Cincinnati State

Early Childhood Education

Choosing Cincinnati State means you’re making a smart financial decision. You’ll get the high-quality education you need without the heavy debt that often comes with it. With lower tuition, real-world work experience, and the chance to graduate with less debt, Cincinnati State is a great investment in your future.

Save 30-50% on tuition

Our tuition is among the lowest in the region with credits that may be transferred toward a bachelor's degree, saving you about half the price of the first two years at a university.

Enter the workforce sooner

An associate’s degree can be completed in 2 years, placing you into the workforce and starting your career in early childhood education.

If you want a comprehensive education that leads to jobs like Preschool Teacher, Assistant Teacher, or even working in elementary schools, the ECE Associate Degree is the right choice. If you want to start working fast with children ages birth to 5 or want to be more adult-focused, the CDAC and IDDC short-term certificates are a quicker path.

Early Childhood Education (ECE.AAS)

Graduates are prepared as early childhood educators with the content knowledge and skills required to care for and educate young children though a robust curriculum aligned with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Professional Standards and Competencies.

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Child Development Associate Certificate (CDAC)

This one semester certificate is a quick path to working in an early childhood education environment. The CDAC offers the courses required by the Council for Professional Recognition to prepare students to qualify for the comprehensive Child Development Associate Credentialing process. Graduates receive credit for three courses in the ECE.AAS program.

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Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Certificate (IDDC)

Graduates are prepared for jobs that serve and care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students gain skills related to providing care and treatment options and understanding legal rights of clients while working in educational, social services, or healthcare positions.

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Estimated Cost

We believe in being clear about the cost of your education. Below is the estimated cost for the Early Childhood Education (ECE.AAS) major based on Fall 2026 tuition rates. It covers 4 full-time semesters with parking. Payments will be spread across your studies based on the classes you take each semester. Note that costs may change depending on factors like course, delivery format, credit hours, semesters, tuition rate, and more.