Early Childhood Education

Graduates of this program know child development and apply best practices to their work in the early childhood field. They understand developmentally appropriate practices, positive guidance, partnering with parents, and observation and assessment of young children. They can plan and implement activities, materials and interactions that promote children’s healthy development while supporting a safe environment. Graduates value written and interpersonal communication, critical thinking and problem solving, information and financial literacy, and the significance of diversity awareness skills in academic and workplace situations. Students are prepared to apply for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential from the Council for Professional Recognition.

• Early Childhood Teacher (in private childcare settings)
• Teacher’s Assistant
• Early Childhood Special Education Assistant
• Head Start Teacher

Careers Disclosure: The Early Childhood Education programs at Rasmussen University are not designed to meet, and do not meet, the educational requirements for licensure to teach in public preschools, or kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools in any state. A bachelor’s degree from a state-approved college or university and a state teaching license are typically required to work as a teacher in a public school, and in private school settings. The Rasmussen University Early Childhood Education programs are not approved by any state agency that licenses teachers. States, municipalities, districts, or individual schools may have more stringent licensure requirements and other standards. Childcare facilities and the states in which they are located establish qualifications for staff that work with children, and often implement guidelines regarding age, education, experience, background, and professional development. Before enrolling, it is important to understand all of the licensure eligibility standards for a desired career by consulting the appropriate state and school/facility requirements.

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential from the Council for Professional Recognition may be required for some career opportunities. Rasmussen University partners with the Council for Professional Recognition, and its Early Childhood Education Certificate program contains the following courses, which provide the educational prerequisites for the CDA Credential: EEC1202 Early Childhood Education Curriculum and Instruction; EEC1700 Foundations of Child Development; and EEC1735 Health, Safety, and Nutrition/CDA Application. Additional CDA Credential eligibility requirements apply. Please consult the CDA eligibility requirements of the Council for Professional Recognition for further details.

Developmental Education courses do not count toward total program credits, and are not calculated in GPA. Students must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter in Developmental Education courses through a Rasmussen University entrance placement exam, approved exemption based on previously completed coursework, or by passing Developmental Education courses.

Lower Division

Choose One Specialization