A Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Education can lead to some of the most in-demand career paths in the country. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs relating to Childhood Education will increase by 18% between 2020 to 2030 for preschool teachers.
This degree prepares students for careers in the field of early childhood education and child care.
The Lowdown
Do you love to work with children? If you are interested in shaping young minds, generally ages birth to eight years old, a career in Early Childhood Education is for you!
Early childhood education programs prepare individuals to educate young children. Most Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education programs result in licensure to teach. Do you need an online distance learning program? Take a look at the schools below!
Early Childhood Education Salaries
Preschool Teachers
Childcare Workers
Kindergarten and Elementary School
Preschool and Childcare Center
Special Education Teachers
Teacher Assistants
Goals of an online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
One of the goals of Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education programs is to equip students to effectively teach and guide young children from infancy to eight years old. The program curriculum also aims to study the behavioral, mental, emotional, psychological, physical changes, and overall early childhood development that’s happening in a child at every stage of their growth and development.
The social and cultural aspects of the environment influencing the child are also dealt with in Childhood Education.
Methodology
We have come up with a list of top online accredited universities and colleges that provide extensive, flexible, and affordable online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education programs.
In featuring the best online schools, we present each according to the following features:
- Offers 100% online or hybrid Bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education,
- Displays proper accreditation,
- Provides course options required to earn a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education degree program.
- Offers stellar reviews and Support Services for online students,
- Provides financial aid options.
We also highlight what makes their online program stand out from the rest. The online schools are ranked and listed in random order.
Please visit our Methodology page for more information.
Best Online Childhood Education Bachelor’s Degree Colleges
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University features an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Unified degree program. The program leads to teaching licensure in Kansas and provides sufficient knowledge and ample preparation for students who wish to pursue a wide range of careers in educational environments. It also maintains a balance of both coursework and practicum for the best academic experience.
The program curriculum also combines both hands-on experience and conceptual knowledge, and it mainly concentrates on the aspects of growth and development, diversity in learning, classroom management, and effective evaluation and curriculum planning.
Location
Hays, Kansas
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Program Features
- 126 total credit hours for completion
- 20 credit hours (professional and major courses)
- 22 credit hours (major courses restricted to program admits)
- 55 credit hours (general education courses)
- 54 credits (electives)
- Student teaching experience (12 credit hours) and internship (17 credit hours)
Course Options
- Foundations of Education
- Human Growth and Development
- Educating Exceptional Students
- Programs, Procedures, and Issues in Special Education
- Introduction to Instructional Technology
- Diverse Learners
Admissions
- Complete the application form at FHSU online
- Official transcripts
Financial Aid
Scholarships, grants, loans, employment funding
What’s unique about the program
Students can earn the degree program with flexibility either part-time or full-time. FHSU’s Virtual College utilizes the Blackboard Learning Management System to handle all online activities and coursework that be completed in synchronous or asynchronous formats.
Online students can also obtain a teaching license in Kansas with credits that are transferable to their home states.
Liberty University
Liberty University has an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education-Interdisciplinary Studies degree program. The university prepares students to fully and effectively function as a teacher at the preschool and elementary levels for both public and private schools in the state.
The degree program cannot be regarded as an accelerated program, even though it has flexible coursework and an online format. It prepares students for postgraduate study in the field of education.
Location
Lynchburg, Virginia
Accreditation
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Program Features
- 120 total credit hours required for completion (8-week courses)
- 90 hours of internship/practicum required
- Degree completion in 4 years or less
Course Options
- Early Childhood Education Fundamentals
- Wellness in the Early Childhood Setting
- Development Psychology
- Psychology of Childhood
Admissions
Official transcript request form
Financial Aid
Grants, loans, work-study programs, scholarships
What’s unique about the program
A teaching experience can serve as a substitute for this online degree program’s coursework. Liberty University’s online program in Early Childhood Education has been ranked as one of the top 5 among more than 2,000 online universities and colleges. It is hailed for the quality of education and affordable tuition rates it offers.
Vanguard University of Southern California
The Vanguard University of Southern California features an online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree program. The program curriculum coincides with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) professional criteria. It provides students with hands-on training for teaching in public and private schools.
The curriculum in this Early Childhood Education program also focuses more on contemporary, professional practices and strategies for the enhancement of the student’s skills such as assessment, planning, and meeting the educational and progressive needs of young students from different backgrounds.
