Early Childhood Education Technology
Associate of Applied Science
Overview
The early childhood education technology associate degree at COTC prepares you for a career as a professional lead and assistant teacher of children from birth (infant/toddler) through preschool ages (3-5 years) and as an assistant teacher in the public school setting. You’ll also be ready to continue your education if you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
By completing this degree, you:
- expand your potential job opportunities in early childhood education
- gain experience with education in reading, STEM subjects, creative arts and more
- build a strong foundation for academic progression in education
One of the most rewarding parts of a career in education comes from the success your students achieve and knowing that you played a role in that success.
License/Credentialing Eligibility
- Obtain contact hours to apply for a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
- Obtain Pre-Kindergarten Associate licensure through the Ohio Department of Education (ODE).
- Obtain recertification for ODE licensure.
Future Start Dates
Admission Requirements
This is an open enrollment program. To be admitted, you must submit a free application for admission and complete the standard steps to enroll. In addition, you must complete a background check and additional program requirements during your first semester.
Program Requirements
Early Childhood Education Program Requirements
You will be in direct contact with children through practicums, field experiences or observation assignments. COTC is committed to providing a safe environment for children and families who may work directly with students from the program. You must submit the program requirements by the end of the first semester to continue in the early childhood education program, with the exception of the BCI/FBI background checks (due the fifth day of the semester).
Early Childhood Education Application Packet
- An official copy of high school diploma, an official current or final high school transcript indicating date of graduation (if applicable), a copy of GED certification, or verification of completion of high school
- Three completed reference forms from a nonrelative who can address your character in working with families and children (must be submitted on the reference forms provided in the application packet)
- A completed Employee Medical Statement (physical form)
- Physical must be current within the past year and submitted on the form provided in the application packet
- A signed Statement of Non-conviction (provided in the application packet) attesting that you have not been convicted of or plead guilty to any of the listed prohibited offenses
- Note: Applicants who have a prior felony conviction are prohibited from admission into the early childhood education program
- A signed confidentiality statement
- A clear BCI and FBI criminal background check completed within six months prior to the start of the semester (available through the Department of Public Safety)
- Background checks must be received by the fifth day of the semester.
Credit for What You Know
COTC recognizes that college-level learning can happen outside of a college classroom. We value your life experience by turning it into college credit that can be applied toward a certificate or degree.
If you have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, you may be eligible to receive college credit.
Plan of Study
Associate Degree
Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education Technology
All courses require a “C” (2.00) grade or better to progress and graduate from this program.
Total hours required: 62
| Autumn Semester | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Introduction to Education* |
3 |
|
|
Observation and Assessment Practices (Second Term Course)* |
2 |
|
|
Trauma Informed Care in ECE (1st term) |
1 |
|
|
Fundamentals of Reading & Writing |
2 |
|
|
Family, School and Community |
3 |
|
|
Composition I* |
3 |
|
|
Introduction to Statistics or College Algebra or Quantitative Reasoning* |
3 |
|
|
Total |
17 |
|
| Spring Semester | ||
|
Child Development |
3 |
|
|
Guidance & Group Management (First Term Course)* |
3 |
|
|
Integrated Curriculum (First Term Course)* |
3 |
|
|
Children’s Literature (Second Term Course)* |
2 |
|
|
Engaging Children in Projects (Second Term Course)* |
2 |
|
|
Infant and Toddler Practicum* |
2 |
|
|
Small Group Communication |
3 |
|
|
Total |
18 |
|
| Autumn Semester | ||
|
Health and Safety in ECE |
3 |
|
|
Educational Psychology |
3 |
|
|
Math & Science for ECE (First Term Course with Practicum Hours)* |
2 |
|
|
Creative Arts Across the Curriculum (Second Term Course with Practicum Hours)* |
2 |
|
|
ECE Field Experience* |
2 |
|
|
Introduction to Ethics* |
3 |
|
|
Total |
15 |
|
| Spring Semester | ||
|
Issues in Education (First Term Course)* |
1 |
|
|
Professionalism in ECE (Second Term Course)* |
1 |
|
|
Exceptional Individuals* |
3 |
|
|
Administration in ECE Programs* |
2 |
|
|
|
Technical Elective* |
3 |
|
Human Nutrition |
2 |
|
|
Total |
12 |
|
|
Technical Elective |
||
| NOTE: ECE-290 weekly contact hours will be 14. ECE-290 is required for ODE Pre-Kindergarten Associate Licensure Application Process. | ||
|
Special Topics in ECE |
3 |
|
|
Student Teaching Field Experience* |
3 |
|
*Course may have prerequisites. Please check the course description to view all prerequisites and requirements.
The college reserves the right to change curricula without notice.
Published: March 2024
Program Accreditation
The AAS in Early Childhood Education Technology program at Central Ohio Technical College is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The current accreditation term runs from July 2024 through December 2026.
Program Outcome Data
Number of Program Completers
| Year | Program Completers | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18AU-19AU | 10 | 30% | 70% |
| 19AU-20AU | 5 | 40% | 60% |
| 20AU-21AU | 8 | 13% | 88%* |
| 21AU-22AU | 6 | 0% | 100% |
| 22AU-23AU | 6 | 17% | 83% |
*Sum of percentage exceeds 100% due to rounding
Program Completion Rate
Percentage of full-time candidates completing the program within 150% of the program’s published timeframe (two years)
| Year | Full-Time Students | Completed Program |
|---|---|---|
| 2015-2016 | 7 | 14% |
| 2016-2017 | 3 | 33% |
| 2017-2018 | 4 | 50% |
| 2018-2019 | 9 | 11% |
| 2019-2020 | 2 | 100% |
Fall-to-Fall Retention Rate
| Year | Part-Time Candidates | Full-Time Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| 18AU-19AU | 33% | 80% |
| 19AU-20AU | 50% | 40% |
| 20AU-21AU | 50% | 0% |
| 21AU-22AU | 0% | 33% |
| 22AU-23AU | 67% | 40% |
Transfer Options
Students interested in continuing on to pursue a bachelor’s degree can consider transferring to a four-year college or university. COTC has several transfer agreements with four-year colleges:
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I complete the early childhood education technology associate degree?
Students attending full time can complete the early childhood education technology associate degree in two years.
Can I take classes online or face-to-face?
To provide flexible learning options, many classes in early childhood education can be completed either fully online or remotely with a designated day and time to meet online using Zoom.
You are required to complete in-person classroom practicum hours. The number of practicum hours depends upon what a student is trying to achieve:
- Students who wish to pursue Ohio Department of Education (ODE) Pre-kindergarten Teaching License will complete 375 practicum hours.
- Students who do not plan to pursue ODE licensure will complete 195 practicum hours.
What financial assistance is available to help me pay for college?
COTC awards more than $1 million in scholarships to students each year.
Every student is encouraged to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for grants, scholarships and loans. Students who complete the FAFSA are automatically considered for some scholarships. Other scholarships require an application.
See Paying for College for more information, or connect with the Office of Student Financial Services at 740.366.9435 or email NWK-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu.