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Student Experience

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Associate of Arts in
Early Childhood Education
On-Campus

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Wall Street Journal ranks Cornerstone University as one of America's best colleges 2025.

CAEP
Transfer Friendly
Transfer up to 75% of your program credits

Shape Young Minds with an A.A. in Early Childhood Education

Develop the knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact as a licensed teacher with Cornerstone University’s A.A. in Early Childhood Education, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Our affordable program provides introductory knowledge in child growth and development, learner-centered assessment, and effective support for infants, toddlers, and young children. Taught by experienced faculty who integrate a solid Christian worldview, you will cultivate a strong academic foundation and field experience to serve in various early learning environments. It’s also the first step toward a future bachelor’s degree in education.

Develop Market-Ready Skills with an A.A. in Early Childhood Education Degree

Gain valuable teaching capabilities that are in demand inside and outside the classroom through our curriculum.

Child Development – Understand how young children grow, learn, and develop across physical, emotional, and cognitive domains.

Classroom Management – Create structured, nurturing environments that support learning and positive behavior.

Observation & Assessment – Use observation and basic assessment tools to track and support children’s developmental progress.

Instructional Strategies – Plan and implement age-appropriate, effective learning activities.

Family & Community Engagement – Build strong partnerships with families and connect learning to children’s home and community life.

Supporting Individual Needs – Recognize and respond to the unique learning needs and abilities of each child.

Communication & Collaboration – Develop effective communication and problem-solving skills for working with children, families, and educational teams.

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Christian Worldview – Integrate biblical principles as foundations to inspire and influence child development perspectives and guideposts.

Practical Experience – Apply your learning through real-world practicum experience in early childhood settings.

Courses

Cornerstone is ready to help you excel in your chosen field. The courses below reflect the industry-focused courses you will experience to achieve your degree.

Program Courses

EDU-233: Foundations of Teaching the Exceptional Learner

Learn to support students with exceptional needs through a Christian worldview, focusing on disabilities, accommodations, the IEP process, and hands-on local field experience.

EDU-328: Learner-Centered Assessment

Use observation and assessment tools to support student learning through a team-based, problem-solving approach, collaborating with PK–12 professionals such as school psychologists, speech and language pathologists, and reading specialists, while contributing to IEPs and 504 plans.

EDU-333: Foundations of Early Childhood Education

Explore early childhood theorists, curricula, and developmentally appropriate practices while learning to navigate ethical dilemmas using the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.

EDU-352: Teaching the Young Child

Develop strategies for teaching children from birth through kindergarten using developmentally appropriate practices that support all areas of growth, including physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual development.

EDU-361: Early Childhood Practicum

Gain hands-on experience in an early childhood classroom through guided observation, participation, and reflection alongside a practicing professional.

EDU-371: Young Child & Community

Learn to build strong relationships with families and communities through effective communication, parent involvement strategies, and culturally responsive curriculum planning.

EDU-373: Teaching Infants/Toddlers & Clinical Experience

Study child development from birth to age three and apply observation, assessment, and planning strategies to support infants and toddlers — including those with developmental delays — through responsive, developmentally appropriate teaching and family partnerships.

View all of the courses for your academic program.

Academic Catalog

General Education

A Christian Worldview of Liberal Arts and the G.O.O.D. Life

The humanities are integral to Cornerstone’s liberal arts approach, exploring culture, literature, history, and philosophy through a Christian worldview. Developed by our renowned Christian worldview scholars, students consider how to apply G.O.O.D. Life Biblical principles to inspire their spiritual growth and to profoundly influence society, industry and ministry for Jesus Christ. Our G.O.O.D. Life foundations guide students to answer life’s biggest questions from a rich Biblical perspective to shape Christ-centered moral leaders.

  • God: Who is God? What is His beauty, goodness and greatness?
  • Others: What does it mean to live in a community with responsibility and grace?
  • Ourselves: Who am I? What is the beauty and frailty of being human?
  • Dual Citizenship: What is my role as a citizen of heaven and earth?
  • Life: How do we live, know, and love the good life, valuing truth, beauty, and goodness?

Influential Careers with an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education Degree

  • Preschool Teacher
  • Teacher Assistant
  • Childcare Center Assistant
  • Infant/Toddler Teacher
  • Home-Based Childcare Provider
  • Head Start Assistant Teacher
  • Early Intervention Assistant
  • Nanny
  • After-School Program Aide
  • Childcare Program Coordinator

Tuition

On-Campus

$22,000 per year

Generous scholarship and payment options available.
Review information about student fees and housing packages on our Tuition & Fees page.

ScholarshipsFile the FAFSA

Your Degree Starts Here

Start your degree at one of the most affordable Christian universities in the region. An admissions counselor is ready to help you begin the enrollment process.

  1. Apply — our application is free.
  2. Set goals — your admissions counselor is here to guide you.
  3. Maximize your credits — you could transfer in up to 75% of your degree credits.
  4. Discover affordability — scholarships and grants are available for qualified students.

Cornerstone University

Hours

MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed

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