Location
Costa Mesa, California
Accreditation
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission
Program Features
- 124 total credit hours required for completion
- Required practicum and capstone project
- Coursework can be completed in 8 weeks, given the accelerated pace
Course Options
- Guiding the Young Child’s Behavior
- The Exceptional Child and the Inclusive Classroom
- Exceptional Child: Teaching Language Arts, Math, and Science for Students with Severe Disabilities
- Math and Science for the Young Child
- Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood Education
- Creative Art for the Young Child
Admissions
- Official high school or GED transcript
- Official SAT or ACT test results
- Christian Experience Statement
Financial Aid
Student loans, federal work-study programs, scholarships, grants
What’s unique about the program
Vanguard University of Southern California’s online degree program is taught from a Christian-based perspective. The university also provides an online 30-credit certificate in Early Childhood Education aside from the bachelor’s degree program to provide students with a solid foundation as they pursue education-related careers.
Ball State University
Ball State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education program is most appropriate for students with prior teaching experience and who are looking for ways to advance their careers. The curriculum mainly focuses on teaching and engaging with children from 0 to 5 years old.
The program’s primary emphasis is child development and learning, observation, and evaluation to meet individual developmental requirements. It also focuses on establishing a stable family and community relationships, learning teaching methodologies and models, and cultivating professionalism.
Location
Muncie, Indiana
Accreditation
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Program Features
- 120 total credit hours required for completion
- Practicum is required
Course Options
- Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction
- Administration of Early Childhood Programs
- Social, Historical, and Philosophical foundations of Education
- Educational Psychology for Elementary Education
- Early Emergent Literacy
- Infant/Toddler Development and Education
Admissions
- Completion of an associate degree in Early Childhood Education with internship
- Completion of at least 45 credit hours from any regionally-accredited school
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5
- SAT or ACT test results
- One-page applicant resume and recommendations
- Completed online application
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
Financial Aid
Scholarships, student loans
What’s unique about the program
Field experience is more emphasized through this online degree program. It can be completed in two types of settings, namely, Early Childhood and Mild Interventions (K-6).
Kansas State University
Kansas State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program under the School of Family Studies and Human Development. The completion program aids students in extensive preparation to become future teachers and administrators.
The curriculum combines Early Childhood Special Education and Early Childhood Education. The degree program also focuses on evaluating and understanding various models of child development and engagement.
Location
Manhattan, Kansas
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Program Features
- 120 total credit hours required for completion
- Required practicum experiences in home communities
- 100% online program
Course Options
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- Interaction Techniques with Young Children
- Exceptional Development in Early Childhood
- Reflective Practice: Infants and Toddlers
- Reflective Practice: Preschoolers and Kindergartners
- Home, School, and Community Partnerships
- Assessment of Young Children
Admissions
- Minimum of 30 transferable credit hours completed at any accredited academic institution
- Minimum of 60 transferable credit hours completed at any community college
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- ACT assessment score of at least 21
- SAT assessment score of at least 1060
- Should belong to the top 1/3 of the graduating class
Financial Aid
Scholarships, grants, student loans
What’s unique about the program
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education students at Kansas State University have the opportunity to obtain a combined license in both Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The University of Nebraska at Lincoln features an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education under a Mobile Society degree program. It puts significant focus on preparing students for teaching young children from birth to eight years old, in mobile families, such as those involved in the military.
Students have the opportunity to enroll in courses that prepare them for careers in Head Start programs, before and after-school programs, childcare centers, home-based childcare, and pre-school programs. There are also certain courses that help them prepare for licensure examinations.
Location
Lincoln, Nebraska
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Program Features
- 120 total credit hours required for completion
- Required 51 credit hours of core courses
- Required 3 practicum courses
Course Options
- Child Development – Birth to 3
- Child Development – 4 to 8
- Child Guidance and Classroom Environments
- Development of Curriculum for Children Ages Birth to Age Three
- Development of Curriculum for Children Ages 4 to 8
- Assessing Young Children and their Environments to Enhance Development
- Understanding and Adapting for Developmental Differences
- Diversity in the Lives of Young Children and Families
- Technology and Young Children
- Administration and Supervision in Early Childhood Settings
- Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- Working with Families
Admissions
- Minimum of 30 credit hours at the university
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Official high school transcript
- Official ACT or SAT test scores
- 350-word personal essay
Financial Aid
Scholarships, federal grants, federal work-study programs, loans
What’s unique about the program
Online students can earn their degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln but can participate in special classes at six other universities in the state. Students experience different teaching methods from various nationally acclaimed experts in the area of Early Childhood Education.
