Early Childhood Development and Education, Associate of Arts

Develop your skills to work with children from birth to 5 years of age in public and private childcare and preschool settings. This fully online associate’s degree will launch your career as an educator who understands the many factors that influence the development of the whole child, including biology, family and community. This program is not available to those who already have a bachelor’s degree. 

What you’ll learn

1. Identify typical and atypical child development 
2. Understand and apply the latest research on physical, cognitive, and social and emotional development to early childhood education 
3. Partner with parents and families to promote children’s positive development 
4. Use evidence-based techniques to support constructive behaviors, promote development and encourage positive relationships 
5. Examine and create developmentally appropriate activities and experiences for young children 
6. Comply with a variety of educational regulations, policies and guidelines 
7. Promote child health, safety and nutrition 

Career Paths 

Graduates are prepared for careers as teachers and teaching assistants in early childhood education centers, preschools and other childcare settings.

For our military-affiliated learners

Ohio 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.

Degree Requirements

Licensure disclosure

The Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Development and Education online degree program is approved in Ohio, leads to Associate Licensure in Pre-Kindergarten Education, and prepares students to teach in community, public or private childcare centers or pre-schools as well as pre-k programs within a school district in Ohio. If you are planning to seek a professional license or certification in a state other than Ohio, additional curriculum may be required to meet state Board of Education requirements. For state Board of Education contact information and disclosures, please visit online.osu.edu/state-authorization/disclosures.