Early Childhood Education, A.A.S & Certificate

A.A.S. / Certificate

Program Information

Career Community: Education
Degree Type: A.A.S. / Certificate
Program Location: Main Campus & MHEC

What is an A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education?

EXPECTED HOURS FOR A.A.S. CERTIFICATION DEGREE: 61

An Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Early Childhood Education is a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredited two-year-degree program that guides students who plan to work with children ages birth to third grade, in or out of the classroom, and their families. This degree articulates with area colleges and universities for students who desire to seek a bachelor’s degree or higher.

*This degree offers flexible course options, with classes available in Cleveland, Athens, and online.

What is an Early Childhood Technical Certificate?

The Early Childhood Technical Certificate is embedded in the A.A.S. degree and enables the student to obtain developmentally appropriate educational coursework that prepares them to work successfully with young children.

*This degree is available at the Cleveland and MHEC campuses.

Accreditation

The Early Childhood Education A.A.S. degree program at Cleveland State Community College is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

The current accreditation term runs from March 2022 through March 2028.

NAEYC
1401 H St. NW Suite 600
Washington DC 20005

Mission Statement

The Early Childhood Education Program at Cleveland State Community College is committed to providing a quality education. This program, based on developmentally and culturally appropriate practices as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), prepares students to work with young children birth to age eight and their families.

Early Childhood Education A.A.S. Program Outcomes

The Early Childhood Education Program supports the professional development of students through a comprehensive curriculum offering the student both theoretical understanding and practical experiences concerning young children and families. Program outcomes for the A.A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education are based on the Professional Standards and Competencies of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Promoting child development and learning
Building family/teacher and community connections
Observing, documenting, and assessing to support young children and families

Using developmentally appropriate practices
Using content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum
Becoming a professional

What Are My Options to Pay for This Degree?

Apply for financial aid at www.FAFSA.gov. A student is encouraged to apply early for financial aid and must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the FAFSA Renewal Application as soon as possible after October 1 to ensure that the Financial Aid Office receives the Institutional Student Information Record and other documents prior to the priority deadline. July 1st is the priority deadline for applying for the fall semester and December 1st for the spring semester. For additional resources, check out the current scholarships offered through the Cleveland State Community College Foundation.