The program operates under the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA), which focuses on educating students in the mobile age.
University of Toledo
The University of Toledo offers a fast-track Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education online degree program. The core curricula tackle relationship-based approaches to early childhood learning, individualized learning, and partnerships between families and teachers.
The skills of students are enhanced to effectively meet the various needs of young children through a comprehensive, individualized approach that promotes growth and development.
Location
Toledo, Ohio
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Program Features
- 4 semesters (full-time) for completion
- Required fieldwork experience
- Extensive module approaches for the coursework
Course Options
- Creating Effective Learning Environments
- Supporting ECE Science and Math
- Early Literacy, Language, and Social Studies
- Meeting the Needs of Young Children with Disabilities
Admissions
- Associate degree in Early Childhood Education
- Current employment in a professional position for at least 20 hours weekly
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7
- ACT or SAT test results
- Official high school or GED transcripts
Financial Aid
Scholarships, student loans
What’s unique about the program
University of Toledo online students benefit from one of the online program’s unique features: extensive E-tutoring with success coaches and advisers. Designed for working students who want to advance their careers in education, the program entails fieldwork to provide a solid foundation for teaching as an occupation.
Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University features an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program. The completion program offers alternatives to pursuing licensure or a non-licensure track. It fully equips students for different careers in the field of education.
Establishing a solid foundation for both practical and conceptual knowledge of early childhood education, the online school develops students’ teaching skills through efficient curriculum planning along with meeting the various needs of young children.
Location
Marion, Indiana
Accreditation
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Program Features
- 120 total credit hours required for completion
- Required student teaching field experience
- Cohort model for coursework completion
Course Options
- Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- Educational Psychology for Early Learners
- Guiding Early Childhood Curriculum
- Planning, Instruction, and Assessment for Exceptional learners in Early Childhood
- Foundations in Reading and Language Structure
- Reading and Writing in Early Childhood
Admissions
- At least 48 transferable credits from any regionally-accredited school
- SAT or ACT scores
Financial Aid
Loans, grants, scholarships
What’s unique about the program
This online degree program efficiently prepares students for Praxis exams. This Early Childhood Education program curriculum also covers topics on proper observation and documentation of child behavior and development and the establishment of positive relationships with the children’s families.
Brenau University
Brenau University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program that helps students obtain teaching licensures and certifications. The program curriculum mainly puts emphasis on assessing and meeting a growing child’s needs.
This is through the application of best practices, teaching methods, and current concepts in Early Childhood Education.
Location
Gainesville, Georgia
Accreditation
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program Features
- 63 total credit hours required for completion composed of 19 courses
- 100% complete online program
- Required field experience
- The program curriculum consists of subjects such as history, creativity, literature, and civic engagement, among others
Course Options
- Developmental Psychology
- School and Society
- Introduction to Multicultural Education
- Teaching Learners with Special Needs
- Classroom Management
Admissions
- ACT or SAT exam results
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Interview for home-schooled applicants
Financial Aid
Scholarships, federal student loans, grants
What’s unique about the program
Acceleration of the online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program is possible at Brenau University. Students can also earn a Georgia State teaching certification through the online program’s extensive and flexible coursework.
Florida International University
Florida International University’s online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program focuses on the extensive development of children during their growing up years (from birth to five years old). Students become prepared to work in various private and public sectors as the curriculum integrates evaluation strategies, family engagement, cultural diversity, classroom management, and literacy development.
Students are trained to enhance their skills and apply modern teaching strategies and practices to promote stable growth and development among young children.
Location
Miami, Florida
Accreditation
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program Features
- 120 total credit hours required for completion
- 60 credit hours (upper division core courses)
- 60 credit hours (lower division core courses)
- Additional 30 credit hours (professional education courses)
Course Options
- Classroom Management
- Cultural/Social Foundations of Education
- Educational Psychology
- Early Childhood Educational Programs
- Issues in Early Childhood Education
- Special Needs of Children and Their Families
Admissions
- Completion of at least 60 credit hours of general education courses
- Completion of an associate degree from a state-accredited school
- SAT or ACT test results
- Official high school or GED transcript
Financial Aid
Scholarships, grants, loans, federal work-study, funds for books
What’s unique about the program
Florida International University is a non-profit organization. The online Early Childhood Education degree program is one of its most effective distance learning programs with one success coach being provided for each online student. The online program also features highly reliable technical support that can be accessed 24/7.
Bluefield College
Bluefield College features a non-licensure, online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program. It prepares students for careers in public and private academic institutions, specifically in teaching children ages 0 to eight years old.
