Early Childhood Development

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Shape the future with Ozarks Tech’s Early Childhood Education Program! Early childhood programs help children learn and grow. The demand for early childhood programs is growing, but there is a shortage of qualified workers. Our program prepares you for a successful journey in a growing field.

During your education, you’ll choose a focus for your coursework. One option is to learn how to work with children who have special conditions like autism or sensory challenges. Use your knowledge to find the best ways to help them succeed in their learning. You can also specialize in integrating math and science into early childhood curriculums. Plus, you’ll gain real-world experience by practicing your skills at our on-campus early childhood education center. After graduation, you can find work in multiple settings, including preschools, childcare centers, religious programs and recreational centers.

Note: Before beginning your practicum requirement, you must:

  • Register with the Family Care Safety Registry
  • Successfully pass the background screening
  • Have evidence of a TB test and/or TB Risk Assessment signed by medical personnel.

The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Marilyn Madden
Early Childhood Development Department Chair
417-447-7694

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Accreditation

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The A.A.S. Early Childhood Development degree program at Ozarks Technical Community College is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The current accreditation term runs from May 28, 2021through March 2027.

Program Mission

The mission of the Early Childhood Development program at Ozarks Technical Community College to equip and empower students to become career ready early childhood professionals with the knowledge and understanding of young children’s characteristic and needs by modeling application of developmentally appropriate and differentiated learning approaches using standards, theory and current research.

OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more information on OTC accreditation.

Program Outcomes

A.A.S. ECD Program Outcome Measures 1, 2, and 3

Program Learning Outcomes and Achievement Percentages for A.A.S ECD

Graduate Survey Report

View program outcomes

General Admissions to Ozarks Tech

Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.

Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.

At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.

We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.

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COSTS & OPTIONS

CREDENTIAL TYPE
PROGRAM
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO:
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
COST*

Associate of Applied Science

Early Childhood Development
  • Work in early childhood education after completing an associate degree
  • Supplement your training with cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills gained in general education courses

63 credit hours
4 semesters

$11,699.00*
to
$15,731.00*

Certificate of Achievement

Early Childhood Development
  • Complement an existing education or current role in early childhood education with additional training
  • Gain the skills needed to start working in early childhood education immediately after graduation

30 credit hours
2 semesters

$5,605.00*
to
$7,525.00*

Short-Term Training

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Accelerate your career with OTC's short-term training courses. Gain valuable skills in as little as just weeks and unlock new opportunities for success. View courses. 

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Varies by course

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Clicking on the options below will provide overview information, course sequences (when applicable), and specific course descriptions. To see a full catalog of all the offerings at OTC, visit catalog.otc.edu.

Early Childhood Development (A.A.S.)

A.A.S. Degree: 63 Hours

One of the fastest growing industries in the United States is the child care field. Children's participation rates in early childhood programs continue to increase but national shortages in quality early childhood care givers and programs are a growing concern. The quality of children's care significantly contributes to children's school readiness and an educated staff is the link between quality programs and positive outcomes for children and families. The increasing need for educated care providers can lead to a rewarding and challenging career in preschools, childcare centers, Head Start centers, religious programs, child development centers, public and private schools, and recreational centers.

The degree program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), 1401 H Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20005, 202.232.8777  https://www.naeyc.org/

Important to Note When Considering This Program: Students must register with the Family Childcare Safety Registry (FCSR).  Students will need to successfully pass the background screening prior to beginning any practicum experience.  Additionally, verification of a TB test or TB Risk Assessment must be signed by medical personnel and submitted.

The Missouri Department of Higher Education has identified a common set of general education courses that have been adopted statewide. These courses are called the "CORE 42."  CORE 42 courses are guaranteed to transfer to any Missouri public college or university to satisfy general education requirements.

Courses in knowledge areas below, designated with the CORE 42 logo indicates courses in that area have been evaluated and provided a MOTR number for transfer to all Missouri public institutions of higher education.

Courses that do not have this designation may still transfer to public and private colleges and universities in Missouri and elsewhere, but students are encouraged to check the transfer equivalency website of the institution to which they plan to transfer to confirm.

Please refer to the MDHE Core Transfer Curriculum for detailed information on CORE 42 courses.

Early Childhood Development Certificate

Certificate: 30 Hours

The Certificate of Achievement track is a short-term certificate designed to prepare individuals for support roles in the early childhood field. Individuals completing this track will gain entry-level competencies and an overall general understanding of child development. Credits earned can be applied towards the Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Development.

The degree program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), 1401 H Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20005, 202.232.8777 https://www.naeyc.org/

Important to Note When Considering This Program: Students are required to participate in practicum experience assignments involving visitations to and/or work in an early childhood setting. Students must register with the Family Care Safety Registry and successfully pass the background screening prior to beginning any practicum experience requirement and need verification of a TB test and/or TB Risk Assessment signed by medical personnel.

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*Notices and Disclaimers

*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.

**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.