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Enter a Career That Shapes Young Minds
Do you love working with kids? Want to make a difference in their lives? The Early Childhood Development program helps you build the skills to teach and care for young children.
In this program, you’ll:
- Learn how kids grow, learn, and play.
- Choose a focus area, like helping children with special needs or adding fun math and science activities to your lessons.
- Get hands-on experience at our on-campus early childhood center or at your chosen practicum site.
When you graduate, you’ll be ready to work in places like preschools, daycare centers, churches, and community programs.
Our program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), so you know you’re getting a quality education.
Program Information
View our accreditation information, find program contacts and learn more about applying to Ozarks Tech.
Note: Before beginning your practicum requirement, you must have evidence of a TB test and/or TB Risk Assessment signed by medical personnel.
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.
Early Childhood Development Department Chair
417-447-7694
Accreditation
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, 2021 through March 2027.
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 on OTC Accreditation.
Program Mission
The Early Childhood Development program equips and empowers students to become skilled, career ready early childhood professionals.
Program Outcomes
As part of the A.A.S. Early Childhood Education program at Ozarks Technical Community College is achieving and maintaining the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation, Ozarks Tech Early Childhood Development Department reports on the following measures. Our program uses the NAEYC Professional Preparation Standards and Competencies 2021.
Program Outcome Measures and Achievement Percentages
Looking for something a little different?
Check out similar programs that might be the right fit for you.
Thinking about earning your bachelor’s degree?
After your A.A.S., you may continue your education at a four-year institution. Bear in mind:
- Admission requirements vary
- Credits may transfer on a course-by-course basis
Course Information
Discover overview information, course sequences and specific course descriptions. Or, view the full catalog to see all the details.
Early Childhood Development (A.A.S.)
A.A.S. Degree: 63 Hours
Location: Springfield Campus
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.
Early Childhood Development Certificate
Certificate: 30 Hours
Location: Springfield Campus
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.
Some options available online.
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Notices & 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.