Online Associate in Early Childhood Education

Next Start

Online

10 Core
Courses

30+
Months

Overview of the Online Early Childhood Education Program

Do you feel called to work with young children, helping to provide a safe space for them to learn and grow?

The online Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education program at Indiana Wesleyan University prepares you to assist in childcare environments for children from birth through age eight (or third grade). You’ll gain an understanding of child growth and development, learning the best ways to foster children’s physical, emotional and social development. You’ll learn from highly qualified instructors with in-classroom experience who offer students individualized attention and guidance from faculty.

If you have already completed your Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and plan to continue your career path in early childhood education, you’ll be one step ahead at IWU. Those who have earned their CDA credentials can waive the first five classes in the A.S. Early Childhood Education program.

  • Fully online learning format offers you flexibility in your schedule
  • Program offers service learning experiences in the field with communities and families
  • Graduates are prepared for a variety of education environments, from daycare centers to hospitals and family resource centers
  • Transition smoothly into the B.S. Early Childhood Education program

Start Your Journey








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You’ll Learn To…

  • Support developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children in multiple settings, including child care, classroom, home, and more
  • Execute a wide range of approaches, tools, resources, and strategies to meet learners’ needs
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the dynamics of diverse families and communities
  • Apply theoretical frameworks to early childhood education practice
  • Integrate your faith into your profession and learning

Career Options

  • Childcare Worker
  • Preschool Teacher Assistant
  • Daycare Assistant
  • Home-Based Service Provider
  • Family Support Specialist

TUITION

CREDIT HOURS
60 Total
TUITION
$309/ Credit Hour *

Applicable fees for resources and services will be assessed throughout the program. Tuition and fees for prerequisites and required elective courses are in addition to the charges shown on the program cost sheet. Your tuition rate will remain the same as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program. Cost sheets may be requested from an enrollment counselor by calling 866.498.4968 or emailing iwuenroll@indwes.edu.

FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans benefits, and employer reimbursement.

COURSES

Below are the courses required to complete the program. Courses are generally taken sequentially, one at a time, until the program is complete. Full course descriptions may be viewed by clicking on the course titles below. For further information,  feel free to contact us.

Foundational & Gen Ed Courses

GEN-111

View a full list of General Education Course Descriptions

  • Written Communication - 6 credit hours
  • Oral Communication - 3 credit hours
  • Mathematics - 3 credit hours
  • Natural Science - 3 credit hours
  • Social Sciences- 3 credit hours
  • Arts and Humanities - 3 credit hours
  • Biblical Studies - 3 credit hours
  • General Elective - 3 credit hours

30 total credits

Pre-Professional Courses

ECED-101,ECED-105,ECED-125,ECED-130,ECED-135

*ECED-105, ECED-125, ECED-130 and ECED-135 require field experiences.
15 total credits

Professional Core Courses

ECED-120,ECED-225,ECED-230,ECED-235,ECED-240

*ECED-225, ECED-230, ECED-235 and ECED-240 require field experiences.
15 total credits

REQUIREMENTS

Click on each section to expand the different requirements for this program. If you have any questions about the admissions process, feel free to contact one of our admissions representatives at 1-866-498-4968.

  • Proof of standard high school diploma or GED certification.
  • Submit a signed FERPA Release Form.
  • Applicants who do not hold a valid license in the field of education will be required to submit a criminal history background check conducted at the applicant's expense. Admission to and/or progression in designated programs will be based upon criteria set in the School of Educational Leadership's Criminal History Background Check Admissions Policy.

  • Completion of 60 semester hours.
  • Completion of the core requirements with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • A minimum of "C" must be achieved in ECED 101, ECED 120, ECED 105, ECED 125, ECED 130 and ECED 135 or their equivalent courses.
  • Payment of all tuition and fees in order to receive a diploma.

The AS in Early Childhood Program is a lock-step program. Students who are unable to complete an ECED course or who receive an unsatisfactory grade for their specific program will be allowed to repeat that course with another group of students if arrangements are made with the Registration Change Counselor and the School of Educational Leadership. Tuition and fees will be charged for repeating the course.

START DATES

The AS in Early Childhood Education at Indiana Wesleyan University has many convenient starts throughout the year. Listed below are the next available starts. If you don’t see a start that fits your schedule, connect with our enrollment team to see more future starts.

Accreditation

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.

*Effective 07-01-2023 through 06-30-2024