Edited By Charlotte Sears
Review & Contribution By Dr. Sophia White
Prepare for a rewarding career shaping young minds with a comprehensive Early Childhood Education Degree Online program. Start your journey today.
The early childhood education degree online program is designed for those who want to become educators or other related professionals in the field of early childhood. The primary focus of this program is to help students develop a deep understanding of how to meet the learning and developmental needs of children from birth through eight years of age. An early childhood education degree online can teach professionals how to use play-based activity to teach basic writing, math, reading, and more concepts to assess the child’s developmental level. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of professionals in this field to grow 3 percent from 2021 to 2031 [1]. Some job roles graduates of early childhood education degree online pursue include preschool teacher, paraprofessional educator in a public school, early childhood center director, and so on.
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Southern New Hampshire University
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Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, or via our innovative online platform.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
Find the Best Early Childhood Education Degree Online Programs
Students can consider specific factors while choosing an undergraduate college, including academic quality, accreditation, faculty, career opportunities, program cost, employment rates in the respective field of study, etc. The teams at FBD have looked through various programs and colleges from all over the U.S. using a proprietary methodology to prepare a list of institutions offering the best early childhood education degree online:
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| Florida International University | 11200 S. W. 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199 | $6,565 | 69% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from an Early Childhood Education Degree Online Program
An online degree early childhood education requires 120 credit hours of coursework and takes an average of four years to complete. The program typically concerns learning developmental teaching practices, early childhood literacy, early childhood education theories, and other general education courses. It prepares professionals to work in various educational environments like preschools, public schools, and childcare centers. The program is offered on campus and online, providing similar advancement opportunities for ECE bachelor’s degree graduates online. Early education typically refers to preschool learners; however, the undergraduate program enables teachers to work up to even third-grade levels. Some other roles an undergraduate can work in include childcare workers, childcare center directors, education consultants, education mental health practitioners, family support workers, and more.
Curriculum and Coursework
An online degree in early childhood education is designed to help students get equipped with the knowledge to teach and work with children eight years older or younger. It gives them a solid foundation for pursuing a master’s in early childhood education or continuing as a professional.
The courses students learn throughout the program can make them adept with approaches to teaching reading, including vocabulary, fluency, phonics, language, and comprehension development. Some of the standard courses that can be expected across different programs and institutions include
Early Childhood Foundations and Teaching Profession
The course provides a foundation for early childhood education, focusing on ethical practices, psychological and philosophical issues, historical context, and recent strategies and models. Students also learn about the Montessori educational model and examine the roles of early childhood professionals.
Child Development
This course deals with psychological, emotional, and biological changes occurring in human beings between birth to about the age of adolescence. Students learn about different stages of early childhood development, including newborn, infant, toddler, preschooler, and school-age child. They also learn to evaluate different domains like physical, emotional, and social development that contribute to the overall well-being of children.
Early Literacy Learning
In early literacy learning, students grasp the fundamentals of reading, communication, socialization, and writing. They explore various words, languages, and techniques that aid in early literacy development through interactions with children, playful activities, and reading sessions involving rhyme, play, and other skill-building exercises. Additionally, students delve into concepts such as print motivation, letter knowledge, vocabulary, narrative skills, phonological awareness, and print awareness, among others.
Wellness in Early Childhood Setting
This course provides an overview of wellness and health in early childhood or childcare settings by examining good safety, healthy practices, and nutrition for younger children. The topics covered focus on wellness and the professional responsibility of educators to provide safe and nurturing environments for young learners.
Methods of Curriculum and Instruction
Through this course, students understand different methods of instruction, including collaboration, demonstration, analyses of research articles, student presentations, didactic lectures, and more. They also learn widely accepted and researched methodologies in curriculum designs today, like subject-centered, learner-centered, and problem-centered.
