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Demonstrating skills learned from an A.A. in Early Childhood Education from Cornerstone University. Demonstrating skills learned from an A.A. in Early Childhood Education from Cornerstone University. Demonstrating skills learned from an A.A. in Early Childhood Education from Cornerstone University.

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 2026.

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 information below reflects just a few of 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

The Cornerstone Core™ Statement

The Cornerstone Core offers a groundbreaking general education unlike any other college or university in America. Faith, civic understanding and career preparation are fully integrated into one coherent formation. Developed by our renowned Christian worldview scholars, this focused 33-credit-hour curriculum develops both depth of character and clarity of thinking. The Cornerstone Core new general education curriculum is an antidote to the rising popularity of relativism, skepticism, doubt and moral ambiguity. Graduates are prepared to succeed in their professions and strengthen the institutions and communities they serve as Biblically grounded moral leaders to influence the world for Jesus Christ.

Students in every major study three areas:

The Beauty of Christianity

Examine the beauty of God, the Gospel, and the core doctrines of the Christian faith. Discover the coherence of a worldview rooted in God’s truth through Scripture applied today —- shaping character, conviction, and spiritual depth. We believe that beauty is more important than arguments and these courses will introduce students to the grandeur and beauty of Jesus and His creation and our place in the redemptive work of Jesus.

The Wisdom of the American Experience

Engage with Cornerstone’s Great Works Canon of the American Experience, by exploring the original speeches, sermons and foundational texts that shaped the American Republic, wrestling with enduring questions of liberty, order, duty and self-government. Graduates will learn what it means to be Christian citizens who are dutiful, wise, and formed with character to influence themselves, their families, and our nation.

Marketplace Intelligence

Develop analytical reasoning, scientific thinking, ethical utilization of artificial intelligence, commitment to free market economics, ethical clarity, and truthful and effective communication strategies to create solutions to complex challenges and serve society and humanity with excellence. Graduates will be able to consider and discern what is true, beautiful and good.

Learn more about the Cornerstone Core.

Learn More

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 provided many situations for me to be in the classroom. It is helpful to have classes that tell us about how to teach, but ultimately, the most helpful thing is to take that knowledge and apply it. I had 3 practicums and many other tutoring and observation experiences that have really helped prepare me for my career.

—Dana F.

CU has prepared me extremely well to be an educator in the future. My professors were honest about the hardships we may face in the field, but also continually pointed us towards Christ as our strength.

—Grace P.

The classes that I have taken have prepped me for the academic and applying aspects of teaching. Multiple classes have included lessons on classroom and behavior management as well!

—Riley V.

Cornerstone University

Hours

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

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