The curriculum combines practical and conceptual knowledge, with topics that include classroom management, developmental psychology, curriculum design, and a comprehensive approach to learning. Future teachers are expected to be more equipped for careers in non-profit organizations and educational agencies.
Location
Bluefield, Virginia
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC)
Program Features
- 120 total credit hours required for completion
- Required field experience and internship
- Completely 100% online
Course Options
- Foundations of Early Childhood Development
- Infant/Toddler/Child Development
- Guiding Young Children
- Creative Development
- Body-Brain Based Learning
- Human Development
- Designing Physical Environments
Admissions
- SAT or ACT test results
- Official high school or GED transcript
Financial Aid
Scholarships, loans, grants
What’s unique about the program
Bluefield College features internship placements in age-appropriate classrooms. Besides learning the fundamentals through the online coursework, students also acquire sufficient hands-on experience that is essential to obtain their teaching license.
University of Arizona-South
The University of Arizona-South features an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education degree program. It prepares students for careers in early childhood education in a wide range of private and public settings.
The program curriculum focuses on education for exceptional children, balanced curriculum, analysis strategies, classroom management, early literacy, and planning methods.
Location
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Program Features
- 120 total credit hours required for completion
- Required capstone project
Course Options
- Teaching Early Childhood Creative Arts and Physical Education
- Early Childhood Language and Literacy
- Teaching Exceptional Children in Early Childhood
Admissions
- At least 60 transferable credit hours of coursework
- Related Associate Degree in Childhood Education at any regionally-accredited school
Financial Aid
Scholarships, work-study programs, grants, loans
What’s unique about the program
The University of Arizona-South’s online Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education degree is also offered as a hybrid (traditional classroom and online) program for maximum academic experience and flexibility.
Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Birth to Kindergarten degree program. It is aimed at preparing students as they pursue teaching young children from different backgrounds in private and public schools, daycare facilities, and developmental assistance programs.
The program curriculum strongly focuses on child development and the responsibilities of adults in influencing development.
Location
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Accreditation
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program Features
- 120 total credit hours required for completion
- Required Capstone project
- Asynchronous format for online learning
Course Options
- Introduction to Birth-Kindergarten
- Foundations of Child Study
- Literacy
- Environments for Young Children
- Child Development
- Adult-Child Interaction
Admissions
- Associate degree from a regionally-accredited school
- High school or GED transcript
- SAT or ACT test results
- Background check
Financial Aid
Scholarships, loans, grants
What’s unique about the program
Western Carolina University’s online Bachelor of Science in Birth to Kindergarten curriculum has three unique concentrations: Professional Education, Early Childhood Education, and Alternative Licensure.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati features an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program. Its curriculum is completely based on the guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The program combines field experience and conceptual knowledge with an emphasis on cultivating adaptability so students are better equipped in pursuing education careers in both public and private academic institutions.
The curriculum covers topics on child development models, classroom management, building family relationships and engagement, evaluation, and effective teacher-student relationships.
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
Program Features
- 120 total credit hours required for completion
- Required practicum and field experience
- 3 main phases of the program: Pre-Kinder Focus, Infant-Toddler Focus, Administration Focus
Course Options
- Introductory Child Development
- Individuals with Exceptionalities
- Classroom Organization and Guidance
- Families, Communities, and Schools
- Infant and Toddler Care and Education
Admissions
- Nonrefundable application fee
- SAT or ACT test results
- Official high school or GED transcript
Financial Aid
loans, scholarships, student employment
What’s unique about the program
The online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program at The University of Cincinnati provides education and training for students who hope to pass the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) exams and obtain teaching licensure in the state.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Mount Vernon Nazarene University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree completion program. It is designed for students who wish to earn a degree without compromising family and work responsibilities.
The program incorporates child care theory and pedagogy with practical applications, experience, and skills. It also focuses on providing students with field experience, assisting them toward obtaining licensure in Ohio.
Location
Mount Vernon, Ohio
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Program Features
- 123 total credit hours required for completion
- Required student teaching
Course Options
- Educational Technology
- Developmental Literacy
- Content Reading
- Adolescent Literature
- Classroom Management
- Introduction to Multicultural Education
Admissions
- Completion of an associate degree in Early Childhood Education at any regionally-accredited school.
- Completion of a few credits of general education coursework.