Some of the other standard courses students can find in the bachelor’s curriculum include:
- Classroom Management and Guidance to Young Learners
- Infant and toddler care
- Child Guidance and Management in Early Childhood Education
- Social justice for educators
- Creative experience for young learners
- Math content and processes
- Play development and assessment
- Young children with special needs
- Family, community, and cultural awareness in early childhood
- Psychology of childhood
- Developmental psychology
Most colleges include field experiences or in-person internships with children to deliver a more practical and hands-on approach to curriculum delivery. Through the practical aspects of the curriculum, students can understand tasks like classroom management, teaching methods, and more for students and individual needs.
Read the guide to bachelor’s programs to understand undergraduate requirements.
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
The bachelor’s degree in early childhood education focuses on the current trends and issues in the field. Students learn about various instructional elements and significant milestones in early childhood development. The program emphasizes child development, educational practices, and theories, including instructional strategies students can use professionally. Some of the skills graduates with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education gain include the ability to:
- demonstrate knowledge of different approaches to teaching reading, including vocabulary, comprehension, language, and fluency development;
- demonstrate understanding of basic principles and theories of child development and growth;
- develop personal philosophies and apply them to lesson plan design, delivery, and teaching;
- demonstrate knowledge of learning theories, styles and methods for classroom management;
- promote wellness and health in early childhood education through safety and good nutrition for young learners;
- demonstrate understanding of current issues and trends in education and come up with solutions;
- devise instructional methods for learners who have exceptionalities
- demonstrate understanding of developmental milestones, classroom engagement, methods of evaluation, and management techniques.
Types of Degrees Early Childhood Education Students Can Obtain
An early childhood education degree online provides an overview of teaching methodologies, instructional strategies, theories of early childhood growth and development, assessment techniques, and the impact of cultural diversity on early childhood development. In the United States, three types of bachelor’s degrees are typically available in early education: a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Early Childhood Education, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education.
Bachelor of Science or BS in Early Childhood Education
The Bachelor of Science or BS in Early Childhood Education program provides students with practicum experiences throughout their coursework and helps them learn how to work with young students of different age groups, cultures, and intellects. Through the program, participants gain skills and understand instruction methods for different learners, developmental milestones, evaluation methods, management techniques, classroom engagement, curriculum development, and more.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education
The Bachelor of Applied Science or BAS in Early Childhood prepares students to pursue various career paths critical to ensuring children’s emotional and intellectual development without requiring licensing or teacher certification. Students understand how to cater to children’s development and learning needs from birth through eight years of age.
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
The Bachelor of Arts or BA in Early Childhood Education prepares Students on topics like early childhood education theories, early childhood literacy, and developmentally appropriate teaching practices. Many programs include internship or practicum experiences that let students get a firsthand experience of teaching children from birth to 8 years old.
Areas of Specialization for Early Childhood Education Students
Academic specialization involves studying a specific subject domain, often corresponding with specialist practices. It enhances knowledge in a particular area, allowing students to gain expertise. Specializations provide focused learning, enabling deeper understanding and skill development within a chosen field, ultimately preparing individuals for advanced careers or further academic pursuits. Some concentrations those pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education online can take up include:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Curriculum and Methods | This concentration addresses the domains of development, focusing on maintaining well-being and good health, becoming effective communicators, and creating environments that can facilitate preschoolers’ growth. Students learn some of the methodologies for curriculum design, including subject-centered, learner-centered, and problem-centered. | • Instructional Coordinator • Training and Development Specialist • Educational Administrator • Preschool Curriculum Developer |
| Language Development in Young Children | This concentration on language development in early childhood education helps students develop activities and establish conditions to practice language in meaningful contexts. It teaches students how to support children to express, communicate, and manage emotions effectively. | • Early Childhood Educator • Community Development Worker • Speech-Language Pathologist • Language Intervention Specialist |
