Pursue Your ECE Degree with the Online University Recommended by Southeast Children's Fund

Apply your DC LEAD scholarship to earn an ECE Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree online at no tuition cost 1

The alliance between Southeast Children's Fund and Rasmussen University makes pursuing your Early Childhood Education degree as seamless as possible. Qualified DC LEAD scholars can enroll in an ECE program with:

No out-of-pocket cost
Quarterly start dates, allowing you to start your program sooner
Online courses that allow you to avoid traffic and save time

Your scholarship deserves celebration—and we want to celebrate by making enrollment as easy as we can.

Our ECE programs do not prepare students for licensed teaching positions in any public school setting, but students will have the opportunity to help shape the futures of young children from birth to age six in a non-public school setting or leadership role.

Let's Get Started

Early childhood educators in the Washington, DC, area might be eligible for a scholarship through the DC LEAD program. With this scholarship, you could pursue your associate’s or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at no out-of-pocket cost! These online degree programs make working-while-learning more convenient. If you work in the DC metro area, check out the DC LEAD program for more information.

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Early Childhood Education Degree Programs

As an early childhood educator, you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of young children. Earning a non-licensure Early Childhood Education degree from Rasmussen University can prepare you to launch a successful career pursuing your passion. 2
Choose from different specializations to enhance your skills in a particular area of interest, and learn how to foster social, emotional and intellectual development from an institution that has offered non-licensure ECE programs since 1992.

Associate’s Degree

Make a positive difference in the lives of children as a well-equipped early childhood educator—earn your Associate’s degree in as few as 18 months. 3

With career-focused learning and flexible online courses, our Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education prepares you to meet the academic requirements for the CDA credential application. And if you already have your CDA, you can request a course waiver for up to 12 credits, allowing you to finish in as few as 15 months. 3

Just provide your certificate to the Council for Professional Recognition. Students can specialize their degree in either Special Needs or Child Development.

Bachelor’s Degree

Whether you're looking to advance your career in a childcare center, lead your own program or become a program director, this non-licensure Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education will help you further develop your leadership and administration skills. 2

Bachelor's students can choose between the traditional ECE Leadership track or specialize in Child Development. Finish in as few as 18 months 3 with a combination of online courses and self-directed assessments, which can enable you to skip a number of courses by showing you know the content.

READY TO START?

Take the Next Step

The path to higher education is ready for you. Classes start soon, but our convenient form makes it easy to register and start your journey in a Rasmussen University ECE program.

Quarter	Term	Start Date
Winter '25	Term 1 Term 2	January 6, 2025 February 12, 2025
Spring '25	Term 1 Term 2	April 7, 2025 May 14, 2025

"Rasmussen had a flexible and fast-paced option for someone with a family lifestyle. My goal is to help prepare children to give them a head start. The more I learn, the better I can do that."

Kayla S.
ECE Graduate

Learn More

Additional Support

Supporting Your Education

Rasmussen University makes it easy to navigate the ins and outs of taking college courses. With support services, you’re connected to the answers, planning and resources you need to be successful. Count on our peer tutors, mentors, librarians, financial aid experts and others on your support team.

Whom Should I Contact if I Have Additional Questions?

If you have questions or want to learn more, contact Mackenzie McFadden at [email protected] or 320-761-4625.

READY TO START

I'm ready for the next step!

It all starts with completing the form. A Rasmussen admissions advisor can then answer your questions and walk you through the application process.

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