The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for preschool teachers to grow 15 percent through 2031, a rate that is much faster than average.
That means there is a great opportunity for a rewarding career working with young children and their families.
Pennsylvania online early childhood education degree programs can provide a distinct advantage for graduates who are pursuing these kinds of career opportunities.
Top Early Childhood Education Programs in Pennsylvania
Below is a list of the best accredited Pennsylvania online early childhood education degrees.
1. Eastern University
Eastern University's fully online program allows students to earn a bachelor's degree in early childhood education.
The program is designed to be 100% online and students work at their own pace during terms that run seven weeks.
The flexible, but accelerated, format allows students to graduate in as little as two and a half years if they are transferring credits from a previous institution.
Eastern University's generous financial aid opportunities and affordable tuition allow students to earn their degree while paying as little as $2,500 per year.
2. St. Francis University
The St. Francis University Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education is offered as an entirely online program that blends critical thinking, theory, and field experiences.
The program guides students toward Pennsylvania State Certification through the state's education department so they can teach in public school settings.
The alternative Bachelor of Arts program in early childhood education is not designed to lead to state certification and allows graduates to work instead in other roles outside public schools.
3. Wilkes University
The Wilkes University online bachelor's in elementary and early childhood education is designed to help adult and nontraditional learners earn their degree.
Scholarship and other financial aid opportunities make it possible for eligible students to finish their degree while they work full–time.
The program instills in students the essential knowledge needed to manage classrooms effectively and understand child development.
Prospective students need to transfer with 55 credits, or an associate degree, to participate in this program.
Other Online Early Childhood Degree Programs to Consider
There are many other online early childhood education degree programs serving Pennsylvania students worth considering.
Bluefield University
The Bluefield University bachelor's in early childhood education is a four–year program that prepares students for non–licensed positions.
The program is designed to be flexible while still incorporating practical experiences, including pairing students with mentor teachers during two semesters of fieldwork.
Students may transfer into Bluefield's program with enough credits to reduce the time needed to earn the bachelor's degree to as little as two years.
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University offers an online program that graduates students with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Unified Education and prepares them to work with young children.
That includes roles as teachers, Head Start coordinators, daycare center operators, and more. The program emphasizes working with children and families from birth to age eight.
Students have internships and student teaching opportunities that provide real–world application of the knowledge they learn.
Regent University
With courses that are fully online and offered in eight and 15 week formats, Regent University's online degree in early childhood education provides significant flexibility to students.
Regent permits students to transfer up to 90 credit hours toward the degree.
The program is designed to prepare students to teach preschool, run daycare and preschool centers, or work as an education consultant, among other potential jobs.
The university also offers free coaching and employment services to assist students in their job hunt.
University of Missouri–Columbia
The online program at the University of Missouri provides students with an opportunity to earn a bachelor's in early childhood education in a mobile society.
This unique approach is designed to emphasize an understanding of the impacts associated with transient families and how frequent moving can affect children as they grow into adults.
The 120 credit–hour program is 100 percent online and trains students to work with diverse families and operate as a partner in the community effort to support a child's development.
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix offers a fully online bachelor's degree in early childhood education that consists of 120 credit hours earned through five–week courses.
During two clinical practice experiences, students work with a classroom teacher and a university faculty member, who helps supervise the development of lesson plans and activities.
Coursework emphasizes an understanding of childhood development and growth, developmentally–appropriate instruction, and assessment.
FAQs Regarding Early Childhood Education Degrees
Choosing a Pennsylvania online early childhood education degree can be challenging. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.
How Do You Get Certified in Early Childhood Education in Pennsylvania?
State certification in pre–k through fourth grade requires applicants to earn a bachelor's degree, complete student teaching, and get satisfactory scores on basic skills assessments.
Applicants then must file an application through Pennsylvania's Teacher Information Management System.
What Are the Best Majors to Be a Preschool Teacher?
The best major to be a preschool teacher is early childhood education. This program is tailored to blend classroom experience with an understanding of early childhood development.
How Much Does an Early Childhood Education Degree Pay?
The average salary for a preschool teacher in Pennsylvania is $33,120, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The average salary for a preschool or daycare center administrator is $51,800.
Earn Your Early Childhood Education Degree
If you're interested in a rewarding career helping children and families, there are many options available for earning an online early childhood education degree in Pennsylvania. Reach out to Best Accredited Colleges today for more information on these and other online degree programs!
