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Associate in Early Childhood Education

Are you ready to start pursuing a career in early childhood education? The Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education program at IWU provides the perfect place to start your education and spark your career. With a comprehensive curriculum and expert faculty who share your Christian values, you can develop the skills to be an effective teacher and ethical role model for your students. Continue reading to learn more about the unique benefits of this program, the careers you can pursue after graduation, and why IWU should be your top choice for early childhood education.

Why Pursue My A.S. Early Childhood Education Online at IWU?

The format of this online associate degree in early childhood education allows adult learners and busy professionals to pursue their education without putting their current lives on hold. We’ll also lock in your tuition rate the moment you begin so you can be assured your tuition will stay the same throughout your program. From tech support to tutoring, we do everything we can to help you succeed throughout the program. Students also have opportunities to put their learning into practice with communities and families, giving them real-world experience to confidently start their careers. Plus, this program is designed to help students transition seamlessly into our B.S. in Early Childhood Education program. Our Christian faculty teach from the same biblical worldview valued on our campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling career in early childhood education.

What Will I Learn in this Online Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education Program?

The online associate degree in early childhood education covers a wide range of foundational topics that can help you prepare for new roles and higher-level degree programs. Courses cover topics in child growth and development, health, safety, and nutrition, and how to work with parents, families, and communities to achieve optimal outcomes for child learners. Skills learned in the program help students understand different models and approaches to teaching diverse audiences of learners. Students also learn from faculty with experience in early childhood education. Their real-world experience magnifies the impact of the curriculum as students complete their degree.

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

IWU has provided on-campus education for more than 100 years.

Rooted in Christ

Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.

Superior Support

Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!

Tuition & Aid

60 Credit Hours

...

$315/ Credit Hour

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement.

Financial Aid Tuition Info

Applicable fees for resources and services will be assessed throughout the program. Tuition and fees for prerequisites and required elective courses are in addition to the charges shown on the program cost sheet. Your tuition rate will remain the same as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program. Cost sheets may be requested from an enrollment counselor by calling 866.498.4968 or emailing iwuenroll@indwes.edu.
What You Will Study in This Early Childhood Education Program

Coursework for your associate degree in early childhood education covers how to:

  • Support developmentally appropriate and effective learning experiences for children in childcare, classroom, home, and other settings
  • Become proficient in a wide range of approaches, tools, resources, and strategies to help students learn
  • Understand and demonstrate knowledge of the dynamics of diverse families and communities
  • Apply the theory you learn in the program to early childhood education practice
  • Understand how to inject Christian principles into your passion for helping children learn

...
After Graduation
Potential Careers

  • Childcare Worker
  • Daycare Assistant
  • Family Support Specialist
  • Preschool Teacher Assistant
  • Home-Based Service Provider


Work in Various Industries

  • Industry

Program Requirements
  • Proof of standard high school diploma or GED certification.
  • Submit a signed FERPA Release Form.
  • Proof of up-to-date TB test.
  • A signed Field Placement Requirement Notification form
  • Applicants who do not hold a valid license in the field of education will be required to submit a criminal history background check conducted at the applicant's expense. Admission to and/or progression in designated programs will be based upon criteria set in the Criminal History Background Check Admissions Policy.
  • Original transcripts from all previous college or university study at a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
  • NOTE: Applicants should be aware that Indiana State Legislation has mandated that expanded background checks are required for those working with students in Indiana schools.
    • Applicants will also be required to adhere to any additional State Mandates required for educators.
    • Though candidates will be required to submit an initial background check and other documentation that is acceptable to the university as part of their application materials, those successful submissions, will only serve to gain admittance to that academic program.
    • All accepted candidates should understand, that at the candidate’s expense, additional background checks, proof of mandated training, and/or health-related documentation will most likely be required before participating in clinical experiences.
  • NOTE: Applicants need to be prepared to have vaccination records on hand, if requested by an outside facility, to prevent delay of any required Field Experiences. Since this is an “outside” of IWU request, it will be up to the student to be prepared.
  • Completion of 60 semester hours.
  • Completion of the core requirements with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • A minimum of "C" must be achieved in ECED 101, ECED 120, ECED 105, ECED 125, ECED 130 and ECED 135 or their equivalent courses.
  • Payment of all tuition and fees in order to receive a diploma.

The AS in Early Childhood Program is a lock-step program. Students who are unable to complete an ECED course or who receive an unsatisfactory grade for their specific program will be allowed to repeat that course with another group of students if arrangements are made with the Registration Change Counselor and theSchool of Integrated Learning and Development. Tuition and fees will be charged for repeating the course.

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Accreditation

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.

Take the Next Step

Ready to jumpstart your career? Apply now! Or, if you have any questions about the program, contact us via the Request Info button.

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