RIDE is excited to announce, in partnership with the University of Rhode Island, the launch of 2 new Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Accelerated Online Programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education with Pre-K-2 Teaching Certification and the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-K-2 Teaching Certification Program. This is a fantastic new way for members within and outside of the ECCE workforce to have a more accessible way to earn their bachelor’s degree and/or Pre-K-2 certification.
Below are some highlights of these exciting new programs:
- Both programs are intended to support those currently working in early childhood care and education with getting their Pre-K-2 teaching certificate.
- One program is a bachelor’s degree program, and the other is a non-degree, teaching certification-only program. Candidates from both programs will be eligible to apply for a Rhode Island Pre-K-2 teaching certificate.
- Both programs are accelerated, yet coursework is delivered at a manageable page (1-2 courses per 7-week session; part-time student status). The programs are estimated to take 1.5-2 years for completion.
- All courses are available asynchronously and online through URI Online.
- Clinical experiences (practicums and student teaching) are flexible – allowing prospective students to retain their employment while enrolled in either program. This applies to students working in center-based childcare, Head Starts, Family Child Care, and public-school settings.
- Those applying to the bachelor’s degree program must satisfy URI’s basic competency requirements for admissions. See the attached handouts for the different ways that you may meet these requirements.
Deadlines: Applications are due on 6/27/23. Classes begin this Fall (9/5/23).
Questions? If you are interested in, or have any questions related to these pathways, you are welcome to reach out to online@uri.edu directly. For any other questions, please reach out to Amanda at Amanda.Blazka@ride.ri.gov.
