UC Announces New Partnership with Southern State to Benefit Ohio Teachers of Young Children

A new agreement between the University of Cincinnati College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) and Southern State Community College (SSCC) prepares SSCC graduates in early childhood education to seamlessly transfer into UC’s distance-learning baccalaureate program in early childhood education, birth-to-age-five.

Southern State graduates with a minimum 2.5 grade-point-average (GPA) who earned either an associate of applied science in early childhood education or an associate of arts in early childhood education can transfer their credits toward UC’s bachelor degree program in early childhood education, birth-to-age-five. However, they don’t have to make the drive to UC’s campus to take classes. The agreements for both associate degree programs provide for transfer into UC’s Early Childhood Learning Community (ECLC), a distance-learning program that allows students to earn their degree – using the Internet, VHS, CD-Rom and CVD (CDs that can be played in newer DVD players),  – on their own time and in their own homes. The ECLC celebrated the graduations of the first five students earning their bachelor’s degrees last spring.

Graduates of the ECLC can pursue jobs in preschools, Head Start programs, child care centers and related programs for children and their families. ECLC director Lisa Holstrom says the ECLC answers Ohio Governor Ted Strickland’s call for more professional training of early childhood specialists as the state works to expand public pre-school for Ohio families.

“This agreement further establishes UC’s commitment to serve transfer students and provide clear pathways for students seeking opportunity – goals of the UC|21 Strategic Plan,” says Lawrence J. Johnson, dean of the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services.

“Southern State looks forward to working with UC on this newest alliance,” says Sherry Stout, president of SSCC. “The partnership enhances SSCC’s ongoing mission of providing seamless transfer for our students and works to address the need for more early childhood educators.”

Southern State Community College has four campuses in southern Ohio and serves Adams, Brown, Clinton, Highland and Fayette Counties. SSCC’s central campus is located in Hillsboro. SSCC offers 27 associate degree programs and seven certificate programs.

Last spring, the ECLC signed articulation agreements with all four U.S. military branches – Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines – aligning the military preschool training programs with ECLC courses in the associate’s degree program. Holstrom says many of those child care providers are spouses of soldiers on active duty while others are civilians, caring for the children of military families.

For more information about UC’s Early Childhood Learning Community, check the Web site or call toll-free, 888-325-2669, or locally, 513-556-3252.