Early Childhood Education Jobs: Associate Degree Requirements in Ohio

The growing demand for preschool teachers in Ohio is driven by an increasing emphasis on early childhood education. According to recent data, Ohio has a projected 7% growth in preschool teacher employment over the next decade. This article aims to demystify the process of obtaining early childhood education jobs with an associate degree in Ohio, offering clear, step-by-step solutions.

The Value of Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education programs provide students with a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge essential for nurturing and educating young children. This tender age is critical to study, and having a solid education in it has many benefits. Students learn about children's developmental stages from birth to age 5, covering physical, cognitive, and social-emotional milestones. This knowledge helps educators work effectively with different age groups and support children's growth. The program focuses on understanding how young children learn and the tools that foster a love for learning. Students gain insights into creating engaging educational experiences during the critical first five years of a child's life. Students develop skills to build and manage relationships with parents, other educators, and community leaders. This includes learning how to support parents in home-based learning and collaborating with community members to access resources for students. The curriculum emphasizes the basics of child learning, development, and instructional strategies in teaching methods. Students learn to use various materials and activities to teach concepts like colors, shapes, and numbers through hands-on experiences rather than traditional instruction. The program prepares students to advocate for early childhood education resources and initiatives at local, state, and national levels. Graduates learn to influence policy decisions, secure resources, and promote quality education for all children, regardless of their background. These skills equip graduates to create nurturing educational environments, support children's development, collaborate with families and communities, and contribute to the advancement of early childhood education as a whole.

Understanding the Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE)

The Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education is a degree program that prepares you for careers working with young children. Students in the program take courses in child development, early childhood education, and other related topics. The AA in ECE is a widely recognized and respected degree that provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively with young children and their families. Additionally, the degree equips you with skills you can use in a variety of roles after graduation, including:

Child development knowledge: Learn about the stages of child development and how to support children as they grow and develop. Helping young students through this time can set them up for lifelong success.
Early childhood education methods: Different approaches to early childhood education, and how to implement them in the classroom and other real-life situations, will prepare you well for a career in this field.
Classroom management: Learn how to create a positive and effective learning environment for young children.
Communication: You’ll learn how to communicate effectively with young students, colleagues, teachers, families, and community members.
Organization: You’ll learn how to organize your time and resources in order to effectively manage a group of young children.

Career Paths with an AA Degree in Early Childhood Education

An early childhood education associate of arts degree provides you with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the ECE field. With this degree, you’ll be prepared to work with young children in many different settings, such as childcare centers and preschools. You’ll also be prepared to work with families in their homes and out in the community, in home-based childcare facilities, family childcare centers, and Head Start programs.

With an AA degree in ECE from an accredited school, you can pursue a variety of roles. Here's a closer look at potential career paths:

Teacher Aide or Assistant

Teacher aides and assistants may work in elementary, middle, and high schools. They provide support to teachers by helping with lesson preparation, classroom set-up, grading, and managing student behavior. Teacher aides may also work one-on-one with students who need extra help or supervise students in small groups. Some teacher aides may have the opportunity to lead small group instruction or teach lessons if they have the necessary credentials.

Educational Assistant

According to the BLS, these dedicated individuals work hand-in-hand with licensed teachers, providing invaluable support and personalized attention to students of all ages and abilities. In a typical day, an educational assistant might find themselves reviewing lessons with small groups of students, reinforcing key concepts and offering personalized feedback to help each child grasp the material. They are the educators' eyes and ears, closely monitoring student progress and collaborating with teachers to tailor lesson plans to individual needs. For students with special needs, educational assistants play an especially vital role. They act as bridges, helping these students navigate the academic world and adapt lessons to their unique learning styles. In some cases, they provide one-on-one support to those with severe disabilities, assisting with everything from basic self-care to developing job skills for independent living after graduation.

Childcare Worker

Childcare workers work with children ranging in age from infants to toddlers. Duties may include changing diapers, feeding students, supervising playtime, instructing basic curriculum, and teaching basic concepts such as letters, numbers, and colors. Depending on the age of the children you work with, your responsibilities will vary. You may also expect to work closely with daycare teachers, early childhood education or daycare directors, and parents.

Tutor

Based on data from the BLS, tutors, as one might expect, are individuals with expertise or specialized skills in a specific area. For instance, there are commonly language and ESL tutors; special education tutors; subject tutors; and test preparation tutors.