| Children’s Literature | Through this concentration, students understand how literature is used to develop cognitive skills, appreciation of diverse cultures, empathy, and emotional intelligence. They are equipped with the tools and methods necessary to assist young learners. | • Early Childhood Librarian • Children’s Book Author or Illustrator • Literacy Specialist • Storytelling Educator |
| Administration of Early Childhood Education | This concentration on early childhood education administration helps students understand how to manage various responsibilities, which include setting up hiring processes, managing staff, and budgeting. They also learn how to design curricula and effectively communicate with students and parents. | • Early Childhood Education Administrator • Preschool Director • Childcare Center Manager • Early Childhood Education Consultant |
| Health and Mental Health Specialties with young children | This specialization helps students learn how to understand different mental health challenges in children and assists them in facing these challenges in various situations. It helps educators support children in reaching emotional and developmental milestones. | • Preschool Teacher • Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Professional • Child Life Specialist • Pediatric Occupational Therapist |
| Early Childhood policy and advocacy | This specialization deals with policies of early childhood education that a professional in the field should be aware of. Some topics included in this concentration are child abuse and neglect, anti-bias activities, family issues, diversity, gender roles, etc. | • Early Childhood Policy Analyst • Early Childhood Program Associate • Early Childhood Advocate • Policy Researcher |
Full-Time and Part-Time Programs
A bachelor’s degree generally takes four years to complete, but that timeline can vary if an individual earns the degree online. Earning an early childhood education program online can typically take around 120 to 135 credits. Most full-time students can complete their degrees in an average of four years. Part-time applicants take around four to six years to complete. Those completing the program in an accelerated timeline can finish it in less than four years. Here is a summary of the online early childhood education bachelor’s degree:
- Full-time: The online early childhood education bachelor’s degree in full-time takes an average of four years to complete
- Part-time: The online early childhood education bachelor’s degree part-time takes an average of four to six years to complete
Accelerated Early Childhood Education Programs
An accelerated bachelor’s program is an undergraduate degree that is more fast-paced than a traditional curriculum, allowing students to earn their bachelor’s degree in three years or less. The accelerated program can be completed faster, allowing students to earn more credits. It is opted for by students taking up job roles or changing their careers. Applicants can also fast-track their program by integrating bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Getting into an accelerated program means students can rapidly increase their earning potential. Some of the colleges providing accelerated ECE bachelor’s degree online programs include:
Requirements for Getting into an Early Childhood Education Degree Online Program
Admission into an online Bachelor’s Degree program in Early Childhood Education follows typical four-year program criteria and does not demand prior field experience. Applicants must provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions, including unofficial transcripts. Transfer applicants without an associate’s degree must also submit official high school or GED transcripts. Here are some standard early childhood education degree online admission requirements:
- Application fee and form
- High school diploma or equivalent score
- A 2.5 or more GPA score is typically needed, or a higher transferable credit
- Official transcripts from all previous universities
- Standardized tests like ACT and SAT
- Personal statement
- English language requirements for students who are non-native English speakers
How to Ensure an Early Childhood Education Degree Online Program Is Accredited
Accreditation ensures that an institution delivers the expected quality of education and is recognized by the wider educational community. Attending an accredited college offers benefits such as access to high-quality facilities, a robust curriculum, renowned faculty, and broader academic and professional advancement opportunities. The regional institutions providing accreditation to universities providing online degrees in early childhood education programs include:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
The National Association for the Education of Young Children3 provides a framework for external evaluation, self-study, and quality improvement in teacher preparation programs. It is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)4 and accredits baccalaureate programs in nationally and regionally accredited institutions across the U.S. The U.S. Department of Education5 is another nationally recognized organization that accredits bodies providing accreditation to childcare programs.
Read the guide to college accreditation to understand more about accreditation.
