Charter Oak State College has announced that its online A.S. and B.S. in Early Childhood Education programs have received accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The accreditation is valid from July 2025 through December 2027.
As Connecticut’s only public, fully online college, Charter Oak State College is dedicated to providing accessible, affordable education in high-demand fields. The NAEYC accreditation places its Early Childhood Education programs among a select group that meets nationally recognized quality standards for preparing educators working with children from birth to age eight.
Significance of Accreditation
According to NAEYC officials, accreditation ensures a consistent and high level of program quality while respecting each institution’s unique mission and community. The recognition confirms Charter Oak’s alignment with Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators and strengthens its standing in higher education.
Leadership Perspective
Dr. Maureen Hogan, PhD, Director of Early Childhood Education/Child Studies at Charter Oak, said:
“The NAEYC accreditation validates our commitment to high-quality early childhood education for all children and families. Our programs remain extremely popular, and we are proud to offer an affordable, accredited, online option for students advancing their careers in education.”
Program Details
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B.S. in Early Childhood Education: Designed for professionals working with children from birth to age 8, the 27-credit major offers concentrations in Teaching, Program Administration and Leadership, and Montessori. Graduates are prepared for leadership or teaching roles in non-certified educational settings.
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A.S. in Early Childhood Education: A 33-credit program focused on foundational skills for working with children in day care centers, family childcare homes, preschools, and kindergarten classrooms. The program also serves as a pathway into the bachelor’s degree.
Broader Educational Mission
Beyond early childhood education, Charter Oak offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees across disciplines including Business, Healthcare, Technology, Nursing, Social Work, Education, and Public Safety. The College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and is governed by Connecticut’s Board of Regents for Higher Education.