Furthering Your Education: Bachelor's Degrees and Beyond

For students who want to continue their education after completing an AA degree in early childhood education, there are a few different options. One option is to complete a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. This will prepare you to work in a variety of settings, including preschools and daycare centers. Students who complete a BA in ECE will gain additional skills, including child development, curriculum planning, and assessment. Another option for students with an AA in ECE is to complete a state teaching certification program (which will likely also require a bachelor’s degree). Depending on your state’s requirements, this will get you on your way to working as a certified teacher in a public school setting. Teaching certifications and programs vary by state, and most programs require students to complete a certain number of hours of student teaching. Additional testing and background checks may be required. Contact your state’s board of education prior to enrolling in order to determine the teacher licensure requirements in your state.

Understanding Ohio's Licensing Requirements

The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) is responsible for licensing and monitoring all early childhood programs operated through the state’s public schools, chartered nonpublic schools, and county boards of developmental disabilities. The ODE also licenses and monitors all childcare programs that receive state or federal funding.

Early childhood education in Ohio caters to young children, from birth to age 8. The Ohio educator’s license is therefore designed for educators teaching children in this age range, which includes preschool through primary.

An early childhood license in Ohio allows you to teach pre-K through grade 3. You may also pursue an associate license in Ohio, which allows you to teach just preschool.

Steps to Obtain an Early Childhood Educator License in Ohio

To qualify for an early childhood educator license in Ohio, you must complete the following steps:

Complete an Educator Preparation Program in Early Childhood (P-3): The first step to becoming licensed as a preschool teacher in Ohio is to complete a teacher preparation program in Early Childhood Education (P-3). Approved teacher preparation programs in Ohio result in a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. They also include all components necessary for licensure, including pedagogy coursework and field/student teaching experiences. The ODE requires a minimum of 12 weeks of full-time student teaching and a minimum of 100 clock hours of field experience prior to student teaching. Other programs at the graduate (master’s degree) or post-baccalaureate (non-degree certificate) level are also available for candidates who already possess an undergraduate degree.

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Complete the Appropriate Pedagogy and Content Examinations: Upon the successful completion of an approved educator preparation program, you must take and pass a pedagogy examination and content examination through the Ohio Assessments for Educators.
Apply for a Resident Educator License: Upon meeting all requirements for initial licensure as a preschool teacher in Ohio, you must apply for a four-year Resident Educator License. While working under a Resident Educator License, you will complete the Ohio Resident Educator Program, Ohio’s beginning teacher induction program. The Resident Educator Program is a highly structured program that is designed to provide new teachers with professional support and mentorship during their first years of teaching and ongoing support throughout their residency.
Apply for and Maintain a Professional Educator License: After you have successfully completed the Resident Educator Program, you may apply for a Professional Educator license, which is valid for a period of 5 years. To renew your professional educator license, you must complete the following:
- At least 6 semester hours of coursework related to classroom teaching or early childhood education
- At least 18 continuing education units (180 contact hours) related to classroom teaching or early childhood education
- You must create and maintain a professional development plan and receive approval from a local professional development committee (within your school district). Your professional development plan should be based on your needs, your students’ needs, and your school and school district needs.

Pre-K Associate Licensure

If you do not plan to teach outside of the preschool setting, you may decide to pursue Pre-Kindergarten Associate Licensure. This five-year license requires the completion of an associate’s degree, but it allows you to only teach pre-k (ages 3-5), instead of the standard early childhood teaching license in Ohio, which allows you to teach from preschool to grade 3.

To qualify for an associate pre-k license in Ohio, you must take and pass the following Ohio Assessments for Educators content examination (there is no pedagogy examination requirement) following the completion of an associate’s degree program in early childhood education/development:

Prekindergarten (Subtests I and II)

The application and renewal process for prekindergarten associate licenses are the same as the process for a standard license.

Alternative Certification Programs

To become a preschool teacher in Ohio, individuals can explore alternative certification programs designed to streamline the path to licensure. The Alternative Resident Educator license offers a quicker route for those with relevant life and career experiences, allowing them to leverage their expertise in the classroom. This program is particularly beneficial for candidates who may not have followed the traditional educational route but possess substantial knowledge in their subject areas.

The new 2-Year Alternative Resident Educator license has replaced the previous 4-Year version, focusing on P-12 education. This pathway is aimed at attracting professionals from diverse backgrounds to enrich the educational landscape in Ohio, making it an appealing option for those considering alternative certification programs in Ohio preschool teacher roles.