Where to Find Free Online Courses for Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s Students
Free online courses for Bachelor’s students in Early Childhood Education can be found through various educational websites and platforms. These courses cover various relevant topics, including child development, teaching methodologies, and curriculum design. Additionally, many universities offer open-access resources through their websites, providing valuable learning opportunities for students seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills. Here are a few examples of free early childhood education courses available online:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Montessori6 | This course offers a historical perspective and explores theories of early childhood education. It explores curriculum frameworks and renowned figures in the field. Furthermore, it covers children’s social, emotional, and language development foundations, including critical attachment theories and related emotional development concepts. | Alison |
| Attachment in the Early Years7 | The courses help students describe attachment classifications and understand how they are assessed. They will also be able to describe different caregiving features that influence attachment patterns and learn the significance of attachment styles throughout lifespan development. Students will also understand the need for ethical conduct while conducting research with children. | OpenLearn – Open University |
| Introduction to Early Childhood8 | The course is an important resource for students to understand the fundamentals of early childhood development, the significance of creating strong family-educator ties, and the importance of developmentally appropriate practices. Through the course, students gain crucial skills in creativity, decision-making, communication, planning and instruction, and child care. | Coursera |
Ways to Pay for an Early Childhood Education Degree Online Program
Most prospective students always need help with how to pay for college. With the current economy, the prices of undergraduate tuition fees have increased considerably, and many applicants, even though accepted into schools, cannot attend them. They cannot afford to pay their tuition or are not able to find ways to pay for college. Regardless of their background, most students qualify for financial assistance and can find numerous ways to pay for college. Some of these financial aids that a candidate for an early childhood education degree online can consider include:
Scholarships provide financial assistance to students for educational pursuits, typically based on criteria such as diversity and athletic or academic merit. Colleges, institutions, or organizations offer them. Due to the various types of scholarships available, it’s essential to scrutinize their requirements before applying.
Grants
Grants allow applicants with sufficient economic need to have funding for their school. Some state and federal grant programs offer student support based on merit or other criteria. However, many private organizations and educational institutions also provide grants to further the academic needs of candidates.
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an application filed by prospective college applicants in the United States to determine their eligibility for financial aid, such as federal loans, grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and more. Filling out the form is generally the first step students must take to qualify for financial aid.
To understand more about financial assistance and funding from the government, read the financial aid guide.
Scholarships for Early Childhood Education Degree Online Students
Financial aid can help reduce the students’ financial burden and costs. Candidates planning to enroll in Early Childhood Education programs can apply for some of the following scholarships. Some of these early childhood education degree online scholarships are:
| Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montessori Teacher Education Scholarships9 | The American Montessori Society provides teacher education scholarships to applicants who are aspiring Montessori Teachers in support of their professional development. Applicants may be considered based on their statement, letters of recommendation, official acceptance verification into an accredited program, and financial need. | Varies | April annually |
| Teacher Education Assistance College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant10 | The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Education. It is a unique federal student aid grant program that benefits teachers who work or aspire to work in underserved schools and high-need fields. | $4,000 | Varies |
| Zeta Phi Beta Isabel M. Herson Scholarship in Education11 | The scholarship is awarded to individuals deserving female high school seniors to cover their educational costs and demonstrate excellence through academic achievement. The awardee is expected to have a minimum of 3.0 GPA, moderate to significant financial need, commitment to community involvement and service, and more. | $125,000 to cover the cost of tuition and other expenses borne | February annually |
Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating from an Early Childhood Education Degree Online Program
After graduating with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, individuals can explore diverse career opportunities across different sectors. Salaries vary depending on factors like experience, location, and job role. Graduates may find fulfilling roles that align with their passion for nurturing young minds while contributing positively to society. Some of the employment opportunities available to graduates of an online degree early childhood education include:
- Teacher
- Director or Manager,
- Early Years Practitioner
- Preschool Manager
- Primary School Teacher
- Family Support Worker
- Post-adoption Support Family Practitioner
- Primary Supply Teacher
A few other occupations are explained below:
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2031) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Workers 12 | Empathy, attention to detail, communication, and interpersonal skills. | $28,520 | -2% (decline) | Childcare workers engage babies and toddlers through reading and play, introducing basic concepts like sharing and taking turns. For preschool-age children, they focus on preparing for kindergarten, utilizing play, storytelling, and rhyming games to teach language, social skills, and numeracy. They also incorporate creative activities like art, dance, and music to enhance overall development. |
