Associate of Occupational Science in Early Childhood Education

Next Start Date

Sep 21, 2026

Next Financial Aid Deadline

Sep 11, 2026

Tuition & Costs

$22,540$2,940/session

Duration

7-8 sessions70–80 weeks

Credits

Online Learning

Hybrid

Program Level

Associate Degree

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Train to Become a Early Childhood Educator in Washington DC Metro Area

Build the knowledge, practical skills, and professional confidence needed to support young children’s learning and development.

The Associate of Occupational Science in Early Childhood Education is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in current research, theories, and practices in early childhood education. The curriculum explores contemporary issues in the field and emphasizes effective strategies and techniques for teaching English to infants, young children, and elementary school-aged learners.

Learn how to help young children learn language, reading, and social skills in a fun environment using play and creative activities
High-quality curriculum with the most updated knowledge, skills, and expertise.
Professional instructors with outstanding knowledge and experience in the field
Variety of experiences with field trips and guest speaker sessions

Curriculum Course Lists

Code	Core Requirements	Credits
EDU101	Introduction to Early Childhood Education	4
EDU102	Early Childhood Development	4
EDU104	History and Philosophy of Early Childhood Education	4
EDU106	Oral Language Development	4
EDU109	Class Management	4
EDU110	Child Play	4
EDU111	Teaching with Technology	4
EDU116	Educational Psychology	4
EDU119	Emergent Literacy	4
EDU206	Children’s Health Education	4
EDU207	Planning and Administration of Infant and Toddler Programs	4
EDU210	Planning and Administration of Early Childhood Programs	4
EDU211	Introduction to Education of Exceptional Children	4
EDU212	Teaching Music, Art, and Movement to Children	4
EDU215	Teaching Math and Science to Children	4
EDU218	Teaching Language Arts and Social Studies to Children	4
EDU270	Field Experience in Early Childhood Education I	4
EDU271	Field Experience in Early Childhood Education II	4

Code	*General Education Courses(Choose 7)**	Credits
BIO102	Introduction to Biology	4
BPS102	Business and Professional Speech	4
BUA101	Introduction to Business	4
CRT101	Critical Thinking	4
ENG101	English Composition	4
HIST203	U.S. History	4
IT101	Introduction to Information Technology	4
KOR101	Beginner Korean I	4
MAT101	Algebra	4
MAT201	Pre-Calculus	4
PSY101	Introduction to Psychology	4
SOC101	Introduction to Sociology	4
SOC201	Society and Human Behavior	4
SPN101	Introduction to Spanish I	4
SPN102	Introduction to Spanish II	4

*Students must select at least one course from the fields of Humanities, Natural Science/Applied Sciences, Mathematics and Behavioral Sciences.

Federal Student Aid Notice

Federal Pell Grants are available to eligible undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. Eligibility and estimated award amounts are determined based on information provided on the FAFSA®. Final financial aid offers are determined by the school. To apply or learn more, visit StudentAid.gov.

Train to Become a Early Childhood Educator in Washington DC Metro Area

Build the knowledge, practical skills, and professional confidence needed to support young children’s learning and development.

Learn how to help young children learn language, reading, and social skills in a fun environment using play and creative activities
High-quality curriculum with the most updated knowledge, skills, and expertise.
Professional instructors with outstanding knowledge and experience in the field
Variety of experiences with field trips and guest speaker sessions

Curriculum Course Lists

Code	Core Requirements	Credits
EDU101	Introduction to Early Childhood Education	4
EDU102	Early Childhood Development	4
EDU104	History and Philosophy of Early Childhood Education	4
EDU106	Oral Language Development	4
EDU109	Class Management	4
EDU110	Child Play	4
EDU111	Teaching with Technology	4
EDU116	Educational Psychology	4
EDU119	Emergent Literacy	4
EDU206	Children’s Health Education	4
EDU207	Planning and Administration of Infant and Toddler Programs	4
EDU210	Planning and Administration of Early Childhood Programs	4
EDU211	Introduction to Education of Exceptional Children	4
EDU212	Teaching Music, Art, and Movement to Children	4
EDU215	Teaching Math and Science to Children	4
EDU218	Teaching Language Arts and Social Studies to Children	4
EDU270	Field Experience in Early Childhood Education I	4
EDU271	Field Experience in Early Childhood Education II	4

Code	*General Education Courses(Choose 7)**	Credits
BIO102	Introduction to Biology	4
BPS102	Business and Professional Speech	4
BUA101	Introduction to Business	4
CRT101	Critical Thinking	4
ENG101	English Composition	4
HIST203	U.S. History	4
IT101	Introduction to Information Technology	4
KOR101	Beginner Korean I	4
MAT101	Algebra	4
MAT201	Pre-Calculus	4
PSY101	Introduction to Psychology	4
SOC101	Introduction to Sociology	4
SOC201	Society and Human Behavior	4
SPN101	Introduction to Spanish I	4
SPN102	Introduction to Spanish II	4

*Students must select at least one course from the fields of Humanities, Natural Science/Applied Sciences, Mathematics and Behavioral Sciences.

Federal Student Aid Notice

With flexible career paths and the opportunity to build strong community bonds, many early childhood education professionals report high job satisfaction and long‑term stability. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, driven by increased childcare and preschool enrollment.

Graduates with an Early Childhood Education degree can work in a variety of settings, including daycare centers, preschools, Head Start programs, and private homes as teaching assistants, lead teachers, or childcare providers in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and Northern Virginia.

Educational Outcomes/Settings

Through coursework and hands‑on experience, they gain the skills needed to understand child development from birth through age eight, design developmentally appropriate lessons, and manage safe, nurturing classroom environments. Graduates are prepared for a variety of career opportunities in early childhood education settings, including positions as;

Teacher assistants
Childcare providers
Early childhood specialists
Educational researchers

Median Salary

$71,390

per year

$34.32

per hour

Career Services Where Our Graduates Work

Identification

•Passport
•Driver's License
•State-issued ID

Education History

•Diploma/school transcript (at least high school)
•General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
•DD-214 form

Application Fee

Domestic$100

International$200

International Applicants

F-1 Student Visa

•Initial Enrollment
•Transfer-In with I-20
•Change of Status
•1+1+1 Program

J-1 Exchange Visitor

•College/University Student
•Au Pair

Learn more about our Global Education Programs

Non-Native English Speakers

CaMLA (Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments) English Test to define the English level (Must be at Advanced Level).

How to Apply Admissions Apply for Financial Aid

Instructors in the Associate of Occupational Science in Early Childhood Education program are skilled professionals with specialized education and hands-on experience in the field.

Ashley Nelson-Meiners

- Ph.D. candidate in Education (Organizational Leadership), Nova Southeastern University - Director of Development for Children and Youth, AUUC (Non‑Profit), Part‑Time, Burke, VA - Former Head of School and Lead Teacher with diverse instructional experience from Preschool through 3rd Grade.