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ECD Future Students - Certification and Licensure

Prekindergarten Associate Licensure with the Ohio Department of Education

In January 1999, the COTC Early Childhood Program earned accreditation through the Ohio Department of Education (ODE).  Graduates of the ECD Teaching Option are eligible for a five-year Prekindergarten Associate License.  Applications are available from the Early Childhood Development Program Director’s office. 

In order to be eligible to apply for the Prekindergarten Associate License, students must meet the following standards:

1. Graduate with the required courses from the Teaching Option.

2. Have a minimum of 300 hours practicum/clinical field based experiences, which include observation and supervised and evaluated practicums with prekindergarten children.

3. Have participated in supervised practicums, which include the experience of assuming major responsibility for the full range of teacher/ caregiver (educarer) responsibilities for prekindergarten children.

4. Graduate from an approved associate degree program maintaining a 2.00 GPA. For COTC must maintain a 2.00 or better GPA in all Early Childhood Technical and basic courses (5600 level courses) to  meet graduation standards.

5. Be in compliance with the ODE Prekindergarten Associate License standards, specified in the ODE application process.  Complete the college Application Verification to be eligible to receive the application for the Ohio Department of Education Prekindergaten Associate License.

Child Development Associate (CDA)

COTC college level course work may be completed to fulfill the 120 clock hours required for the CDA.  Students will work with a CDA advisor from a local agency.  The CDA is not a college degree, but can lead toward college credit if completed through approved workshops and training by the local agency.  Up to six technical elective credits though the COTC ECD program may be granted provided the College and CDA requirements are met before credits are approved. 

ParaProfessional –Teacher’s Assistant

Students with a degree in Early Childhood Development- Teaching option are eligible for employment with in the public school system to assist the teacher beginning with the prekindergartern level.   Graduates may assist in the classroom by providing basic teaching in the areas of math, reading and writing.