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Associate Degree Programs

We believe that supporting our educators is the first step to supporting our children and our future.

This starts with ensuring that early childhood educators have equal access to professional development opportunities and educational betterment, free of financial barriers that limit career growth. 

As part of our scholarship program, tuition up to 12 credits per semester and some fees are covered without any employer requirements. Requirements include maintaining a 2.5 GPA, working in a licensed childcare facility, and participation in progress updates with the Scholarship Coordinator. Upon completion of a degree program, six months continuous employment in early child care and education is also required for completion stipends.

Requirements for Eligibility

Tuition covered up to 12 credits per semester at approved IHE

Maintain a 
2.5 GPA

No employer
requirements

Work in a Delaware licensed childcare facility at least 20 hours per week

Explore Current Associate Programs in Early Childhood Education in Delaware

  • Early Childhood Development

    Delaware Technical Community College

    Delaware Tech’s Early Childhood Development degree will give you the knowledge and skills required to enter the early childhood field. The Delaware Tech degree will teach you curriculum development and implementation, communication skills, and classroom management strategies. You will also participate in a number of practical experiences that provide the hands-on training needed to be successful in this field.

    Apply

  • Early Care and Education Birth to Second Grade

    Delaware Technical Community College

    You will learn how to implement developmentally appropriate practices based on state standards. You will also participate in practicum activities in public and private school systems and gain hands-on experience at the Delaware Tech Child Development Center. You will develop lesson plans that are sensitive to diversity, and establish and maintain safe environments and programs for early childhood children. This program is approved and accredited by the Delaware Department of Education.

    Apply

  • Early Childhood Education Associate in Arts

    University of Delaware

    Coming Soon!

Associate Program Incentives

Technology
Support

$250
Support Stipend per Semester

$2500
30 Credit Milestone Stipend

$5000
Completion Stipend*

*after six months continuous employment in early care and education

Continuation Stipend

$1000

For enrolling and being accepted to pursue your Bachelor’s degree within 6 months

$500

For enrolling and being accepted to pursue your Bachelor’s degree within one year

ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS

The Early Childhood Innovation Center works closely with colleges and universities in the state to clarify and develop articulation agreements, which provide seamless transition of credentials obtained at different institutions. For students pursuing a bachelor’s degree, the Childhood Development Associate® (CDA®), a nationally recognized credential in Early Childhood Care is considered for credit for prior learning at all institutions of higher education in Delaware who offer Early Childhood degree programs, allowing those credits to be applied towards the completion of your degree. Therefore, the ECIC aims to articulate credits for prior learning at all institutions of higher education in the state of Delaware who offer Early Childhood degree programs, allowing those credits to be applied towards the completion of your CDA. Program offerings are being developed and updated regularly–be sure to check each IHE for specific program offerings.

Current partners include Delaware Technical Community College, which allows for six (6) college credits as Industry Recognized credentials. DTCC accepts the CDA for two, three-credit courses: Childhood Nutrition Safety and Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood.

Wilmington University allows for nine (9) college credits as Industry Recognized Credentials. WilmU also accepts the CDA for three, three-credit courses: Health, Safety, and Nutrition, Professional Issues in Early Childhood, and Infant & Toddler Development.

When articulation agreements are in place, students who complete an Associate degree can transfer to a four-year institution of higher education as juniors in their respective program to earn a Bachelor’s degree. 

Current agreements – DTCC, under their Connected Degree partnerships, offer the following transfer options:

  • Early Care and Education (DTCC) to Delaware State University’s Early Childhood Education program
  • Early Care and Education (DTCC) to the University of Delaware’s Early Childhood Education program
  • Early Care and Education (DTCC) to Wilmington University’s Education Studies Concentration: Elementary Education K-6 program, and Elementary Education K-6.

CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING

Credit for Prior Learning and/or Articulation agreements for CDA completion follow the guidelines established by Delaware’s Department of Education and are under review and development.

Still Have Questions?

Not sure how the ECIC could help with your career?
Reach out to us!

Our team is happy to answer any questions you might have and talk through your goals for your career in early childhood education. 

Contact Us