Early Childhood Education

Graduates of this program have acquired the knowledge and skills to work with young children (birth through age 8) and their families. Graduates will be equipped to support children’s learning in a variety of entry-level roles and settings. This program contains coursework aligned with the high-quality standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Council for Professional Recognition (Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential).

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

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.

This program has not been approved by any state professional licensing body, and this program is not intended to lead to any state -issued professional license. For further information on professional licensing requirements, please contact the appropriate board or agency in your state of residence.

The Early Childhood Education programs contain coursework aligned with the requirements for the Gateways Credentials, which are awarded and recognized by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Bureau of Child Care and Development. Other eligibility requirements apply; please verify your eligibility against all Gateways Credentials requirements.

In addition to meeting all other acceptance requirements, applicants must successfully pass a background check through Rasmussen University’s chosen third-party vendor. Any prospective student must also consider their history, lifestyle, and future actions before enrolling in this program, and carefully consider whether their actions may prevent them from attaining employment in the field they choose to pursue. Additional requirements, such as industry-specific training may be required to obtain employment in this field. Applicants for careers in this field may be subject to pre-employment screenings such as, but not limited to, criminal background checks, and drug/or alcohol testing. Employment decisions, including whether to require background checks and other tests, are made at the discretion of the employer.

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.