Overview
URI’s Early Childhood Care and Education program is a fully-online accelerated program that is ideal for those working in childcare, or elementary education teachers looking to advance their career.
This accelerated program is designed to help working professionals complete their bachelor’s (with Pre K-3 teaching certificate eligibility) increase their earnings and secure employment.
Due to federal regulations, we can only accept students who reside, or intend to practice*, in the following states: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Maryland.
*Attestation form required
Courses
EDC 326: Early Childhood Curriculum I & Practicum
EDC 421: Early Language and Literacy Development
EDC 336: Early Childhood Curriculum II & Practicum
EDC 424: Teaching Literacy in the Primary Grades
EDC 402: Education with Children of Special Needs
EDC 328: Home, School, and Community Partnerships
EDC 461: Assessment in Early Childhood
EDC 426: Early Childhood Curriculum III
EDC 350: Primary School Practicum
View full curriculum here.
Admissions
- An associate degree (60 credits) at CCRI or an NE community college or a college that has an agreement with URI’s School of Education/CEPS; or equivalent academic experience at the college level.
- Minimum GPA of 2.75
- Completion of pre-professional courses with a grade of C or better.
- Meets basic competencies: the RIDE requirement
- Passing Praxis I
- OR SAT, Old SAT, or ACT
- OR Completing Reading (EDC 281), Writing (EDC 282), and Math (EDC 280) or equivalent basic competency courses with a C or higher
Students in this program are typically:
- Currently employed in early childhood care and education (e.g., Child care teachers, practitioners, Family child care providers, early childhood educators in the field)
- Related workers in the area of early childhood education
- Non-traditional, adult learners (approx. 25 years of age or older)
- Current or previous Military/Veteran status who are motivated in early childhood education
- Requiring flexibility and accessibility in order to successfully complete this degree program.
Readmission
Applicants who have previously registered for courses at URI as a degree-seeking student are considered at readmission and must apply using the Readmission Application and provide additional materials. Learn more.
Request Information
Application Deadline: August 5
Classes Begin: September 9
Feinstein College of Education
The Feinstein College of Education fosters a collaborative, respectful community where meaningful dialogue and shared learning promote advocacy, equity, and joy.
Advance your career with URI Online.
Professionals with an early childhood care and education degree can pursue rewarding careers as preschool teachers, childcare center directors, or early intervention specialists. They may also work as child development specialists, family support specialists, or curriculum developers, contributing to the holistic development of young children in various settings. With their expertise, they play a vital role in shaping the foundation of children’s learning and well-being during their formative years.
Create engaging learning environments, develop age-appropriate curriculum, and nurture the social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children.
Oversee the daily operations of the facility, manage staff, ensure compliance with regulations, and create a safe and enriching environment for the children under their care.
Plan, implement, and evaluate comprehensive educational programs for young children, ensuring they meet developmental milestones and adhere to regulatory standards.
T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship
The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Program provides opportunities for early childhood educators to complete higher education course work in early childhood education while providing sponsoring childcare programs an opportunity to develop their workforce.
Program Outcomes
Through the ECCE Accelerated Online Program students can:
Enroll in affordable and fully-online courses
Work with and learn from professionals in Rhode Island
Keep current employment status
Get support to apply for a Pre K-3 teacher certification
Increase skills and on-the-job learning competencies required
Experience flexible practicum placement
Early Childhood Care and Education Accelerated Undergraduate Certificate
Earn your Pre K-3 Teaching Certificate while you work.
