Earning a degree in early childhood education is an excellent idea for those who want to nurture and influence the next generation. Graduates will be able to work with children from birth to eight years old.
Arkansas State University's Bachelor of Science in elementary education degree program offers an early childhood teaching endorsement and the University of Arkansas offers an early childhood special education endorsement plan.
Arkansas residents who are interested in earning an online bachelor's degree in early childhood education will need to choose a college that is located outside of the state.
Top Early Childhood Education Programs Available to Arkansas Residents
See the top early childhood education programs available to Arkansas residents below.
Grand Canyon University
If students want to teach in Arkansas, Grand Canyon University offers an early childhood education program that allows them to earn the degree and meet requirements for Arizona licensure.
After they receive their Arizona license, they can apply for reciprocity in Arkansas. Reciprocity means that a license earned in one state is validated in another state.
The program includes course requirement and two practicum experiences; however, state exams and an institutional recommendation may be needed for licensure in your state.
Tuition for the four-year program is $455 per credit hour.
Liberty University
Liberty University offers an online non-licensure Bachelor of Science in early childhood education interdisciplinary studies degree program that can be completed in less than four years.
Complete several courses such as early childhood education fundamentals and psychology of childhood to become equipped with the knowledge and skills to teach young children in non-public school settings.
The early childhood education program allows you to transfer up to 75% of your degree with credits from an accredited institution.
Purdue Global
Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in early childhood administration degree at Purdue Global if they are interested in a non-licensure program that prepares them for education positions that do not require a teacher certification.
Purdue Global's early childhood administration degree program requires students to complete 180 credits and an internship that allows them to gain professional experience in a real classroom setting.
The cost of tuition is $371 per credit hour.
University of Arizona, Global Campus
The University of Arizona's Global Campus offers a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education degree program that allows a transfer of up to 90 credits from community colleges, previous college coursework, or life experiences.
The early childhood education degree program provides several emphases so that students can create more opportunities in an area of their interest after graduation. Emphases include:
- business economics
- cognitive studies
- entrepreneurship
- supply chain management
- real estate
- health and wellness
Tuition is $510 per credit hour.
Walden University
Walden University offers a non-licensure early childhood studies program that can be completed in as little as 15 months through Walden University's tempo learning program.
Students can complete course requirements for their Bachelor of Science in early childhood studies (non-licensure) degree by completing competency assessments that demonstrate their understanding of course materials.
Course requirements include:
- general education courses
- core courses
- elective courses
- capstone course
The cost of tuition is $1,500 per three-month subscription period.
FAQs Regarding Early Childhood Education Degrees
The list below may answer questions you might have about early childhood education degrees in Arkansas.
How Do You Get Certified in Early Childhood Education in Arkansas?
You can complete an online early childhood education degree program that leads to state licensure through one of the colleges listed on this page and then apply for reciprocity in Arkansas to get certified in early childhood education.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Degree in Early Childhood Education?
It takes four years to earn an early childhood education degree in Arkansas if you do not have any transfer credits, professional experience, competency assessments, or previous college credit.
It can take as little as 15 months depending on the program and past college and professional experience.
Are There Any Free Programs for Early Childhood Education?
You could complete an early childhood education program for free if you research, apply for and get awarded a full tuition scholarship.
There are multiple opportunities through merit programs and other grants, work-study, and scholarship opportunities.
What Is the Best Degree for Early Childhood Education?
The best degree for early childhood education is a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education.
The best degree for early childhood education also depends on your career interests and education goals.
What Are the Best Majors to Be a Preschool Teacher?
The following majors can be considered the best for becoming a preschool teacher:
- early childhood education
- child development
- human development
If you want to become a preschool teacher in a public school, state licensing may be required.
Earn Your Early Childhood Education Degree
You can earn your online early childhood education degree in Arkansas through an accredited college outside of Arkansas. If you want to be a teacher, confirm that your early childhood education program meets the requirements for reciprocity.
