Early Childhood Development & Education

The need for highly qualified, well-educated early childhood professionals has never been greater!

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 Associates Degree that will help you gain immediate employment, or you are interested in transferring to a four-year institution to earn a Kindergarten through Grade 5 Teaching License, ECDE has convenient options that can meet your educational needs!

Our NAEYC-accredited 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 COSI, the Columbus Zoo, 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, and face-to-face classes; and program options available at our Columbus and Delaware campuses.

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!