| Preschool Teacher [1] | Communication, interpersonal, organizational, physical stamina, patience, and creativity skills. | $35,330 | 3% (as fast as average) | Preschool teachers educate children under 5, focusing on language, motor, and social skills. They teach basic concepts like colors, shapes, and letters using play and storytelling. They plan curricula, organize activities, and monitor each child’s development. Preschool teaching emphasizes holistic development through play, problem-solving, and experimentation. |
| Special Education Teachers 13 | Communication, critical thinking, interpersonal, patience, and resourcefulness skills. | $62,950 | 0% (little or no change) | Special education teachers support students with learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities, adapting lessons to meet individual needs. They assess skills, develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and teach various subjects. Special education teachers mentor students individually or in groups, track progress, and collaborate with parents and colleagues to ensure student success. |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers14 | Communication, patience, physical stamina, and resourcefulness skills | $61,620 | 1% (little or no change) | Kindergarten and elementary school teachers educate young students in foundational subjects like math and reading to prepare them for middle school. They create lesson plans, evaluate students’ progress, and communicate with parents. Teachers employ interactive methods to facilitate learning and encourage students’ development of problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. |
Certifications and Licensing for Early Childhood Education Degree Online Graduates
Professional certifications in Early Childhood Education are crucial for online Bachelor’s students to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field. Employers often seek candidates with recognized certifications, enhancing job prospects and credibility. These certifications validate knowledge and skills, ensuring educators stay updated with current practices and maintain high standards in childcare and education. Some certifications graduates with bachelor’s degree in early childhood education online can pursue are:
Child Development Associate Credential15
The Child Development Associate Credential is widely known in early childhood education. It allows educators working with children from birth to five years of age to strengthen and demonstrate their understanding, practices, and knowledge when teaching early education.
Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) 16
The certified childcare professional certification is designed specifically for teachers. It is valuable for those who still need to complete a college degree or have a degree in other academic areas. It is generally a nationally recognized two-year credential opted for by teachers who want professional and academic development.
Childcare license requirements typically vary from state to state. The National Database of Child Care Licensing Regulations provides a website for state licensing departments and contact information. Graduates can also contact the agency responsible for licensing regulation for childcare to check if a provider has a license and view different licensing records.
Additional Resources for Early Childhood Education Degree Online Graduates
Many organizations throughout the U.S. focus on childcare services and resources. Students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education online can become members or access the resources and tools these organizations provide for quality child care. Here are some examples:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Childcare.gov | The website is a requirement of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2014. It helps educators and parents access quality and safe childcare services in their community that best suit their family needs. Students can learn about different physical environments, classroom settings, etc., that can help nurture a child. |
| Office of Child Care | The childcare office provides many childcare and development fund programs to fund childcare providers and stabilize the market. Some of their key resources include childcare technical assistance networks, child care stabilization grants, COVID-19 FAQS, stabilizing child care, and much more. |
| Childhood Education International | This organization aims to provide children access to quality and ethical education globally. They collaborate with education leaders, community leaders, healthy professionals, governmental agencies, teachers, families, the private sector, and civil society associations. The members provide innovative solutions that enhance development and learning for all children. |
| Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children | The Division for Early Childhood provides opportunities for individuals to collaborate, communicate, and interact with multidisciplinary groups that understand the work done. It also helps members access professional development opportunities like conferences, learning decks, and webinars. |
| National Association for the Education of Young Children | The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) promotes high-quality early learning for children up to age eight by connecting practice, policy, and research. With nearly 60,000 individual members and 52 Affiliates, NAEYC advances a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and supports those who care for and educate young children. Their collective vision ensures all children thrive and reach their full potential. |
FAQs About Early Childhood Education Degree Online Programs
What is an online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education?
An online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education is designed to prepare students to work with young children, typically from birth to age 8, in educational settings. It covers child development, curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and strategies for fostering early learning and development.
Is an early childhood education program worth it?
Can you get an early childhood education degree online?
How long does completing an online bachelor’s in early childhood education take?
Can I collaborate with fellow students and faculty in an online bachelor’s in early childhood education program?
What can you do with an early childhood education degree online?
Citations:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Preschool Teachers
National Association for the Education of Young Children
Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
Care Courses-Distance Learning for early childhood professionals-Playing Outdoors
OpenLearn – Open University-Attachment in the early years
Coursera-Introduction to Early Childhood
Montessori Teacher Education Scholarships
Teacher Education Assistance College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
Zeta Phi Beta Isabel M. Herson Scholarship in Education
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Childcare Workers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Special Education Teachers