Education

General Educational Development (GED)

These tests measured proficiency in science, mathematics, social studies, and reading and writing. When passed, the tests provided certification that the test taker had high school-level academic skills. In January of 2014, Iowa began using the HiSET® developed by Education Testing Service. A person must be at least 18 years old to take the exam without meeting special circumstances.

High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED)

Prior to January 2014, students who left high school before graduating received an opportunity to earn an HSED. The Iowa Department of Education continues to maintain records for students who completed the HSED program. In January of 2014, Iowa began using the HiSET® developed by Education Testing Service. A person must be at least 18 years old to take the exam without meeting special circumstances.

High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)

In January of 2014, Iowa began using the HiSET® developed by Education Testing Service. A person must be at least 18 years old to take the exam without meeting special circumstances.

High School Diploma

This is the academic qualification awarded for the completion of high school, most often over four years, from Grade 9 to Grade 12. The diploma is awarded by the school in accordance with Iowa requirements.

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential through 120 clock hours

The credential is a nationally recognized credential earned by those working in the early care and education field. The CDA credential is based on a core set of competency standards and includes an assessment process by the Council for Professional Recognition. A person seeking the credential must have a high school diploma or GED, or be a junior or senior in a high school vocational program; must complete 120 hours of early childhood education training across 8 CDA subject areas; must have 480 hours of verifiable work experience with the birth - 5 age group in the past 3 years; must distribute and collect Family Questionnaires, and complete the Family Questionnaires Summary Sheet within 6 months of application; and must compile the Professional Portfolio as outlined in the CDA Competency Standards Book. CDA credentials are valid for 3 years from the award date. The CDA Credential may only be renewed for the original setting, age-level endorsement, and specialization. Contact info@iowaaeyc.org for assistance, including financial assistance for the $425 assessment fee.

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential through college credit

The Iowa Community College Early Childhood Alliance selected four 3-credit college courses (12 college credits) as CDA courses. The following three courses are required: ECE 103 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education, ECE 133 - Child Health, Safety & Nutrition, and ECE 243 - Early Childhood Guidance. One of the following is also required: ECE 158 - Early Childhood Curriculum I, ECE 15 9- Early Childhood Curriculum II, or ECE 221 - Infant/Toddler Care & Education. CDA credentials are valid for 3 years from the award date. The CDA Credential may only be renewed for the original setting, age-level endorsement, and specialization. Contact info@iowaaeyc.org regarding T.E.A.C.H. scholarships to help complete these college courses.

Early Childhood Education Community College Diploma

This program, approximately 37 semester college credit hours, is designed for students intending to enter the workforce upon completion of this one-year diploma. Graduates of the program are prepared for entry-level jobs, including licensing as an assistant teacher at a licensed center.

Associate’s Degree (with less than 12 semester college credits in early childhood education)

This is an academic degree, approximately 64 semester college credit hours, awarded upon completion of a course of study usually lasting two years, generally at a community college It is considered to be a greater level of education than a high school diploma or GED, but less than a bachelor's degree. http://www.iowaaeyc.org/college-resource-directory.cfm

Associate’s Degree (plus or including 24 early childhood education semester college credits)

This is an academic degree, approximately 64 semester college credit hours, awarded upon completion of a course of study usually lasting two years, generally at a community college It is considered to be a greater level of education than a high school diploma or GED, but less than a bachelor's degree.

Bachelor’s Degree - non-ECE

This is an undergraduate academic degree in a field or major outside of early childhood awarded by colleges and universities, generally requiring 124 - 128 college credit hours

Bachelor’s Degree - education (non-ECE)

This is an undergraduate academic licensure degree outside of early childhood, varying by grade level and subject, as licensed by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Teacher preparation programs include coursework in the professional education core, content subject(s), and a student teaching or internship placement. Programs must be completed through regionally accredited institutions for college credit, at an Iowa institution or at an out-of-state institution.

Bachelor’s Degree - child development

a non-licensure program that includes research in child development and education necessary to work with children and their families in a variety of settings and roles.

Bachelor’s Degree - child, adult, family services - child service option

a degree program to become a preschool teacher, childcare administrator, foster care or adoption specialist, child advocate, volunteer coordinator for child services, child service organization director, or a grief counselor.

Bachelor’s Degree - early childhood administration

a degree program which includes general education requirements and major course requirements in all aspects of creating a healthy, supportive, challenging environment for children; the impact of families and communities in learning and development; the design and assessment of developmentally appropriate programs; leadership to direct and manage a child care setting; personnel management; and fiscal, legal, ethical, and program requirements of administration.

Bachelor’s Degree - early childhood education

areas of study include childhood development, how to create curriculum, and methods for collaborating with parents, and leads to a state of Iowa teaching license.

Bachelor’s Degree - in human development and family studies - child option

a degree program to become an early childhood teachers, administrator, or child and family specialist to help people reach full potential, despite challenges such as addiction, abuse, chronic illness, immigration, and special needs.

Bachelor’s Degree - plus or including 24 ECE credits

any degree that includes 24 ECE credits

Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE) licensure with ECE Endorsement 100, 103, 106, or 262

100 PK-3 Teacher, Regular Education/Special Education 103 PK-K Teacher, PreKindergarten-Kindergarten Classroom 106 PK-3 Teacher, PK-3 Classroom 262 PK-K Early Childhood/Special Education

Credentials Specific to Adult Education

authorizes the holder to teach subjects named on the credential in courses organized primarily for adults.

Credentials Specific to Program Administration

authorizes the holder to provide school services in grades 12 and below, including preschool, and in classes organized primarily for adults, including, but not limited to, assessment of programs, evaluation of personnel, providing discipline, supervision of personnel, managing site and services, employing personnel, and supervising student support systems.

Master’s Degree - in non-ECE

approximately 30 or more of graduate credit in a field outside early childhood awarded after completion of a course of study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice.

Master’s Degree - with teaching licensure in Early Childhood Education

knowledge and leadership skills for early childhood positions; generally includes critical examination of issues, trends, and current research to create and sustain enriching programs and practices and develop practical strategies and tools required to plan curricula and to create caring and respectful learning environments that meet requirements for licensure by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. This degree includes approximately 30 - 35 graduate semester credit hours, varying by higher education institution.

Master’s Degree - with Endorsement 100

Early Childhood Integrated Setting to teach in early childhood integrated settings, including preschools, K-3 classrooms, early childhood centers, and Head Start classrooms, or to serve as an administrator for early childhood programs - approximately 20 graduate semester credit hours.

Master’s Degree - in ECE

provides career opportunities as an early childhood administrator, specialist, or consultant - approximately 35 graduate semester credit hours.