Early Childhood Education FAQs

Early childhood education typically serves children from birth through age eight, encompassing infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and students in kindergarten through third grade. EOU’s program prepares graduates to work with young children across this entire developmental spectrum in both private and public sector settings. The curriculum focuses on understanding developmental stages and creating age-appropriate learning experiences for children at different ages and stages of growth.

A Bachelor of Arts (B.A. ) in ECE at EOU requires foreign language credits, while a Bachelor of Science (B.S). requires – science credits instead of foreign language. A Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) is designed specifically for students who already hold an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education from a community college, providing an applied, career-focused pathway. All three degrees provide the same professional preparation for early childhood education careers and place graduates at Oregon Registry Step 10 upon completion.

No, EOU’s online Early Childhood Education program does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission. The program is designed for both traditional students and working professionals, and admission decisions are based on your educational background and transcripts rather than standardized test scores. Learn more on the admissions requirements page.

EOU operates on rolling admissions for the online Early Childhood Education program, meaning applications are accepted year-round. This flexibility allows students to start their program when it works best for their schedule. However, students should apply early to ensure adequate time for transcript evaluation, financial aid processing, and course registration before their desired start term. Learn more on the admissions requirements page.

Previous experience working with children is not required for admission. However, all students will complete two in-person practicum experiences as part of the degree requirements, providing hands-on learning in real classroom settings under supervision.

EOU’s bachelor’s degree in early childhood education requires completion of 180 quarter credits for graduation. All EOU majors require a minimum of 20 EOU credits to be completed. Transfer students can apply up to 135 credits from previous college coursework toward their degree, significantly reducing time to completion for those with substantial transfer credits.

Yes, EOU’s online Early Childhood Education program requires two in-person practicum experiences as part of the degree. During these practica, students observe current teachers in real classroom settings and practice what they’ve learned under supervision.

Yes, EOU’s program is specifically designed for working professionals and offers maximum flexibility. All ECE coursework is offered completely online with no on-campus requirements except for the two practicum experiences, which can be arranged in your local community. Students can take courses at their own pace, making it possible to balance work, family, and educational commitments while earning your degree.

EOU’s online classes are delivered through a learning management system where students access course materials, complete assignments, participate in discussions, and interact with instructors and classmates. The flexible online format allows students to complete coursework on their own schedule while meeting assignment deadlines. Faculty are trained in online education delivery and provide engaging, innovative digital learning experiences comparable to on-campus instruction.

Yes, EOU online students have access to the same professors, academic advisors, and support services as on-campus students. Faculty work on campus and are professionals and experts trained in online education delivery. EOU emphasizes one-on-one advising, mentorship, access, and engagement for online learners. Academic advisors help create individualized program plans and support students throughout their degree completion journey.

EOU’s Early Childhood Education bachelor’s degree does not provide initial teaching licensure.

The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is a nationally recognized certification for early childhood professionals working with children who birth through age five. While EOU’s program focuses on bachelor’s degree preparation, students may already hold CDA credentials from previous work, which can potentially articulate into certificate-level coursework. The ECE bachelor’s degree prepares you for more advanced positions than CDA alone, including program director and administrator roles.

EOU’s Early Childhood Education bachelor’s degree is a non-licensure program, so it does not lead directly to teaching certification in any state. However, the degree provides strong preparation for working with young children and can serve as the foundation for pursuing teaching licensure through graduate programs after the ECE degree or pursue licensure through their intended state’s teacher preparation programs.

Yes, background checks are required for students participating in practicum experiences, as these involve working with young children in licensed early childhood settings. Practicum sites typically require criminal background checks, and students must comply with Oregon Office of Child Care regulations and individual facility requirements. Students with concerns about background check requirements should discuss these with program advisors early in their studies.

EOU’s Early Childhood Education graduates are prepared to work as teachers, program directors, administrators, advocates, educational coordinators, and policymakers in schools, businesses, mental health agencies, and community, private, or church-related programs. Career options include preschool teachers, childcare center directors, Head Start teachers, curriculum coordinators, and parent educators. The degree prepares you for advancement in early childhood careers and provides the foundation for graduate study in teaching or specialized areas.

EOU’s online tuition at $329 per credit hour is among the most affordable in Oregon for online programs, averaging thousands less than other public and private institutions in the region. Online students also avoid costs associated with housing, commuting, and campus fees, while receiving the same quality education from expert faculty trained in online delivery.

EOU accepts federal financial aid for eligible students, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs. Oregon residents may qualify for state-specific grants and scholarships. EOU also offers numerous institutional scholarships, including opportunities specifically for online students and education majors. The financial aid office helps students navigate funding options and maximize available aid to make education affordable and accessible. 

Yes, EOU offers various scholarship opportunities for students in education programs, including those studying Early Childhood Education. Students should work with EOU’s financial aid office to identify and apply for scholarships that match their qualifications and career goals. Learn more on the tuition and financial aid page.

Yes, EOU is designated as a Military Friendly school and accepts various military education benefits including GI Bill benefits and military tuition assistance.  

EOU online students have access to comprehensive support services including enrollment counselors, academic advising, financial aid assistance, tutoring, disability services, testing services, and career services. The university emphasizes personal attention and one-on-one support for online learners. EOU’s dedicated online student support team provides assistance throughout your educational journey, from application through graduation, ensuring online students receive the same quality support as on-campus students.

EOU online students have full access to the university’s digital library resources, including online databases, e-books, scholarly journals, and research materials. Library services are accessible remotely, supporting the research needs of online learners.

Yes, Eastern Oregon University and all its programs are regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Regional accreditation ensures EOU meets rigorous academic standards and that credits and degrees are widely recognized and transferable. EOU’s College of Education is also a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), demonstrating commitment to quality in educator preparation.

Yes, EOU’s Early Childhood Education degree is widely recognized by employers across Oregon and beyond. The program’s regional accreditation, alignment with Oregon Registry requirements (placing graduates at Step 10), and national rankings demonstrate quality preparation. EOU has a strong reputation in the Pacific Northwest, and the College of Education’s long-standing commitment to educator preparation ensures graduates are ready for the next step of their career.

Admission to EOU’s online Early Childhood Education program requires completion of a standard EOU application, submission of official transcripts from all previously attended colleges, and payment of the application fee. The program accepts new students and transfer students, with rolling admissions allowing flexibility in start dates. Review the admissions page for more information related to prerequisites and GPA requirements.

EOU’s online tuition is $329 per credit hour for the 2025-26 academic year, making it one of the most affordable options in Oregon. At 18 credits per quarter, tuition costs $5,914 per quarter. For the complete 180 quarter credit bachelor’s degree, students completing all coursework at EOU would pay approximately $59,220 in tuition. However, some students transfer – credits, substantially reducing total costs. Students transferring 135 credits would only pay for 45 credits at EOU, reducing total degree cost to approximately $14,805 in tuition.