Traditional certification typically requires a degree in education and completion of a student teaching program, while alternative certification allows candidates to enter the classroom more rapidly based on their existing qualifications and experiences. Alternative pathways often emphasize practical knowledge and skills over formal educational training, providing a unique opportunity for those exploring Ohio preschool teacher certification options.

Work experience, such as serving as a teaching assistant, is invaluable in alternative certification. It provides hands-on experience in a classroom setting, which is crucial for understanding the dynamics of preschool education. Internships may also be integrated into the certification process, allowing candidates to gain practical teaching experience while pursuing their license.

Individuals currently working as teaching assistants can transition to certified roles by applying for the Alternative Resident Educator license, provided they meet the necessary criteria. They may need to submit documentation of their work experience and a position verification letter to support their application.

Ohio offers fast-track alternative certification programs that cater to those looking to expedite their entry into teaching. Online courses are increasingly available, providing flexibility for candidates to complete their certification requirements while balancing other commitments.

Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE)

To obtain a preschool teaching license in Ohio, aspiring educators must navigate a structured process that begins with securing a valid standard teaching certificate or license. This pathway allows individuals to teach in a supplemental capacity while they work towards full licensure in the primary childhood area, which encompasses grades PreK-5. Understanding how to get a preschool teaching license in Ohio is essential for those looking to enter this rewarding field.

The initial step involves completing the Initial Supplemental License Application Checklist, which provides guidance on the necessary actions to take. Applicants must also pass the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) 055 Primary Education exam, a requirement for the supplemental license.

A critical component of the licensing process is the completion of fingerprinting and background checks. These checks ensure that all educators meet safety standards and are suitable for working with young children. This step is mandatory and must be completed before the application can be processed.

To apply for the preschool teaching license, candidates must compile several documents, including:

Official transcripts from accredited institutions
Proof of passing the required content exam
Evidence of completed background checks

The timeline for obtaining a preschool teaching license can vary, but applicants should expect several weeks for processing after submission. Once licensed, educators must stay informed about renewal requirements, which typically involve continuing education and periodic re-evaluation of credentials. Staying updated on Ohio preschool teaching license requirements is crucial for maintaining licensure.

While specific costs can fluctuate, candidates should budget for application fees, exam registration fees, and expenses related to fingerprinting. These costs can accumulate, so it's advisable to plan accordingly.

Continuing Education Requirements

Preschool teachers in Ohio must fulfill specific continuing education requirements to maintain their licenses. This includes completing 18 hours of professional development every five years, which is essential for license renewal. These hours can be accrued through various avenues, ensuring educators remain current in their field.

Types of Continuing Education Courses

Child development: Courses focusing on the latest research in child psychology and development.
Curriculum design: Workshops that explore innovative teaching strategies and curriculum frameworks.
Behavior management: Training on effective classroom management techniques and conflict resolution.
Diversity and inclusion: Programs that address cultural competency and inclusive practices in early childhood education.

Staying informed about emerging trends and research in early childhood education is crucial for preschool teachers. As the field evolves, understanding new methodologies and educational technologies can significantly enhance teaching effectiveness and student outcomes.

Ohio offers a variety of continuing education options, both online and in-person, catering to diverse learning preferences. Online platforms provide flexibility, allowing educators to balance their professional development with personal commitments. In-person workshops and seminars foster networking opportunities and hands-on experiences.

Engaging in continuing education not only fulfills licensing requirements but also plays a pivotal role in career advancement and salary growth. Teachers who pursue additional training often find themselves in leadership roles or specialized positions, which can lead to increased compensation. According to the Ohio Department of Education, educators with advanced certifications can earn significantly more than their peers, highlighting the financial benefits of ongoing professional development.

TEACH OHIO Program

TEACH OHIO is a scholarship program designed to support individuals pursuing early childhood education degrees. There are three partners in this scholarship process: TEACH OHIO (organization offering the scholarships, the scholar (professional taking classes), and the sponsor (child care program where scholar is employed).

Benefits of TEACH OHIO

Higher quality teaching in the child care classroom.
Retention of scholars averages 94%. Typical retention for child care workers is 60-70%.

Colleges Supported by TEACH OHIO

TEACH OHIO collaborates with colleges and universities located throughout Ohio offering an Associate of Science (AAS) Degree in early childhood education. These programs support TEACH OHIO scholars and have been approved by the Ohio Department of Education as teacher training programs for the Pre-Kindergarten Associate Teacher Certificate.

