Degrees & Certifications:
Early Childhood & Education
The Early Childhood & Education degree family includes programs focused on the development, care, and education of young children. Degrees in education are required for certifications in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) and can also qualify individuals for jobs in other areas of behavioral health.
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Description: Early Childhood Training prepares individuals for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or the Ohio Infant Family Affiliate Level I (OIFA-I).
Program Duration: 120 hours for CDA, additional 20 hours for OIFA-I. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes may be available to support working adults. Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED.
Certification & Licensure: Completion of 120 hours of training in CDA-approved areas and 480 hours of experience working with young children may lead to eligibility for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential., CDA or higher plus 2 years' experience and 20 training hours may lead to the OIFA-I.
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Description: An Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Early Childhood Education prepares individuals for certifications in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) and for jobs in other areas of behavioral health.
Program Duration: 2 years (full-time), or longer for part-time. Full-time or part-time; available in-person and online formats. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes are available at some programs to support working adults.
Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED.
Certification & Licensure: The associate's degree in Early Childhood, plus 2 years' experience, and 20 training hours may lead to the Ohio Infant Family Affiliate Level I (OIFA-I).
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Description: A Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree in Early Childhood Education prepares individuals for certifications in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) and for jobs in other areas of behavioral health. Coursework focuses on pedagogy, child development, and inclusive education.
Program Duration: 4 years (full-time), or longer for part-time. Full-time or part-time; available in-person and online formats. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes are available at some programs to support working adults.
Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED. Teacher preparation programs may carry additional prerequisites.
Certification & Licensure: The bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, plus 2 years' experience, and 30 training hours may lead to the Ohio Infant Family Affiliate Level II (OIFA-II).
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Description: A Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree in Education prepares individuals for certifications in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) and for jobs in other areas of behavioral health. A BA typically focuses on liberal arts and social sciences, while a BS emphasizes science, math, and research. A B.Ed. is specifically designed for those aspiring to become teachers and may include coursework in pedagogy, educational psychology, and curriculum development.
Program Duration: 4 years (full-time), or longer for part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes are available at some programs to support working adults.
Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED. Teacher preparation programs may carry additional prerequisites.
Certification & Licensure: The bachelor's degree in Education, plus 2 years' experience, and 30 training hours may lead to the Ohio Infant Family Affiliate Level II (OIFA-II).
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Description: Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Science in Education (M.S. Ed.), and Master of Arts in Education (M.A. Ed.) degrees are graduate programs that offer advanced study in education, focusing on areas such as curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, and special education.
Program Duration: 1-3 years (full-time), or longer for part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes are available at some programs to support working adults.
Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in education or a related field.
Certification & Licensure: The master's degree in Education, plus 2 years' experience, and 40 training hours may lead to the Ohio Infant Family Affiliate Level III (OIFA-III).
DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS
Helpful Links
Next Steps Checklist:
Step 1 : Determine Your Pathway
Step 2: Research & Select a Program
Step 3: Check Admissions Requirements
Step 4: Apply for Financial Aid
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Step 6: Complete Entrance Requirements
Step 7: Begin Program & Stay on Track
Step 8: Graduate & Apply for Licensure
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WHERE TO STUDY IN OHIO
Some public universities also have regional campuses that are comparable to community colleges in programs, costs, and access.
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Trainings that meet the Infant Mental Health Credential requirements are available from several sources:
Delivery Format: In-person, webinar, on-line self-paced
NON-COLLEGE TRAINING PROGRAMS
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Location: Cleveland, Highland Hills, Parma, and Westlake, OH
Programs Offered: Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, AAS in Early Childhood Education
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Kirtland, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Early Childhood Education
Training Format: In-person
Lorain County Community College
Location: Elyria, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Early Childhood Education
Training Format: In-Person or Online
Location: Mansfield, OH
Programs Offered: AA in Education
Training Format: In-person
Location: North Canton, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Early Childhood Education, AS in Education
Training Format: In-person
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Location: Toledo, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Early Childhood Education
Delivery Format: In person
Location: Perrysburg, OH
Programs Offered: CDA-to-AAS in Early Childhood Education; AAS in Early Childhood Education Technology; AA/Education Transfer Concentration
Delivery Format: In person
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Central Ohio Technical College
Location: Newark, OH
Programs Offered: AAS In Early Childhood & Education
Delivery Format: On Campus, Some Online
Location: Bellefontaine, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Early Education
Delivery Format: In Person
Columbus State Community College
Location: Columbus and Delaware, OH
Programs Offered: Certificate, AAS In Early Childhood & Education
Delivery Format: In Person
Edison State Community College
Location: Piqua, OH
Programs Offered: AAS In Early Childhood Education
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Marion, OH
Programs Offered: Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education
Delivery Format: In person
Location: Lima
Programs Offered: AA In Education Pathway
Delivery Format: In Person
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Location: St. Clairsville, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Early Childhood Education; AAS in Teacher Education
Delivery Format: In-person
Partnership:
Wheeling University – 2+2 Transfer Option where students earning the AAS-Early Childhood Education can easily transfer to Wheeling to finish their bachelor's degree.