- Health form
- Personal statement
- Academic Advising Form
Financial Aid
Scholarships, loans, federal TEACH grants, state grants
What’s unique about the program
Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s online degree program ranks high in terms of affordability, accessibility of online resources, and academic quality. Through the Early Childhood Generalist Endorsement, graduates are able to earn a teaching license.
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University offers the online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program with a curriculum that primarily focuses on teaching students from 0 years old to 3rd grade. Topics and courses focus on teaching strategies, instructional strategies, and assessment strategies.
The online degree aims to enrich each student’s capacity to evaluate and meet the needs of young children to guarantee constant development and effectively recognize their learning potential.
Location
Phoenix, Arizona
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Program Features
- 120 total credit hours required for completion
- 2 required practicum experiences (birth to 5 years of age and Kindergarten to 3rd grade)
Course Options
- Child Psychology
- Early Literacy Development
- Educating the Exceptional Learner
- Theories of Early Childhood Growth and Development
- Impact of Family and Cultural Diversity on Early Childhood
Admissions
- ACT or SAT test results
- Official high school or GED transcript
- Nonrefundable application fee
Financial Aid
Servant Scholars Program, President’s Scholarship, Provost’s Scholarship, Dean’s Scholarship, Faculty Scholarship, Transfer College Major Scholarship, student loans
What’s unique about the program
The online degree program of Grand Canyon University has a generous transfer policy: a minimum of 90 credits is accepted. Students in this Early Childhood Education program also have the opportunity to earn an initial teacher licensure.
Post University
A for-profit, private university, Post University provides an online Bachelor of Science in Child Studies completion degree program. The early childhood program allows students to acquire knowledge and training on important concepts, approaches, and skills in early childhood education for progressive advancement to prepare them for childhood education careers.
Location
Waterbury, Connecticut
Accreditation
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- New England Association of Colleges and Schools
Program Features
- 120 total credit hours required for completion
- Required student teaching and fieldwork
Course Options
- Educational Psychology
- Emergent Literacy
- Creative Activities
Admissions
- Official high school transcript
- Copy of high school diploma
- Official home school transcript (for homeschool students)
- Minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.0
Financial Aid
Scholarships, private student loans, grants
What’s unique about the program
What sets Post University’s online Bachelor of Science in Child Studies program apart from others is its rigid practicum and extensive Capstone field placement. As a result, students gain more experience in early childhood education and care.
Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global (formerly Kaplan University) holds a world-class legacy of providing a solid foundation for knowledge and training for working adults who wish to pursue a career in Childhood Education. The university features an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development degree program that focuses on ethics, health and nutrition, lesson planning, and child growth and development.
Location
West Lafayette, Indiana
Accreditation
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Program Features
- 180 total quarter credit hours required for completion
- Non-licensure program
- Flexible online setup
- Accessible Kaplan Online Library
- Competent advisersaid students in course selection, graduation, and job placement
Course Options
- Child Safety, Nutrition, and Health
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- Children’s Literacy
Admissions
- Enrollment Interview
- Official high school transcript and diploma
- Must pass the entrance examination
Financial Aid
Loans, scholarships, grants
What’s unique about the program
Online students at Purdue University Global learn more advanced strategies and approaches in Early Childhood Education through competent faculty members. The university prioritizes active-duty members of the military and offers them affordable tuition and flexible online coursework.
Western Governors University
Western Governors University features an online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree program. It is designed to train students with or without an associate degree or certification in pursuing careers relating to the field. The skills of pre-service students are further improved in order to efficiently deal with the progressive learning of young children from birth to pre-school to 3rd grade, including children with special needs.
Location
Salt Lake City, Utah
Accreditation
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Program Features
- 122 total credit hours required for completion
- Required supervised practice teaching in classrooms
Course Options
- Early Childhood Education Theory, Practice, and Foundations
- General Education
Admissions
- High school diploma or GED
- Official transcripts from previous schools attended
- Should meet program-specific requirements
- Interview with WGU Enrolment Counselor
- $65 nonrefundable application fee
Financial Aid
Scholarships, federal grants, student loans, self-pay, TEACH grant
What’s unique about the program
Western Governors University is regarded as the first school to offer an online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree program that is NCATE-accredited.
Park University
Park University is a non-profit academic institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Education Studies specializing in Early Childhood Education Teaching Young Children. The degree program caters to aspiring administrators, educational advocates, and teachers who wish to pursue careers in early education.
The curriculum focuses on documentation and evaluation of teaching concepts and tools, efficient teaching methodologies, proper guidance, professionalism, and strategies for the enhancement of family and community relationships.
