Early Childhood Development & Education
The need for highly qualified, well-educated early childhood professionals has never been greater!
Exciting news! New child care center coming to downtown campus
We're investing $3.5 million into construction of a new on-campus child care center designed to meet parent needs and train the next generation of skilled child care professionals in central Ohio. Opening is planned for the Autumn 2023 semester. Learn More
The Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) program at Columbus State prepares today's professionals to work with children and families in a variety of settings. Whether you want to earn your CDA in our Gold Standard Preparation Program, complete a Certificate to become a Center Administrator, earn an industry-recognized Associate Degree that will help you gain immediate employment, or you are interested in transferring to a four-year institution to earn a Pre-K through Grade 8 Teaching License, ECDE has convenient options that can meet your educational needs!
Our program provides a top-notch education that includes hands-on practicum experiences in high-quality early childhood classrooms, as well as various community settings, such as Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus Museum of Art and the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Students will also be given the option to complete a practicum at ECDE's Step Up to Quality 5-Star rated lab school, Wonder School, which is a collaboration with Columbus Museum of Art and The Childhood League. ECDE meets the needs of our diverse student population with day and evening classes; web, blended, face-to-face and live-on-line classes.
Scholarships are available to help students with expenses! Funding is available for many qualified students to earn their CDA tuition-free. The Virginia Carey Early Childhood Development Memorial Scholarship awards $750 scholarships directly to ECDE students each year. If you are working at least 30 hours per week at a childcare center or licensed in-home program, you might be eligible for a T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship. The Office of Financial Aid can give you more information and direct you to additional grant and scholarship opportunities.
Whether you are a recent high school graduate or career changer, a seasoned teacher looking to further your education, or a transient student from another college looking to take a couple classes, we welcome your interest in ECDE and we look forward to having you in class!
Programs and Certificates