Frequently Asked Questions

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How quickly can I complete the Early Childhood Education associate degree?

Students can complete an Early Childhood Education associate degree in two years taking classes full-time.

Students who attend full-time typically take 3-5 classes on average per semester. Students attending full-time will complete quicker than students who attend part-time (and take 1-2 classes on average per semester).

Students who hold an existing CDA (Child Development Associate) credential, may be eligible for prior learning college credit <consider linking to PLA policy>, which may allow a student to complete an associate degree quicker. 

Are there any requirements to study Early Childhood Education at COTC?

Yes, students interested in studying Early Childhood Education have an application packet to complete. Some things students are required to complete as part of that packet include: a background check and three (non-family) references. 

What classes do I need to take?

The courses students need to take to complete an associate degree are listed in a Plan of Study. 

Can I take classes online or face-to-face?

At COTC, students have the flexibility to take classes face-to-face and online. When students studying Early Childhood Education do field experience, that is hand’s-on learning done face-to-face and students are assigned an approved, licensed childcare center or program to do their field experience. 

Can I pursue a bachelor’s degree after I complete an associate degree?

Students interested in continuing on to pursue a bachelor’s degree can consider transferring to a four-year college or university. COTC has several transfer agreements with four-year colleges.

What type of financial assistance is available to help me pay for college? 

COTC awards a million dollars in scholarship to students each year!

Students are encouraged to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aide (FAFSA) to be considered for grants, scholarships, and loans. 

Students who complete a FAFSA are automatically considered for some scholarships. Other scholarships <link to scholarships page> require an application. 

Connect with our office of Student Financial Service at 740-366-9435 or email: studentfinancialservices@osu.edu <insert and link COTC email address – coming soon…>

Who are the members of the Early Childhood Development Advisory Group at COTC?

Andrea Dickerson
COTC ECE Adjunct Instructor and Teaching Careers Instructor
C-Tec 

Barbara Smith
Center Owner, and Director, Adventures in Learning
Newark

Beth Rutter
COTC ECE
Adjunct Instructor

Carol Copenhefer
COTC Professor 

Carol Fuller
COTC ECE Adjunct Instructor
Delaware Area Career Center

Casey Hoeflich
Child Development Coordinator
Knox County Head Start

Christina Wythe
COTC ECE Program Graduate and Center Owner
Absolute Love Learning Center, Mt. Vernon 

Cindy Andrews
COTC ECE Program Graduate and Center Owner
Creative Minds Learning Center, Heath

Kelley Gaynier
COTC ECE Adjunct Instructor
EMRC Coordinator, COTC

Kristin Ream
Preschool Director
Licking County Family YMCA

Linda Miller
Retired Head Start Director
Retired COTC ECE Adjunct Instructor
LEADS Head Start and COTC

Megan Grimm
COTC ECE Adjunct Instructor
Coshocton County Career Center

Nancy Nagle
Retired Kindergarten Teacher
Coshocton County School

Regina Williams
Retired COTC Program Director

Staci Smith
COTC ECE Adjunct Instructor

Teri Brannum
Early Head Start Education Manager
Coshocton County Head Start

Teri Peasley
Early Childhood  Faculty
Ohio University

Tracee Hatfield
Head Start Education Manager
Coshocton County Head Start 

Tracy Stainer
COTC ECE Program Graduate and Center Owner
Kids Garden Childcare Center, Mt. Vernon