Early Childhood Development & Education

 

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

Across the country, researchers, investors, and policy makers are taking a serious interest in early childhood education. According to President Barack Obama, “Every dollar we invest in high-quality early education can save more than seven dollars later on -- boosting graduation rates, reducing teen pregnancy, reducing violent crime. Let’s make sure none of our kids start out the race of life already a step behind.  Let’s make it a national priority to give every child access to a high-quality early education.  Let’s give our kids that chance.”

The Early Childhood Development and Education program at Columbus State prepares today’s professionals to work with children and families in a variety of settings. Our NAEYC Accredited program provides a top-notch education that includes hands-on practicum experiences in high-quality early childhood centers as well as various community settings, such as COSI, the Columbus Zoo, and the Columbus Museum of Art. ECDE meets the needs of our diverse student population with day and evening classes; web, blended, and face-to-face classes; and classes available at our Columbus or Delaware campus.  For students interested in transferring to a four-year institution to earn a Kindergarten through Grade 3 Teaching License, we have several established articulation agreements.

Scholarships are available to help students with expenses. The Virginia Carey Early Childhood Development Memorial Scholarship awards $750 scholarships directly to ECDE students each year (see Financial Aid for more details). If you are working at least 30 hours per week at a childcare center or licensed in-home program, you are likely eligible for a T.E.A.C.H Scholarship. The Office of Financial Aid can direct you to more grant and scholarship opportunities.

Whether you are a recent high school graduate, 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!