SAN DIEGO, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE: BPI), a provider of post-secondary education services focused on providing higher access to higher education, announced today that Ashford University has introduced a new Infant and Toddler Specialization as part of its online Bachelor of Arts degree programs in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education Administration.

The Infant and Toddler Specialization will help to prepare Ashford University's education students for careers specific to early childhood education, as well as infant and child care.

"Trends and issues relevant to infant and toddler development provide excellent learning opportunities in the area of quality care," said Joen Rottler, dean of the School of Education at Ashford University. "The critical developmental areas of cognitive, social and emotional growth are addressed in meaningful context of family, culture and care."

The Infant and Toddler Specialization is currently available online at Ashford University. It does not include any additional professional licensures or certifications.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

About Bridgepoint Education

Bridgepoint Education's postsecondary education services focus on offering associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in the disciplines of business, education, psychology, social sciences and health sciences. Bridgepoint Education's regionally accredited academic institutions -- Ashford University and University of the Rockies -- deliver their programs online as well as at traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations at 858.668.2580.

SOURCE Bridgepoint Education, Inc.