Cincinnati State’s early childhood education degree program earns national accreditation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2018
 
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Richard Curtis                                                                            
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Cincinnati State’s early childhood education degree program earns national accreditation
 
College’s Mallory Early Learning Center also awarded Ohio’s top, 5-star rating
 
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College’s efforts to ensure that top-notch training opportunities are available to meet the region’s growing need for qualified early learning teachers are receiving national and state recognition.
 
The college’s Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education degree program has been granted accreditation from the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s largest organization dedicated to high-quality early learning. 
 
Cincinnati State’s degree program is the first in Southwest Ohio one of only six in Ohio to have earned NAEYC accreditation.
 
Meanwhile, the college’s William L. Mallory Early Learning Center has been awarded Ohio’s top, 5-star Step- Up To Quality Rating by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
 
The Mallory Center provides licensed care for 62 children and is a fully integrated “learning lab” that allows students in Cincinnati State’s Early Childhood Education program to gain experience in a real life preschool setting.
 
“We are so excited and proud to have achieved the NAEYC accreditation and the 5-Star Step Up To Quality rating,” said Sandra Owen, chair of the Early Childhood Education program at Cincinnati State. “It validates the tremendous efforts by our faculty to develop and deliver high quality learning opportunities for students and the community.”
 
Cincinnati State’s Early Childhood Education program is a major regional education center for early childhood teachers, early childhood center administrators, public school teacher assistants, and Head Start program staff.  Research shows a direct correlation between high-quality early learning and children’s positive long-term outcomes in life, including increased educational attainment, healthier lifestyles, and more successful careers.
 
“We are so fortunate to have Cincinnati State in our region; it is truly one of our most significant and impactful organizations,” said Mike Moroski, member of the Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education.

Cincinnati Preschool Promise, as well as numerous preschool programs throughout the region, has publicly stated the need to find more qualified preschool teachers and assistants to make sure children are getting the early education they deserve.
 
“Congratulations to Cincinnati State on earning a fifth star for its Mallory Center,” said Cincinnati Preschool Promise Executive Director Shiloh Turner. “This is not only great news for families whose children attend the center, but also for early childhood education students who receive training there.”
 
ABOUT CINCINNATI STATE  – Cincinnati State (www.cincinnatistate.edu) offers more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs in a student focused, flexible and affordable environment.
 
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