Best Online Bachelor Degree Programs in Early Childhood Education

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Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Online Associate Degrees in Early Childhood Education

Online associate degrees in ECE average about 64 credit hours each. While these programs encompass an average of four semesters and typically take two years to finish, the online format may allow students flexibility in completion time. Online associate's in ECE are most often offered as Associate of Arts (AA), but some Associate of Applied Arts (AAS) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees are also available in the online format. In addition, while some of these programs are designed to prepare students for direct transition into the workplace, others are meant to aid students in moving on to pursue a bachelor's degree upon graduation.

Online Bachelor's Degrees in Early Childhood Education

Most online bachelor's degrees in ECE are offered either as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS), but some Bachelor of Education (BEd), Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAEd), or Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) programs are also available. Averaging around 120-130 credit hours, these programs prepare students for careers in the field. Common online ECE coursework often includes information on early childhood development, effective teaching methodology, and appropriate curriculum construction through lectures and discussion-based assignments. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), preschool teachers must hold at least an associate's degree, but many ECE teachers are required to hold at least a bachelor's degree in order to secure a teaching position in public schools.

In addition, students almost always gain the opportunity for hands-on field experience through internships or student teaching programs while pursuing a bachelor's in ECE. While this field experience must take place in person, it is required for most online programs to help students prepare for teaching licensure. In addition, some online bachelor programs offer built-in licensure or pre-licensure tracks, allowing graduating students to become more easily eligible for teaching positions depending on established state criteria.

Online Master's Degrees in Early Childhood Education

Those who wish to pursue their studies in ECE further may do so through a selection of online master's degrees. Typically designed as either a Master of Education (Med) or Master of Science (MS), these programs offer even more specialized education in the ECE field and are often between 30-36 credit hours in total. Like most online bachelor's degrees, in order to graduate with a master's in ECE students must participate in on-site student teaching for some portion of the curriculum.

There are a number of career opportunities for those with a master's degree in early childhood education including positions in postsecondary education or early childhood educator administration.

Online Doctoral Degrees in Early Childhood Education

Online doctoral degrees in ECE refine expertise even further with advanced theory- and research-based academic work. These programs are most often available as either a Doctor of Education (EdD) or Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD-ED). Including close to 60 total credit hours, they promote professional development and may take several years to complete due to extensive residency and research requirements. Students must complete a doctoral thesis or dissertation to graduate with a doctorate in ECE, and most programs require an average of two years of teaching or field experience for admission, as well as a completed bachelor's or master's degree. Individuals who hold a doctorate in ECE may go on to pursue various leadership positions in administration, higher education, and research and policy organizations, or they may also choose to pursue careers as childhood development specialists or consultants.

Online Certificates in Early Childhood Education

Online certificates in ECE are available at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Depending on state guidelines, these programs may provide eligibility for some teaching or childcare positions and average about 26 credit hours in total. Students pursuing a certificate may receive specialized education in a narrower topic within the ECE field, such as infant or toddler development, Pre-K, or Kindergarten studies. Some students may choose to transfer certificate credits toward another degree, and working professionals may use certificate programs to strengthen their skills and subject knowledge. While some undergraduate certificate programs do not require on-site application, others include internships or job-embedded studies in addition to the online curriculum.

Specializations and concentrations in ECE studies are available at various degree levels. Programs may tailor or supplement complementary degree programs to focus more on specific subject matter in the ECE field. Some online programs also offer degrees in general education with a specialization in ECE, adding specialization courses in ECE to core curriculum. Other programs offer narrower concentration subjects, such as special education or diversity studies, in addition to a core ECE program.

Classes in early childhood education prepare students for a career by providing relevant field knowledge, and this is also true of early childhood education courses offered online. In addition to online lectures and seminars, the vast majority of ECE degree programs require internship or student teaching experience, which allows students to work alongside current professionals and work with children in their school learning environments. Some examples of common ECE coursework includes:

• Child development and psychology
• Teaching framework and lesson planning
• ECE curriculum: math, reading, arts, etc.
• Equity, diversity, and inclusion studies
• Special education
• Social policy and education ethics
• Family and community engagement
• Observation and literacy assessment
• Health, safety, and nutrition
• Final project/practicum

Online bachelor's programs in ECE are often flexible, allowing students to work at their own pace by offering asynchronous teaching options and access to course content at any time. Some programs offer both full-time and part-time degree programs, as well, with some fast-track non-licensure options available. The majority of online bachelor's programs in ECE take about four years to complete, but some programs may take as little as two years with an expedited curriculum.

