Alliance aims to support ChildCare Education
Institute students with advancing their education and help address
the need for early childhood education professionals
MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 25,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasmussen University is pleased
to announce a new corporate alliance with ChildCare Education
Institute (CCEI), a leading provider of high-quality online
education certificates and child care training serving over 100,000
early childhood professionals. This collaboration will empower
early childhood educators to maximize their educational journey,
save on costs and accelerate their path toward degree
completion.
Through this alliance, qualified students from CCEI will have
the opportunity to apply their existing knowledge and experience to
Rasmussen University's Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs.
With these benefits, students can earn an ECE Associate's degree
from Rasmussen for as low as $10,0001 while reducing time to
completion2. Highlights of the alliance, include:
- Self-Directed Assessments: CCEI students can earn
up to 30 credits by successfully completing assessments designed to
prove existing expertise, allowing students to skip specific
courses.
- Course Waivers for CDA® Credential Holders: CCEI
students with a Child Development Associate® (CDA®)
credential3 may waive up to 12 credits, fast-tracking
their degree completion.
- Tuition Grant Opportunities: For those interested
in furthering their education, CCEI students may also be eligible
for a tuition grant on Rasmussen University's ECE Bachelor's
degree program and other eligible online
programs4.
"With the increasing demand for early childhood education
professionals nationwide, our new relationship with CCEI allows us
to help fill a critical need," said Paula
Singer, president and chief academic officer at Rasmussen
University. "The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% growth
in early childhood education jobs from 2022 to 2032, much faster
than the average for all occupations. This alliance not only
supports aspiring educators by offering accessible and affordable
pathways, but also strengthens the field by equipping more
professionals with advanced education to take on leadership roles
and positively impact the next generation."
Filling the Need for Early Childhood Education Professionals
with Degrees
As states and accrediting bodies increase requirements for
childcare centers and preschools, more employers are prioritizing
candidates with degrees in Early Childhood Education. Many states
now require or strongly encourage degree attainment for directors,
lead teachers, and specialized roles within early learning
settings.
Research also consistently shows that early childhood educators
with higher levels of formal education deliver higher-quality
instruction and contribute to better developmental outcomes for
children. According to the National Institute for Early Education
Research (NIEER), preschool programs staffed with degree-holding
teachers are more likely to provide enriched learning environments
and promote school readiness. Additionally, earning a degree
enhances career opportunities, including higher wages and
leadership roles.
"CCEI is thrilled to be partnering with Rasmussen University.
Together, we're creating seamless pathways to success
with endless possibilities for students," said
Chrystine Mitchell, director of
Early Childhood Education Operations, Straighterline/CCEI. "Our
alliance empowers early childhood educators to build on their CDA
credentials and advance their careers through higher
education—unlocking new opportunities for growth, achievement, and
impact."
About the Rasmussen University Early Childhood Education
Programs
Rasmussen University's ECE programs are designed for those
passionate about shaping the futures of children from birth to age
six in non-public school settings or in leadership roles and
provide the essential knowledge and skills to excel in early
childhood education and care environments.
In as few as 18 months2, students can earn their
Early Childhood Education Associate's degree with
career-focused learning and flexible online courses. This program
prepares students to meet the academic requirements for the CDA
credential application and allows specialization in either Special
Needs or Child Development. For students who already hold a CDA,
they may be eligible for up to 12 credits of course waivers,
enabling completion in as few as 15 months2.
For those aiming to advance in childcare leadership roles, the
non-licensure Early Childhood Education Bachelor's
degree focuses on leadership and administration skills.
Students can complete the degree in as few as 18 months2
through a blend of online courses and self-directed assessments,
which allow them to bypass certain courses based on their prior
knowledge. Bachelor's students can choose between the traditional
ECE Leadership track or specialize in Child Development.
For more information about Rasmussen University's ECE programs
and its new alliance with CCEI, visit
https://corporate.rasmussen.edu/education/ccei/.
ABOUT RASMUSSEN UNIVERSITY:
Rasmussen University, a
university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an
institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education (www.hlcommission.org), is dedicated to
changing lives and the communities it serves through innovative
educational programs. As a pioneer in career-focused education
since 1900, the University is defining a new generation of higher
education that focuses on competency-based education, technology
and transferable skills. Rasmussen offers undergraduate and
graduate programs online and in person at 20 campuses around the
country. The University is designed to lift and support its
students every step of the way, from each student's first
credential to their last. Rasmussen is dedicated to global
enrichment, serving the underserved and meeting the evolving needs
of diverse students, communities and economies. Rasmussen
encourages its students, faculty and staff to strive for academic
excellence, community enrichment and service to the public good.
Rasmussen is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public
Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). For more information about
Rasmussen University, please visit www.rasmussen.edu.
ABOUT AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION, INC.:
American Public
Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI), through its institutions
American Public University System (APUS), Rasmussen
University, Hondros College of
Nursing and Graduate School USA (GSUSA) provides education that
transforms lives, advances careers, and improves communities.
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1 Tuition for the ECE
Associate's degree program is $210 per credit for qualified
students. A student who withdraws and re-enrolls will be required
to pay the tuition price offered at the time of their
re-enrollment. Students who receive the tuition price of $210 per
credit cannot use any additional Rasmussen University grants and/or
scholarships. If a student needs to retake one or more courses in
the degree program, the total cost of the program will exceed
$19,395. Program cost and estimated time to completion assume
successful completion of up to eight self-directed assessments and
the 12-credit CDA waiver, totaling up to 42 credits taken off the
original 90 credits, bringing the total credits to 48 and total
estimated cost to $10,290. Breakdown: $10,080 in tuition (48
credits) + $210 in book fees = $10,290 in estimated program cost.
Program availability varies by campus and state; please see the
Rasmussen University Catalog for details.
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2 Completion time is
dependent on transfer credits accepted and number of courses
completed each term.
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3 CDA and Child Development
Associate are registered trademarks of the Council for Professional
Recognition.
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4 See
rasmussen.edu/tuition/ for full details of Rasmussen
University grants, including eligibility
details.
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Contact: Molly Andersen
Mobile: 903.920.4366
Email: molly.andersen@rasmussen.edu
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SOURCE Rasmussen University