Associate in Early Childhood Education

connecticut early childhood education

Madeline Graham, BS Child Study Graduate

Do You Enjoy Spending Time With Children?

Turn your interest into a career as an early childhood educator. Our associate degree in Early Childhood Education is designed to provide you with a solid academic foundation and hands-on experience in the field of early childhood education.

Early Childhood is the study of children ages birth through eight years old. You will gain knowledge of how to work with children and their families in a variety of settings based on child development and age-appropriate practice. Early Childhood professionals have an in-depth knowledge of child growth, development, and learning, and are able to apply this knowledge into their practice. They can communicate effectively with children, colleagues, and families. As an early childhood professional, you will have the commitment to work collaboratively with others in order to deliver the optimal services to children and their families.

Following completion of the program, you will have the necessary skills and knowledge to become gainfully employed in the field of early childhood education and/or to continue your education towards a bachelor’s degree in Child Study or related fields.

Careers in Early Childhood Education
Your degree from Goodwin University will help prepare you for a career working with children and families as a:
  • Family Resource Worker
  • Infant and Toddler Teacher
  • Paraprofessional
  • School Readiness Teacher

Admission requirements

Students entering the Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education must meet the following criteria:

  • Pass a background check
  • Complete ENG 101 – English Composition with a grade of "C" or better
  • Students entering with a valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential will be awarded 9 credits (ECE 102 and one 6-credit CDA practicum toward elective credits) towards the Associate degree or Bachelor's degree.

Graduation requirements

Students must complete all the general Associate graduation requirements as stated in the catalog. In addition, students must complete all Early Childhood Education major core requirements with a minimum cumulative grade point average (C.G.P.A.) of 2.3.

ECE 251 Student Teaching I and ECE 252 Student Teaching II are capstone experiences for graduation and are not transferable into the program from another institution.

We're ready when you are.

  • Enrollment is hassle-free.
  • We’re still accepting financial aid applications.
  • We’ll review your transcripts of prior learning (usually in less than one business day).

Contact Us Today!

Goodwin University will never sell your personal information to a third party. By submitting your contact information, you give permission to Goodwin University to contact you by phone, email, mail, and text message.


Find more information in the academic catalog.

The Early Childhood Education program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), located at 1313 L Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005. Telephone (202) 232-8777 or, toll-free, (800) 424-2460.

Program Completers: 2015-2016: 8 / 2016-2017: 9 / 2017-2018: 4
Graduation Rate: Fewer than 10 full time students enrolled in this program. This number has been withheld to preserve the confidentiality of the students.
Placement Rate: 2015-2016: 100% / 2016-2017: 78% / 2017-2018: 75%
Pursuing Further Education in Early Childhood: 2015-2016: 100% / 2016-2017: 78% / 2017-2018: 75%