How Colleges Work with TEACH OHIO

The college needs a “brick and mortar” campus in Ohio. TEACH OHIO only works with colleges and universities located in Ohio.
TEACH OHIO only supports the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree related to Child Development or Early Childhood Education. This degree must lead to Pre-K licensure. The Ohio Pre-K teaching license is for teaching children age 0 to 5. This is NOT the age 3 to grade 3 teaching license. TEACH OHIO does not support the Associate of Arts (AA) degree that leads to the age 3 to grade 3 license. The Ohio Board of Regents determines which degrees lead to the Pre-K license.
TEACH OHIO feels the AAS degree provides the most Early Childhood Education content. It provides content the teachers can use the very next day in their classrooms. The AAS is a “terminal” degree, meaning it is not solely intended as a preparatory degree leading to Bachelor of Arts degree. AA degrees do not include as much Early Childhood content, since they are intended to prepare students to go on for their Bachelor of Arts degree. TEACH OHIO wants its students to have as much Early Childhood content as possible, as soon as they are ready for it and not to have to wait until (and if) they go on for a Bachelor of Arts degree. Even with an AAS degree, students may choose (on their own, TEACH OHIO cannot pay for it) to go on for a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development.
All TEACH OHIO applicants sign a release authorizing an exchange of information between their selected college and TEACH OHIO as part of the scholarship application process. TEACH OHIO scholarship counselors can request information related to financial aid and grades.
A MOU (memorandum of understanding) is signed by the college and TEACH OHIO that details this billing arrangement. A list of approved scholars (and in most cases classes) will be communicated to the college (usually the billing office) each term. The college will then bill TEACH OHIO for the tuition of the approved scholars. TEACH OHIO will only pay for the scholars (and classes) originally cited in the list sent to the college. TEACH OHIO is typically referred to as a third party vendor. TEACH OHIO funding is the last applied to a student’s account, before loans. PELL funds must be applied to a student’s tuition, before TEACH OHIO funding.

Sponsor Responsibilities in TEACH OHIO

One of the most important principles of TEACH OHIO scholarships is partnership: Partnership between the sponsor (where the scholar is employed), scholar, and TEACH OHIO. All three partners share in the cost, benefits, and responsibilities that are intrinsic to the scholarship. Sponsors must sign a three-way contact each year their scholars are on scholarship with TEACH OHIO. The contact lists all of the obligations of the sponsor, as well as those of the scholar and TEACH OHIO. In general, the sponsor must provide paid release time and award a raise or bonus each year.

What TEACH OHIO Covers

Funders pay for 90% of tuition costs, 80% of book costs, $300 per contract for travel/internet stipend, $300 per contract for a bonus, and $12 per hour for release time reimbursement. Funders also pay the administrative costs for OCCRRA to provide the TEACH OHIO program and administer each contract.

Financial Aid and TEACH OHIO

You must apply for financial aid before applying to TEACH OHIO at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You never have to pay for a FAFSA to be processed! You do not have to be awarded PELL, you only need to apply to be eligible. However, you are required to accept PELL grant awards when they are awarded to you. PELL grants are not loans, and never need to be paid back. PELL grant awards reduce the amount of tuition that you, your sponsor, and TEACH OHIO must pay. Also, when you are denied a PELL grant, we require you to appeal the decision if it was based on exceeding a credit hour limit at your college. If you are awarded student loans, we discourage you from taking them. Keep in mind that we cannot help pay back your student loans when they come due. There are typically more than one year on the FAFSA site you could choose to apply for.

Salary Expectations for Early Childhood Educators in Ohio

The total number of preschool teachers, special ed preschool teachers, and preschool administrators tops that of neighboring states, in many cases. For example, Ohio is home to about 2,000 more preschool teachers than Pennsylvania (15,390 vs. 13,480).

Average salaries, however, for these early childhood educators in the Buckeye State come in slightly below the national average, in many cases. For example, the median salary for preschool teachers here is $26,280 - about $3,000 below the national median of $29,780. Preschool special education teachers are the exception in Ohio, with those in the top 25% earning about $8,000 more than the national average, and those in the top 10% earning $12,000 more.

Statewide, Ohio educators at the preschool level typically earn salaries within these ranges (at the median, 75th and 90th percentiles):

Preschool teachers: $26,280 - $31,270 - $43,060
Special education teacher, preschool: $63,950 - $84,210 - $98,180
Preschool administrators: $43,940 - $57,480 - $73,690

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