military benefitsearly childhood education
diploma
next program start date
january 04, 2021
finish in as few as
15 months1
learning includes
- online
- campus support and resources
- field experience
- flex choice®
as an early childhood educator, you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of young children. a diploma in early childhood education (ece) can help you lay the foundation for a career as an educator working with young children in as few as 15 months.1 obtain the skills and techniques you need to successfully promote a positive environment for children and their families with our foundational early childhood education diploma courses and curriculum. our ece programs do not prepare students for licensed teaching positions in any public school setting, but students will have the opportunity to help shape the futures of young children from birth to age eight in a child care and non-public school setting or leadership role. you may have the option to choose between the field experience or exploration track (based on the state in which you live) to gain practical experience. the ece diploma is available with flex choice®, which allows you to combine traditional online coursework and self-directed assessments—a more affordable way to receive credit for what you already know.
you can choose one of two specializations—special needs and child development—to enhance your skills in a particular area of interest. the special needs specialization teaches how to create an inclusive environment for exceptional learners, prepare children for future learning and bring together fellow caregivers, educators and family members critical to supporting the child. specializing in child development can help you develop an understanding of developmentally appropriate practice, positive guidance and assessment of young children and the importance of partnering with parents.
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what will i be prepared to do when i’m done?
academically prepared for the cda
this program's ece courses are aligned to the standards of the child development associate (cda) credential. students will be academically prepared to apply for the cda credential.
advance your education
rasmussen college’s ladder curriculum allows you to easily transfer your credits toward an associate’s degree in early childhood education. upon receiving your associate's degree, you can transfer those credits toward an ece bachelor’s degree.
pursue potential job growth
according to the bureau of labor statistics (bls), the yearly projected job growth potential between 2018 and 2028 for childcare workers is 2%.2 enhanced skills and knowledge from rasmussen college can help set you up for success in this growing field.
take the next step—talk to us!
what skills will i gain?
child development foundations
utilize your knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice as it relates to child development, individual needs and using interpersonal skills and communication within the early childhood education setting or center.
promote safe educational environments
implement strategies for health policies, controlling disease, establishing proper nutrition and responding to children's special health concerns.
techniques for exceptional children
special needs specialization
create an inclusive environment for exceptional learners, including children with diagnosed and undiagnosed special needs and english language learners, and bring together fellow caregivers, educators and family members critical to supporting the child.
active parent education and support
child development specialization
use your knowledge and skills to help families manage resources through various problem-solving methods.
what types of classes will i take?
- eec 2401
- online
- 4 credits
- special needs specialization
- eec 2271
- online
- 4 credits
- child development specialization
- eec 2213
- online
- 4 credits
dynamics of the family
focuses on the dynamics of the family and the family’s influence on the growth and development of children. the history of family systems, child rearing and parenting styles will be discussed. explores the issues that families of today face.
curriculum and instruction for children with special needs
explores how to adapt developmentally appropriate curriculum to support the development of children with special needs. studies strategies for effective partnering with other professionals and parents to ensure the achievement of developmental goals.
language and literacy acquisition
examines how infant, toddler, preschool and school-aged english language learners acquire language and literacy. studies early childhood programs that support children’s home languages and explores how to create an environment that sustains english language learners.
18 courses to complete
70 credit hours
estimate your tuition
rasmussen college is committed to making education more affordable for all students. our tuition estimating tool can help you visualize the cost of your degree and see what savings opportunities are available to help you achieve it.
what should i know before i enroll?
entrance requirements
there's no application fee and you can get started sooner with 8 start dates throughout the year.
entrance requirements at the rasmussen college school of education vary depending on the program. we do not require enrolling students to submit standardized test scores; however, every entrant must have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent.
transfer student
we believe in giving credit where it’s due. prospective students who hold a current cda credential may be eligible to waive or transfer up to 12 credits into this early childhood education program. talk to an admissions advisor today or explore our transfer policy page to review our seamless credit policies designed to maximize credits, potentially save money and expedite graduation.
help paying for college
higher education should be a manageable investment. talk to an admissions advisor and learn how these programs can make it more affordable with flex choice® learning options, loans and grants, scholarship opportunities and corporate and military discounts.
where can i find an online early childhood education program near me?
at rasmussen college, we want our courses to be available on your schedule, not the other way around. select programs are available for enrollment through a specific campus and nationally online, but students complete the courses online and are able to utilize online and on-campus support and resources. see below to find out where you can find an online early childhood education program near you.
- online
-
florida
florida campuses
this is an online program, but students can enroll at one of these campuses.
new port richey/west pasco campus
8661 citizens drive
suite 300
new port richey, fl 34654 -
illinois*
illinois campuses
*this program is offered online in illinois.
-
kansas
kansas campuses
this is an online program, but students can enroll at one of these campuses.
kansas city/overland park campus
11600 college boulevard
suite 100
overland park, ks 66210 -
minnesota
minnesota campuses
this is an online program, but students can enroll at one of these campuses.
- north dakota
-
wisconsin
wisconsin campuses
this is an online program, but students can enroll at one of these campuses.
- completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.
- bureau of labor statistics, u.s. department of labor, occupational outlook handbook, [career information accessed may 1, 2020] www.bls.gov/ooh/. employment conditions in your area may vary.