Franklin University – Teacher Education students complete their first two years at Belmont, then transfer all credits to Franklin University to receive a BS in one of 5 education majors.
Location: Nelsonville, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Early Childhood Education
Delivery Format: In-person
University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College
Location: Rio Grande, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Pre-KIndergarten; BS in Education/K-12; BS in Education/Intervention Specialist; M.Ed.
Delivery Format: In-person and online (M.Ed. only)
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Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Early Childhood Education
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Springfield, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Early Childhood Education, AA Teacher Education Transfer
Delivery Format: In-person
Edison State Community College
Location: Piqua, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Early Childhood Education
Delivery Format: In-person
Southern State Community College
Location: Hillsboro, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Early Childhood Education
Delivery Format: In-person and Online
COMMUNITY & SPECIALIZED COLLEGES
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Location: Salem, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Elementary Education
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Ashland, OH
Programs Offered: BS in Primary Grades/Primary Grades Intervention/Dual Program; Bachelor's Plus Initial Teacher Licensure
Delivery Format: In-person and online (Bachelor's Plus)
Case Western Reserve University
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs Offered: Childhood Studies Minor, Developmental Psychology MA with an Early Intervention Specialization
Delivery Format: In-person
Partnerships: Schubert Center for Child Studies
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs Offered: P-5 Program (Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education), M. Ed. in School Counseling, Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Mental Health Counseling
Delivery Format: In-person and online
Fransiscan University of Steubenville
Location: Steubenville, OH
Programs Offered: BS in Education
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Hiram, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Education
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: University Heights, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Adolescent/Young Adult Education, BA in Middle Childhood, BA in Primary Education, BA in Primary Education (P-5) Intervention Specialist, M.Ed. in Psychology, M.Ed. in Substance Use Disorders, M.Ed. in Child and Adolescence Health and Wellness
Delivery Format: In-Person
Location: Kent, OH
Programs Offered: BSE-Early Childhood Education, MAT-Early Childhood Education, E. Ed. in Early Childhood Education, Ph. D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Painesville, OH
Programs Offered: BA Adolescent-Young Adult Education, M.Ed., M.Ed. Leadership
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Canton, OH
Programs Offered: BS.Ed.
Training Format: In-person
Location: Akron, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Child & Family Development, MA in Child & Family Development
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Alliance, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Intervention Specialist
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Pepper Pike, OH
Programs Offered: 4+1 BA/MA Education, MA Education
Delivery Format: In-Person
Location: North Canton, OH
Programs Offered: BA in AYA Education, BSEd. in Elementary P-5 Education Program, BSEd. Dual: P-5 Elementary Education/P-5 Intervention Specialist, BS in Professional Education Program, BA in Professional Education Program, MA in Education
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Youngstown, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Early Childhood Education, BS in Teacher Education, M.Ed. in Intervention Services, MS in Education, Doctor of Education
Delivery Format: In-Person
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Location: Bluffton, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Education; Alternative Pathway to Licensure
Delivery Format: In-person
Bowling Green State University
Location: Bowling Green, OH
Programs Offered: BS or BA in Education; BS in Intervention Specialist; M.Ed. (multiple specialties)
Delivery Format: In-person and virtual (some M.Ed. programs)
Location: Huron, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Early Childhood Education
Delivery Format: In-person
Partnerships: BGSU - Coursework can be applied to BGSU's PreK-5 bachelor's degree.
Location: Defiance, OH
Programs Offered: Bachelor's Degree in Educational Studies (BES); MA in Education
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Tiffin, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Education; BS in Education; BS in Intervention Specialist
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Sylvania, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Education; BS in Education; BS in Intervention Specialist; M.Ed.
