Play a key role in child development with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

In this blog series, we highlight programs that are new, different, special, popular, and—most importantly—are helping our students GO AHEAD in life.

Childcare workers hold a special role in modern society. They’re one part teacher, one part nurse, and one part psychologist. In these roles, childcare professionals play a crucial part in helping youngsters develop socially, intellectually, and physically in order to succeed in education and life as they go forward.

You can take your childcare career to the next level by earning an associate degree in early childhood development. The knowledge and skills you’ll acquire will serve you well in your chosen field, and our degree program positions you to earn the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™. Achieving CDA certification demonstrates your commitment to early childhood education and provides parents with peace of mind. Here’s how you can easily and affordably earn a degree that serves the children in your care – and your career.

Learn more: What Jobs Can You Get With a Child Development Associate Certificate?

Early Childhood Education: A Career of Personal Fulfillment

Imagine sitting next to a young child who just realized how to manipulate letters in order to form words with his pencil, crayon, or pen. Picture the wonder in his eyes as the lightbulb comes on for the first time inside his brain, and he grasps the magic of self-expression through the written word, even if that first word is as simple as “C-A-T.”

Early childhood educators get to share that experience with children all the time. In fact, helping young children learn to read and write is a key skill that any childcare professional should possess. As a childcare pro, you can find a great sense of personal fulfillment in your career, knowing you’re playing a fundamental role in the future success of the children in your care.

If you’re not currently working in the childcare space, now is a good time to enter. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 170,100 jobs to open up in this industry over the next decade. Anyone who loves working with children but doesn’t want to spend years (and thousands of dollars) earning a teaching degree should consider launching their career with an affordable online degree in early childhood education.

What You Will Learn in Our Early Childhood Education Program

Teaching a child to read and write, or dress herself, or successfully interact with peers takes a special skill set. Our program equips you with all of the knowledge you’ll need to shepherd the development of children under the age of eight, including:

• Current theories in early childhood development
• Physical and psychosocial factors that influence development in young children
• How to build partnerships with parents and other teachers
• Guidance and discipline concepts applicable to various age groups
• How to identify and apply the fundamental principles of education delivery

Your pursuit of education doesn’t have to end with an associate degree, either. Our accredited program provides you with the foundation for continuing your education. After earning your associate degree, you can go forward to earn your bachelor’s in early childhood education, too!

Concerned leaping right into an associate degree program might be too much to handle? You can start by earning either a child care diploma or a diploma in teacher assisting and continue from there.

Yes, You Can Fit a Degree Program into Your Busy Schedule

You might be wondering how you can possibly fit a school schedule, deadlines, and exams into your already hectic life. Well, it’s easy with our totally flexible, learn-at-your-own-pace curriculum. At Ashworth College you learn on your own terms, and that means:

• Start whenever you want. There’s no rigid academic calendar to follow.
• Study when it suits you. Because there are no set class times, you can log on, get assignments, and work on them whenever you want. If you’re a nightowl, study at midnight. Early bird? Do your lessons at 5:00 a.m. It’s totally up to you.
• Take exams on your schedule. Don’t worry about needing to leave work early, fight traffic, and squeeze into a classroom to nervously sit for an exam. In our program, you can take any required tests whenever you want – in the comfort of your own home.
• Enjoy interacting with other students – virtually. In our active online student community, you’ll find someone around at any time. Make friends, convene virtual study sessions, and get help from your peers at any time.

By the way, your tuition for the Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education covers what you need to complete the program, including texbooks, study materials, a mobile app to keep you organized, online libraries, and much more. Faculty support is always just a click away, too.

Don’t wait another minute to advance your childcare career – or to enter this fulfilling field. Learn more about the Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education at Ashworth College: Talk to an admissions advisor today!