Accreditation for online bachelor's programs in ECE comes from a selection of national and regional professional accreditation organizations. These organizations evaluate academic institutions and programs based on criteria published by the U.S. Department of Education, covering topics like curriculum quality, equity and diversity, credibility, mission, ethics and conduct, and program development. Some established accreditation organizations for ECE programs include the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Higher Learning Commission (HCL), Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

According to the U.S. Department of Education, each state upholds its own criteria for teaching certification and approves a selection of state-approved licensure programs for aspiring teachers to access. While some programs are offered through state-approved academic degrees, others come from alternative programs which are not attached to an academic institution. For students interested in pursuing a degree in ECE, some schools offer optional supplementary certification programs which supplement the core degree. Students should check if the program they are interested in is available as a licensure, pre-licensure, or non-licensure track. A large number of states also requires completion of exams such as Praxis, TExES, and CSET/CBEST so students should make sure to check their state's criteria thoroughly to prepare for any necessary exams.

The BLS reported that public school ECE teachers in the U.S. are required to hold a license in addition to a degree in ECE or a related field; licensure requirements for other preschool teachers vary between states. Typically, teachers must renew their licenses with continuing education or reapplication on a cyclical basis. Teacher certification ensures that students across the country have access to quality educators.

As young children grow, the influence of high-quality educators throughout the early period of development is paramount. A number of careers comprise the ECE field, from education to childcare programs. Jobs for all preschool, elementary, middle, secondary, and special education teachers are projected to grow at an average rate of 3% between 2019 and 2029, as determined by the BLS. The majority of ECE careers require at least a bachelor's degree, but the competitive field may encourage aspiring educators to pursue further education. Some common careers in the ECE field include:

• Preprimary or preschool teacher
• Kindergarten or early elementary teacher
• Infant and toddler specialist
• ECE program administrator
• Childcare center director
• Childcare worker
• ECE teaching assistant
• Special education specialist

How to Become a Preschool Teacher

The BLS reported that a total of 540,400 preschool teachers were recorded in 2019, not including special education, and jobs for preschool teachers should increase by 2% in the 2019-2029 decade. A minimum of an associate's degree is required for a career in preschool education, but these requirements may vary based on state policies. As with most careers in ECE, educators often pursue further education to become more competitive in the field. Certification for preschool teachers is also required for the majority of public school systems. Licensure often involves completion of an ECE degree, student teaching experience, testing, and recertification as needed. Aspiring ECE educators may choose to work as a preschool teacher assistant to gain necessary field experience prior to pursuing full teaching positions.

Preschool educators work closely with children ages three to five, facilitating early development in a school environment. They teach children fundamental educational material, such as shapes, colors, numbers, and letters, and oversee their students' developmental growth throughout the curriculum progression. This often involves observation of emotional and social development in addition to academic learning. Positions in preschool education are available at child learning centers, elementary schools, and in churches. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $30,520 for preschool teachers in 2019.

How to Become an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Early childhood special education teachers work with young students with a diverse range of physical, emotional, and mental needs. These professionals help modify class material to fit their students' special needs, often working in small groups or one-on-one. Early childhood special education careers require at least a bachelor's degree in ECE and/or special education, and educators must also complete student teaching, background check, and testing programs to become eligible for state licensing and employment. According to the BLS, careers in early childhood special education are projected to experience an 8% growth rate from 2019 to 2029; the median annual salary of special educators in preschool programs was $60,000 as per the BLS in 2019.

Students are typically encouraged to apply for FAFSA to confirm eligibility for federal financial aid and related scholarships. Many schools also offer academic or need-based scholarships and reduced rates for location, background, and military qualifiers.

National or independent scholarships are also available for students pursuing careers in ECE. Prominent organizations offering scholarships for ECE students include:

• Bright Horizons
• NAEYC
• Discover Early Childhood Education
• The Educational Advancement Foundation
• American Montessori Society (AMS)
• Higher Education Services Corporation: TEACH Grant Program

To promote quality education standards across the country, resources for careers in ECE are provided at the state level. Each state offers its own collection of guidelines, competency indexes, and instructional materials through its respective Department of Education. In addition to communicating statewide standards and policies, state departments may offer resources for continuing education, database access, certification tools, and learning models. These guidelines and regulations often encompass areas including:

• Equitable teaching standards
• Curriculum and instruction
• Student assessment
• Professional standards
• Finances and grants
• Legal policies and regulations
• Guides to early development and learning

A number of professional organizations in early childhood education provide resources for educators, administrators, and childcare workers to promote high quality and equitable education. Educators may join these organizations and reap benefits such as access to continued education, connection to childcare support agencies, event discounts, updates in research and policy revisions, and seminars. Some prominent organizations include:

• Childhood Education International (CEI)
• HighScope Educational Research Foundation
• Child Care Aware of America
• NAEYC
• National Head Start Association (NHSA)