Early Childhood Education Associate Degree

Shape Young Minds: Empowering the Future of Early Childhood Education!
Become the educational expert that children need!

With our program, you’ll be equipped to teach all the relevant subjects for young children, from infancy to Grade 3. Moreover, whether in schools or daycare, you can play an influential role in the development of the next generation! Until then, our curriculum will support you every step of the way towards the moment you GRAB Your FUTURE!

In our program, Students engage in theoretical studies and extensive hands-on practice. Additionally, they participate in educational excursions into real work settings. Consequently, our students gain valuable skills to enter an industry that empowers them to have a rewarding career. Ultimately, they will be able to touch the lives of many.

Associate of Occupational Science in Early Childhood Education:

About the program:

0 CREDITS
(4 credits per course)
0 WEEKS
(Or up to 80)
0 COURSES
(16 Major | 7 General Education)
0 CREDITS
(For Associate Degree – 64 Major | 28 General Education)
0 WEEKS
(Or up to 80 – Depends on Program)
0 HOURS
(For Certificate – Core Requirements)
Early Childhood Education Associate Degree

Technical & Business English Associate Degree

The program begins with an introduction to Early Childhood Education. This covers the concept and importance of education at a young age. This includes courses on the psychology and aspects of childhood development, both holistically and linguistically. Afterwards, there is a shift to learning about class management techniques and educational methods. This ensures that our students acquire the latest digital techniques for the best and most up-to-date teaching practices.

Upon completion of the fundamentals, students then take courses on curriculum building to learn the process of constructing lessons for children. Additionally, they study what information should be known at what stage in development. These curricula courses include subjects like English, Arts, and Mathematics/Sciences. Lastly, the program concludes with field experiences. Students can intern with recognized schools and daycares to observe and obtain practical experience that can be applied to their future career. Overall, our associate degree program prepares you for the professional environment and positions you as the ideal candidate to shape someone’s future.

Early Childhood Education Associate Degree

 

  • Courses completed working toward the associate degree can be transferred to the certificate program

Early Childhood Education Associate Degree

The program begins with an introduction to Early Childhood Education. This covers the concept and importance of education at a young age. This includes courses on the psychology and aspects of childhood development, both holistically and linguistically. Afterwards, there is a shift to learning about class management techniques and educational methods. This ensures that our students acquire the latest digital techniques for the best and most up-to-date teaching practices.

Upon completion of the fundamentals, students then take courses on curriculum building to learn the process of constructing lessons for children. Additionally, they study what information should be known at what stage in development. These curricula courses include subjects like English, Arts, and Mathematics/Sciences. Lastly, the program concludes with field experiences. Students can intern with recognized schools and daycares to observe and obtain practical experience that can be applied to their future career. Overall, our associate degree program prepares you for the professional environment and positions you as the ideal candidate to shape someone’s future.

Early Childhood Education Associate Degree

 

  • Courses completed working toward the associate degree can be transferred to the certificate program

Career Prospects

The growing recognition of the importance of early childhood education will undoubtedly lead to an increased demand for qualified educators to support the developmental needs of children at a critical stage in their lives.

Early childhood educators can work in a variety of settings, whether as a teaching assistant at a daycare or an instructor in a private home. With the flexibility in career choices and building of strong community bonds, many report being satisfied with their jobs and their work. Overall, graduating with a degree in Early Childhood Education from Columbia College opens many career opportunities as influential changemakers in the area.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of preschool teachers is estimated to grow by 10% from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result from an increase in childcare and preschool enrollment.

Columbia College’s Students Services Department offers individual guidance towards student’s careers and an extensive database of job opportunities with our renowned partners, resulting in a high employment rate of our graduates.

Tuition & Financial Aid

We believe in making education accessible to all, and that starts with transparent pricing. Our program’s total cost is just the beginning, with numerous opportunities for scholarships, financial aid, and veterans’ benefits available to support you throughout your academic journey.

ASSOCIATE DEGREE

$21,620Total Tuition
  • 8 Sessions

Financial Aid

Financial Aid & Veterans’ Benefits may be available to those who qualify. CLICK HERE to check if you qualify for it.
Presidential Scholarships are also offered. CLICK HERE to check the available scholarships

Additional costs

$100 – Application Fee

Our Business Administration and Technical & Business English students took their classroom knowledge straight to the lobby of the Bethesda Marriott on 4/21 and 4/23! 

Over two incredible afternoons, students got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how a world-class hotel operates — from touring the property to sitting down with the General Manager and learning how every department plays a role in delivering an unforgettable guest experience.

But it wasn't just a tour. Our students came ready with questions, soaked up real career advice from hospitality professionals, and left with a clearer picture of the exciting paths ahead of them. 

This is exactly what education should look like — bridging the classroom and the real world.

A huge thank you to the entire Marriott team for opening your doors, sharing your expertise, and investing in the next generation of business and hospitality leaders. We are so grateful! 