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Ada, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Early Childhood Education
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Tiffin, OH
Programs Offered: BA with licensure in Middle School Education; BA in History with licensure in Integrated Social Studies; M.Ed.
Delivery Format: In person (BA) and online (M.Ed.)
Partnership: Lourdes University – BA education programs are offered in partnership with Lourdes University. Faculty from Lourdes teach all education coursework on Tiffin's campus.
Location: Findlay, OH
Programs Offered: BS in Education; BA in Education; MA in Education; Ed.D.; Ed.D. in School Psychology
Delivery Format: In-person and virtual (MAE and both EdD's)
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs Offered: B.Ed. (various specialities); M.Ed. (various specialties); Ph.D.; Ed.D.
Delivery Format: In person and online (M.Ed./Higher Education only)
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Location: Columbus, OH
Programs Offered: BA, MA In Early Childhood & Education
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Cedarville, OH
Programs Offered: BA In Primary (P-5) and Special Education
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Wiberforce, OH
Programs Offered: BS In Early Childhood & Education
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Columbus, OH
Programs Offered: BS in Primary Education
Delivery Format: Online
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Location: Mount Vernon, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Elementary Education; BA in Secondary Education, MA in Education; MA in Education/Intervention Specialist
Delivery Format: In person (Elementary and Secondary Education) and online (Elementary Education and MAE only)
Location: Circleville, OH
Programs Offered: BS in Early Childhood & Education
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Columbus, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Primary Education
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Ada, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Early Childhood and Middle Childhood Education
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Columbus, OH
Programs Offered: MA In Education
Delivery Format: In person
Location: Delaware, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Education; Post-baccalaureate for teaching licensure
Delivery Format: In person
Location: Westerville, OH
Programs Offered: BS in Education; BS in Education/Intervention Specialist; MA in Education
Delivery Format: In Person, hybrid (MA only); online (MA only)
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Location: Marietta, OH
Programs Offered: BEd.; Licensure for non-education bachelor's degree holders
Delivery Format: In person and online (Licensure program)
Location: New Concord, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Education K through 12; BA in Intervention Specialist; MA in Education; MA in Teaching
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Athens, OH
Programs Offered: BSEd. in Early Childhood through 12; BSEd. in Intervention Specialist; M.Ed.; M.Ed. with Licensure (for new teachers); Ed.D.; Ph.D.
Delivery Format: In person, Hybrid (M.Ed. in Higher Education) and online (M.Ed. in Intervention Specialist, M.Ed. in School Counseling)
Location: Portsmouth, OH
Programs Offered: BS or BA in Teacher Education preK-12; BS in Intervention Specialist; BSE in Education Studies; M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction; M.Ed. in Intervention Specialist; Alternative Teaching License
Delivery Format: In-person and online (M.Ed. degrees only)
Location: Marietta, OH
Programs Offered: AAS-Education Transfer
Delivery Format: In-person
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Location: Cedarville, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Education PreK-9
Delivery Format: In Person
Location: Oxford, OH
Programs Offered: BS in Primary Education
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Programs Offered: BA in Education (K-12); MA in Teaching; MA in Education; MA in Early Childhood/Primary Education Licensure; EdD in Reading Science
Delivery Format: In Person and online (MA and EdD only)
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Programs Offered: AAS in Early Childhood Care and Education; BSED in Early Childhood Education
Delivery Format: Online, In-Person
Location: Dayton, OH, Columbus, OH
Programs Offered: MS in Education-Clinical Mental Health, MA in School Counseling, BSEd. Pre-K to Grade 5
Delivery Format: In-Person
Location: Wilmington, OH
Programs Offered: Bachelor in K-12 Intervention Specialist, Bachelor in Childhood Education, Bachelor in Primary Education, and Bachelor in Primary Education/Intervention Specialist
Delivery Format: In-person, Hybrid, or Online
Location: Springfield, OH
Programs Offered: Minor/BA in Education
Delivery Format: In-person
Location: Dayton, OH
Programs Offered: MS/MS - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery Format: In-Person
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Programs Offered: MA - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS Ed. in School Counseling
Delivery Format: In-Person
UNIVERSITIES & OTHER COLLEGES
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. If you notice any errors or outdated information, please contact accounts@mhaadvocacy.org so we can make the necessary corrections.