Location
Parkville, Missouri
Accreditation
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Program Features
- 93 total credit hours required for completion
- Total of 57 hours for completion
- Competent and well-experienced professors and administrators
- Required practicum in classrooms
Course Options
- Infants and Toddlers
- Educational Psychology
- Children and Young Adult Literature
- Early Childhood Principles
Admissions
- ACT test scores
- Minimum of 2.75 cumulative GPA (all courses) and 3.0 GPA in Content Coursework
- Student Disposition Self-Evaluation Form
- Letter of recommendation from a professor outside the School of Education
- Missouri Educator Profile (MEP)
- Missouri General Education Assessment (MoGEA)
Financial Aid
Scholarships, loans, grants, work-study programs
What’s unique about the program
Park University students can choose internships so they are “prepared for all early education environments through diverse placements in rural, suburban and urban settings.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific areas of discipline are covered Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education?
Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education programs include courses and topics relating to assessment and observation methods, classroom participation and management approaches, curriculum development, interpersonal communication, the establishment of effective family and community relationships, learning through play, literacy skills, language development, and growth and development models.
What can I do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education besides teaching?
Elementary school teachers have other career options available. A Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Education graduate can pursue careers as a Child and Family Social Worker, Early Childhood Development Specialist, Childcare Director, Daycare Administrator, Early Childhood Education Specialist, Early Education Center Coordinator, State Education Department Employee, Social and Human Services Assistant, Preschool Administrator, Preschool Director, Education Administrator, Education Advocate, and Guidance Counselor.
Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Education is offered online by various higher education institutions in the country. As with brick-and-mortar colleges and universities, online programs focus on the psychological, mental, emotional, and social growth and development of young children from birth until the 3rd grade.
The online bachelor’s in early childhood degree programs possess licensure or a non-licensure track.
Summary Points
- Early Childhood Development is critical to our little one’s livelihood, both physically and emotionally.
- Earning your Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education is often necessary to excel in the field of childhood development.
- Students learn curricula in Early Childhood Development degree majors consisting of social and emotional development, human development, child growth, children’s literature, curriculum development, special education, and more.
- Early Childhood Education online programs are readily available, providing convenience and flexibility.
- Early Childhood Teacher certification can prepare graduates for becoming an elementary school teacher, preschool teacher, curriculum development specialist, special education teacher, childcare center director, child development associate, and more.
- Teachers at the Early Childhood Education level can work in private and public schools.
- Elementary school teachers have a heart of gold and a genuine love for children; all qualities needed for success! Check out our list of the above best online bachelor’s programs focused on Early Childhood Education.
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FAQs
What degree is best for early childhood education? ›
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
This 2-year degree qualifies you for many entry-level early childhood education jobs. It is the least costly degree to earn, and can often stand in for the first two years of a bachelor's degree program if you choose to pursue a full bachelor's degree.
Antioch University in Culver City, California, offers an online degree program for Liberal Arts. It is arguably considered as the easiest online college – or an 'easy' pick because it takes a well-rounded, generalist approach. The university's online B.A in Liberal Studies accepts up to 75 transfer credits.
What online college has the most students? ›- Western Governor's University. Undergraduate Online Enrollment: 98,630. ...
- Southern New Hampshire University Online. ...
- University of Phoenix. ...
- Strayer University. ...
- Grand Canyon University. ...
- American Public University System. ...
- University of Maryland Global Campus. ...
- Liberty University Campus.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
As one of the highest paying jobs in early childhood education, special education teachers who work in the field of early childhood education have the potential to make nearly six figures per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- Preschool Teacher.
- Kindergarten & Elementary School Teacher.
- Nanny.
- Childcare Center Director.
- Childcare Worker.
- Special Education Teacher.
- School Counselor or Psychologist.
Committing to an early childhood education career means you could help young learners reap long-term benefits, from success in elementary school to potential lifelong earnings. You may even be able to play a part in ensuring those children are less likely to have run-ins with the law as adults.
Is ECE a Bachelor degree? ›Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies
As a Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum student, you learn about the unique curriculum needs for early childhood learning, with...
Bachelor's Degree
All public schools require teachers to have a bachelor's degree at the very least. Many universities and colleges offer bachelor's degrees in education, including more specific programs such as early childhood education, if you want to become a preschool or elementary school teacher, for example.
To become a preschool teacher in New Jersey you must obtain a bachelor's degree with a major in the liberal arts or sciences and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. A list of approved preschool teacher preparation programs in New Jersey is available here.