#ColumbiaCollege #AcademicFieldTrip #BusinessAdministration #TechnicalAndBusinessEnglish #HospitalityIndustry #CareerEducation #HandsOnLearning #BethesdaMarriott #StudentExperience #DMVStudents
International Day is coming to Columbia College!

Come celebrate the incredible diversity of our campus community with an afternoon full of fun, food, and culture!

May 7, 2026
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Main Campus

Here's what's in store:

- Talent Show – Show off your skills or cheer on your peers!
- International Potluck – Taste dishes from around the world!
- Fun Team Games – Compete, laugh, and make memories!
- Exciting Prizes – You might just walk away a winner!

This is YOUR moment to share your culture, try something new, and connect with friends from all walks of life. Whether you perform, bring a dish, or just come to enjoy — everyone is welcome! 

Don't wait — scan the QR code or click the link to register now!

https://forms.gle/ZHaZWsUgJ7ZiFewe8
New Full-Time ESL Program! Study smarter, not harder!

Learn English your way — online on weekdays, in-person on Saturdays.

This program is designed for your busy lifestyle — study online at your own pace on weekdays, then put your skills into practice face-to-face every Saturday from 9AM to 2PM.

The perfect blend of flexibility and real-world conversation practice to help you improve your English faster and more effectively!

-100% tuition funding available through FAFSA & scholarships. 

Financial aid available for those who qualify.

#ESL #EnglishClass #ColumbiaCollege #LearnEnglish #ESLProgram #FinancialAid #FAFSA #Vienna #Virginia #OnlineLearning #AdultEducation #EnglishLearning #NewProgram
Ready to practice real-life English in Vienna on Saturdays?

Join our SATURDAY ESL CLASS at Columbia College!

For 5 weeks, you’ll build speaking confidence, improve listening, and learn useful everyday English with supportive instructors and classmates. 

Classes meet in person on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at our Vienna campus. Only $300 for the full intensive program—limited-time offer!

Starts May 2, 2026.
Register by April 21 at Columbia College, 8620 Westwood Center Dr., Vienna, VA 22182.

#ColumbiaCollege #ESL #EnglishClass #LearnEnglish #ViennaVA #WeekendClass #IntensiveESL #EnglishConversation #NOVAstudents #StudyEnglish
We will be closed for Spring Break from April 1–4. Classes and regular office hours will resume on Monday, April 6.

Thank you for a great semester so far—enjoy a safe and relaxing break, and we’ll see you soon!

#ColumbiaCollege #SpringBreak #TysonsVA #CollegeLife #StudentLife #CommunityCollege #Spring2026
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Our Business Administration and Technical & Business English students took their classroom knowledge straight to the lobby of the Bethesda Marriott on 4/21 and 4/23! 

Over two incredible afternoons, students got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how a world-class hotel operates — from touring the property to sitting down with the General Manager and learning how every department plays a role in delivering an unforgettable guest experience.

But it wasn't just a tour. Our students came ready with questions, soaked up real career advice from hospitality professionals, and left with a clearer picture of the exciting paths ahead of them. 

This is exactly what education should look like — bridging the classroom and the real world.

A huge thank you to the entire Marriott team for opening your doors, sharing your expertise, and investing in the next generation of business and hospitality leaders. We are so grateful! 

#ColumbiaCollege #AcademicFieldTrip #BusinessAdministration #TechnicalAndBusinessEnglish #HospitalityIndustry #CareerEducation #HandsOnLearning #BethesdaMarriott #StudentExperience #DMVStudents
International Day is coming to Columbia College!

Come celebrate the incredible diversity of our campus community with an afternoon full of fun, food, and culture!

May 7, 2026
12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Main Campus

Here's what's in store:

- Talent Show – Show off your skills or cheer on your peers!
- International Potluck – Taste dishes from around the world!
- Fun Team Games – Compete, laugh, and make memories!
- Exciting Prizes – You might just walk away a winner!

This is YOUR moment to share your culture, try something new, and connect with friends from all walks of life. Whether you perform, bring a dish, or just come to enjoy — everyone is welcome! 

Don't wait — scan the QR code or click the link to register now!

https://forms.gle/ZHaZWsUgJ7ZiFewe8
New Full-Time ESL Program! Study smarter, not harder!

Learn English your way — online on weekdays, in-person on Saturdays.

This program is designed for your busy lifestyle — study online at your own pace on weekdays, then put your skills into practice face-to-face every Saturday from 9AM to 2PM.

The perfect blend of flexibility and real-world conversation practice to help you improve your English faster and more effectively!

-100% tuition funding available through FAFSA & scholarships. 

Financial aid available for those who qualify.

#ESL #EnglishClass #ColumbiaCollege #LearnEnglish #ESLProgram #FinancialAid #FAFSA #Vienna #Virginia #OnlineLearning #AdultEducation #EnglishLearning #NewProgram
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