Early Childhood Care and Education : Nature-Based Early Learning
AAS
Why study Early Childhood Care and Education : Nature-Based Early Learning?
The University of Cincinnati Online’s Early Childhood Education associate degree program prepares graduates to design and implement developmentally appropriate learning environments for children Birth – Age 5. The ECE online degree program provides students the opportunity to specialize in Nature-Based Early Learning. Students will study how to design and implement curriculum to enhance children’s learning and development through the exposure to nature and nature-based activities.
UC’s Nature-Based Early Childhood Education program is perfect for anyone seeking to learn in-demand skills and to strengthen professionals' ability to provide high-quality experiences in Nature-Based programs. Whether you are interested in working as an outdoor educator at a Preschool, Nature Center, Children’s Museum, Science Center, or Forest School, our Online Early Childhood Education program provides the flexibility and accessibility you need. Graduates will learn the latest instructional techniques in Nature-Based learning that promote the implementation of progressive and interdisciplinary curricula in natural settings in ways that view children as capable, able to problem-solve, and make decisions that affect their own lives.
*The online associate degree does not lead to Ohio’s Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 5 teaching licensure.
Admission Requirements
This program is open to all students with a high school diploma or GED, with the desire to succeed in college. Students accepted into the program must meet the academic standards of the program to advance to upper levels of study.
Students who are successful demonstrate a passion for the field of early childhood education. Students must pass a background check, if not already required by their employer. Early childhood professionals must respect diverse children and families and be able to communicate effectively with children, parents, co-workers and supervisors. Computer skills are essential.
Graduates of this program will be prepared for the careers listed below. All opportunities may not be listed.
There is no minor associated with this program.
CECH Student Services Center
College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services
360 Teachers-Dyer Complex
PO Box 210014 Cincinnati, OH 45221
513-556-2336
This educational opportunity is 100% online. The AAS in Early Childhood Care & Education is consistently ranked as a Top 15 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education by TheBestSchools.org.
The online nature of this program requires an individualized approach to student support. After a student decides to enroll, an Academic Advisor leads each student through a program and a technology orientation, so students learn about our learning management system before they begin online courses. Each student is assigned an Academic Advisor who is available via e-mail, phone, and text for admission and registration advice and consultation.
All students in the Early Childhood Care & Education Associate program will receive a scholarship in the amount of 24% off instructional fees only.
In order to graduate from the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, a student must:
- Complete all required course work and program requirements.
- Obtain at least a 2.0 university grade point average.
- Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension.
- Meet the college's residency requirement of 20 semester credit hours.
- Submit formal application for the degree by the posted semester of graduation deadline.
Admission to this program is generally available for students transferring to the University of Cincinnati if they were admissible directly from high school and have a 2.0 cumulative GPA (all prior institutions combined).
Students who were NOT admissible directly from high school must have:
- 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
- at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA (all prior institutions combined)
Admission to this program is generally available for University of Cincinnati (UC) students enrolled in other colleges at UC, if they were admissible directly from high school and have a 2.0 cumulative GPA (UC and any prior institutions combined).
Students who were NOT admissible directly from high school must have:
- 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
- at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA (UC and any prior institutions combined)
Current UC students wishing to transfer into the program should contact the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services via email or 513-556-6308.
International students should contact UC's International Office of Admissions via email or 513-556-1100 for details.
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester
Freshmen and Transfer:
- Application Deadline: July 1
- Confirmation Deadline: Aug 1
Spring Semester
Freshmen and Transfers:
- Application Deadline: Nov 15
- Confirmation Deadline: Dec 15
Summer Semester
Freshmen and Transfers:
- Application Deadline: March 15
- Confirmation Deadline: April 15
The Early Childhood Care and Education associate's degree program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP).
Contact Information
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Program Code: 18ASC-ECLC-AAS-ECLC-NBEL