid Level: $36,780
- Senior Level: $50,040
Related Careers
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Teaching Assistants, Special Education
- Tutors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
What They Do
Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic, social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.
Work Activities
Provide assistance to students with special needs. Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement. Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $27,150
- Mid Level: $36,780
- Senior Level: $50,040
Related Careers
- Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Psychology
What They Do
Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.
Work Activities
Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills. Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order. Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $28,990
- Mid Level: $38,140
- Senior Level: $61,390
Related Careers
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Job Sectors
- Education and Training
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care.
Work Activities
Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate primary and supplemental staff and recommend personnel actions for programs and services. Confer with parents and staff to discuss educational activities and policies and students' behavioral or learning problems. Teach classes or courses or provide direct care to children.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $38,580
- Mid Level: $59,300
- Senior Level: $98,240
Projected Growth
-2.5%
Related Careers
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Job Sectors
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
What They Do
Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.
Work Activities
Maintain a safe play environment. Observe and monitor children's play activities. Communicate with children's parents or guardians about daily activities, behaviors, and related issues.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $24,260
- Mid Level: $34,980
- Senior Level: $46,010
Projected Growth
-2.9%
Related Careers
- Home Health Aides
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
- Nannies
- Personal Care Aides
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Psychology
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
Graduates of the Associate of Early Childhood Education and Development program will be equipped to identify typical and atypical child development and apply the latest research on physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development to early childhood education.
General Educational Requirements (33 Hours)
English 1110.01 or 1110.02 or 1110.03
Human Nutrition 2410 (4 Hours)
Human Nutrition Lab (3 Hours)
PSYCH 1100
Choose from the following General Education options to reach 33 hours:
Natural Science – up to one additional course (3-5 hours)
Social Science – up to one additional course (3 hours) (HDFS 2350 recommended)
Embedded Literacy Writing Course (3 hours) (HDFS 2367 recommended)
Embedded Literacy Data Analysis Course (3 hours)
Foreign Language – up to 12 hours
Theme Coursework – up to 12 hours
Core Requirements (28 Hours)
This course deals with the major theories of human development, motivation and learning. Planning of instruction, teaching strategies, assessment and classroom management are examined. Authentic pedagogical practices are used to gain an understanding of the teaching and learning process.
Dynamics of family interaction over the life cycle; emphasis on developmental, social, and cultural influences on the family experience.
Study of the nature, nurture, and development of children from conception through the childhood years.
This ECDE course focuses on theories of language development, the sequence of speech and language development and differentiating between normal and atypical speech. Emphasis will also be placed on the teacher’s role in facilitating communication and literacy skills, on planning and implementing appropriate language and literacy activities, and on selecting & using literature to enhance language.
This course is an overview of care giving for infants and toddlers in group settings. Developmentally appropriate programming for infants and toddlers is emphasized across developmental areas through routines, environment, and experiences with a focus on language and brain development. The role of staff and parent relationships is explored as is state rules for licensed child care centers.
Field Work for students who are interested in working with children.
Examines strategies to help promote adaptive behavior in home, school, and community contexts. Students will learn strategies for managing and preventing behavioral problems and develop an understanding of behavior management practices.
Job Search strategies for students including: Self-assessment, goal setting, job research, communication and correspondence, resumes, interviewing, portfolios
A study of student health problems; designed to foster understandings and attitudes needed for intelligent decision-making related to present and future health needs.
This course introduces students to basic definitions, theories, and practical examples of using creativity, imagination, and the arts as means for educating young children within and outside of traditional early childhood educational settings.
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
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Program Faculty
Ohio State’s Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education program boasts a dedicated and experienced faculty committed to fostering the next generation of educators. Our faculty members bring a wealth of knowledge from diverse academic backgrounds and practical experiences, including advanced degrees in human development, family science, and education. They are deeply invested in the study and research of child development, family dynamics, and early childhood education practices. With their extensive expertise, students receive a comprehensive education that combines theoretical foundations with practical application, ensuring they are well-prepared to excel in the field of early childhood education.
Faculty
Sarah Lang, Ph.D.
Assoc Dir-DoD CDVLS Research, Department of Human Sciences
Kelly Purtell
Assistant Professor, Department of Human Sciences
Arya Ansari
Assistant Professor, Department of Human Sciences
Cynthia Buettner
Ph.D. Professor, Department of Human SciencesTestimonials
From gaining the confidence and training needed to excel in the workplace to discovering a passion for early childhood development that leads to further academic pursuits, our student’s stories highlight the program’s impact. Graduates of the Associate in Early Childhood Education program praise the challenging yet supportive curriculum and the opportunities it provides for both professional and personal growth. These firsthand accounts reflect how the program sets the stage for success in early childhood education and beyond.
u0022The wide variety of challenging classes has given me the confidence and training I need to be successful in the workplace.u0022
u0022Once I started honestly I loved it so much that now I've started my Bachelors in Human Development and Family Sciencesu0022
u003cemu003eTuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester. u003c/emu003e
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