Casper College online program earns national attention

Casper College’s early childhood education program was recently named a top 50 online associate degree option in the U.S., according to thebestschools.org.

Founded in 2011, thebestschools.org offers resources and advice to assist learners in selecting schools and careers. The national organization looked at early childhood programs across the U.S. this spring and selected in August the top colleges based on the quality of the program, types of courses provided, faculty strength, school awards and program reputation. Casper College placed 18th nationally.

“This award affirms our hard work over the last 10 years to provide quality course offerings for students wishing to work in early childhood education positions,” said Kerri Mahlum, Ed.D., chair of the Casper College Education Department.

Mahlum said the program continues to grow in part because of the need for early childhood educators across the U.S. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10-percent growth nationally in preschool teaching jobs through the year 2026.

“The Casper College Early Childhood program leads to an associate degree. Many students transfer in pursuit of their bachelor’s degree, using these early childhood classes for their program, minor or endorsement credits,” said Cammy Rowley, Ph.D., one of four education faculty members at the college. Renee Griffith and Thom DeVoogd also teach classes in the department.

Casper College is the only community college in Wyoming with accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

For more information about pursuing an early childhood education degree, contact Mahlum at 307-268-2430 or kmahlum@caspercollege.edu.