You’re exploring Early Childhood Education at Cincinnati State — and that’s a smart move. If you’re drawn to working with young children, especially in childcare, preschool, or early elementary settings, ECE is a strong, hands-on option that prepares you to step into the field quickly.

But Cincinnati State offers a few other similar programs, too, and it can be hard to know which one truly fits your goals. That’s why this page exists: to help you compare the options so you can feel more confident that Early Childhood Education is the right path for you.

How Most Students Decide

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Degree and the Child Development Associate (CDAC) Certificate both prepare you for careers in early childhood education with similar starting salaries. On the other hand, while the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Certificate (IDDC) can work in early childhood intervention settings, it tends to be more adult focused. To decide which path is right for you,  most students boil it down to a few simple questions…

Do You Want to Earn a Certificate or a Degree?

If you want a comprehensive education that leads to jobs like Preschool Teacher, Assistant Teacher, or even working in elementary schools, the ECE Degree is the right choice. If you want to start working fast with children ages birth to 5 or want to be more adult-focused, the CDAC and IDDC certificates are a quicker path.

What Kind of Work Setting Do You Want?

If you see yourself in preschools, elementary schools, or Head Start programs, the ECE Degree sets you up for those environments. If you want to work in early childcare centers with the youngest children, the CDAC allows you to do that quickly, either online or at the Workforce Development Center (WDC). The IDDC offers a wide variety of work settings.

A Side by Side Comparison

Early Childhood Education
(ECE)
Child Development Associate
(CDAC)
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Certificate
(IDDC)
Program Length4 Semesters1 Semester3 Semesters
FocusPrepare early childhood educatorsPrepare early childhood educatorsPrepares for jobs that serve/care for individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Career RolesPreschool lead teacher
Assistant teacher
Educational assistant. Prepares students to enter bachelor’s degree programs for PreK-5th grade teacher licensure and non-licensure tracks.
Assistant Teacher
Childcare Worker
Support Staff
Floater
Varies, depending on employer and level of education attained
Can Transfer to 4-Year Program?Yes
For PreK-5th grade teacher licensure and non-licensure tracks.
Some colleges maySome colleges may
Work SettingsChildcare
Preschools
Elementary schools
Head Start programs
Variety of settings with children ages birth to 5 years old, and their familiesGroup homes
Foster care agencies
Respite services
Supported employment programs
Adult day programs
Vocational rehabilitation agencies
Early childhood intervention programs
Experiential LearningStudent Teaching requiredNonePracticum Required
Starting Salary$25-37,000+$28,000+$23-40,000+
More About Each Program

Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Prepare to work directly with young children in classrooms and childcare settings.

This associate degree is for students who want to become lead teachers, assistants, or pursue PreK-5th grade teaching licensure. Includes hands-on experience through required student teaching.

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Child Development Associate Certificate (CDAC)

Get foundational training for working with children ages birth to 5.

A short-term certificate that helps you qualify for roles like assistant teacher, floater, or childcare support staff. Can be completed at the Clifton campus or online through the Workforce Development Center.

Learn More

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Certificate (IDDC)

Support individuals with developmental disabilities in care and education settings.

This certificate prepares you for roles in group homes, day programs, and early intervention services. A good option for students interested in disability advocacy or support work. Practicum required.

Learn More

How to Take the Next Step Today

Your path at Cincinnati State starts when you apply, but if you’re not quite ready, you can reach out with any and all questions or explore college and program details like key dates, courses, costs, and financial aid options via the links below, or by requesting your starter kit.

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