online course early childhood education

• Early Childhood Education Degrees Online

Early Childhood Education Degrees Online: Best Of 2024

Updated: Jul 28, 2023, 9:53am

Early childhood education dates back centuries and has helped shape modern child development, which places play and personal interests at the heart of early education. By earning an early childhood education degree online, you can make your mark in this vital and impactful field.

Today, the field of early childhood education (ECE) focuses on social, behavioral and cognitive development through meaningful experiences with peers and adults. While classroom settings remain crucial to a child’s development, many modern early education classrooms provide a holistic approach to learning, including plenty of time for children to explore their interests, build skills and foster relationships.

If you’re looking for a rewarding career working with or advocating for children, consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education . ECE programs explore the various factors influencing child behavior and development, creating a deep understanding of young children’s needs at each stage of growth.

This page ranks the top 10 U.S. universities offering online early childhood education degrees. Read on to learn more.

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Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Best early childhood education degrees online, how to find the right online early childhood education degree for you, cost of an early childhood education online bachelor’s degree, methodology, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online early childhood education degrees.

The Forbes Advisor Education team is committed to bringing our readers unbiased rankings and trustworthy, informative articles covering higher learning institutions, individual degree programs, bootcamps, professional credentials and various career paths.

Our team sources data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. We also pull information from reputable professional organizations and education providers’ direct websites. Our rankings use a strict methodology to determine the best schools, programs or bootcamps for each category.

Moreover, an expert advisory board of experienced professionals and educators reviews and verifies Forbes Advisor Education content to ensure accuracy and completeness.

University of Washington

Florida international university, national louis university, ball state university, mercy college, east carolina university, chaminade university of honolulu, eastern oregon university, university of michigan-flint, university of north carolina at greensboro.

$231/credit

Distance Education Reciprocity Agreement

Application Fee

As a degree-completion program, the University of Washington ‘s online bachelor of arts in early care and education takes full-time students at least seven quarters to complete, depending on whether they transfer previously earned credits. ECE majors at UW must have completed at least 45 credits at another accredited school. Learners may enroll in this program either full time or part time.

The program teaches skills through research, observation, and hands-on planning and implementation. Students also complete up to five hours weekly in a community-based learning environment working with children from birth through age 8.

Students must obtain several technology products to participate in UW’s ECE program, including a webcam, video editing software and course-specific software.

• High student retention rate
• Relatively high graduation rate
• High median earnings among graduates
• Relatively high student-to-faculty ratio
• Low socioeconomic diversity

$229/credit (in state)

Located in Miami, Florida, Florida International University offers an online early childhood education degree through its School of Education and Human Development. The bachelor of science in early childhood education is a 120-credit, non-licensure program delivered using asynchronous learning.

Students participate in peer discussions and receive quick instructor feedback on their assignments, fostering a collaborative learning experience. FIU also pairs learners with a success coach for one-on-one assistance with their academic and career goals.

The FIU early childhood education degree explores cognitive, social-emotional and physical development through courses covering art in early childhood, communities and families, and the importance of play.

• Relatively low average annual net price
• Relatively high student retention rate
• Relatively high percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

$11,505/year

National Louis University , a private college, offers three online ECE bachelor’s programs: a BA in early childhood and elementary education, a BA in early childhood education, and a competency-based BA in early childhood education. The ECE degree tracks prepare future educators for work with children from birth through second grade. The early childhood and elementary education track targets birth through sixth-grade development and learning.

The competency-based BA serves professionals who already hold an associate degree and work in early childhood education. Like the other ECE programs, this accelerated track requires 180 quarter hours, but competency-based learners can transfer earned credits and experience to reduce their degree timeline.

Eighty-three percent of NL students receive the federal Pell Grant, indicating high socioeconomic diversity at the school.

• High socioeconomic diversity
• Accelerated option for working educators
• Relatively low percentage of students who take out federal student loans
• Relatively high average annual net price
• Relatively low graduation rate

$4,217/semester (in state)

Ball State University , based in Muncie, Indiana, features several online programs, including a non-licensure early childhood education degree. Ball State refers to this degree track as a “completer program;” applicants should have completed an associate degree or at least 45 credits at a previous college. The ECE major requires 90 credits.

Learners explore various aspects of childhood development, including the parent-child relationship, development through play and education in infancy. Some courses are eight weeks long, but most last 16 weeks.

In addition to tuition, Ball State charges its distance learners a technology fee of $168 for seven or more credits or $110 for fewer than seven credits. The university reduces its out-of-state fee for online learners, charging distance learners outside of Indiana an additional $218 per credit, as opposed to $759 per credit for on-campus out-of-state students.

• Relatively low percentage of students in federal student loan deferment
• Relatively low student-to-faculty ratio
• Relatively low graduation rate among Pell Grant recipients vs. all students

$11,053/term (undergraduate)

A private university, Mercy College ‘s behavioral science and early childhood education degree is available online for most distance learners. Online students within 60 miles of Mercy’s campus in Dobbs Ferry, New York, may have to register in person to complete a one-semester student teaching experience.

Mercy’s ECE program allows students to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously, earning both diplomas in five years total. The 144-credit bachelor’s program includes 105 undergraduate credits and 15 graduate credits taken during the bachelor’s degree portion. Graduates may then complete another 24 credits, including student teaching, to earn their master’s in early childhood education.

• Relatively high median federal student loan debt among graduates

$4,073/term (in state)

Online students pursuing East Carolina University ‘s bachelor of science in birth-kindergarten teacher education work directly with young learners in local schools and developmental centers over two semesters. Those near ECU’s campus can train in the on-site Nancy M. Darden Child Development Center.

Online learners must complete a few on-site requirements, including a program orientation, upper-level interviews and internship seminars.

The four-year program entails 120 semester hours covering child development, language and literacy, assessment for intervention and parent-teacher collaboration. Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, this ECU program can lead to teaching licensure in North Carolina.

• Uses Common App
• Relatively high percentage of students who take out federal student loans

$585/credit

Chaminade University of Honolulu ‘s online early childhood education program includes 120 credits, which take about four years to complete. Students must pass five prerequisite courses before declaring the ECE major. Prerequisites include child development and health and family issues in early childhood development.

The program includes two student teaching experiences in approved educational settings, requiring at least 60 hours of observation and participation. Students complete a fieldwork seminar alongside each experience to discuss their plans, strategies and challenges.

Over half of Chaminade’s students qualify for the federal Pell Grant. Online learners pay a $93 technology fee per class.

$286/credit (in state)

Future teachers can begin their early childhood education careers with Eastern Oregon University ‘s ECE degree. Learners can transfer up to 135 previously earned credits to reduce the time and costs associated with this 180-credit program, which otherwise takes four years to complete.

Although all courses are delivered online, students must complete two in-person practicums to observe licensed educators and put their skills into practice. These experiences can take place at child care centers or in primary or secondary schools.

$516/credit (in state)

The bachelor of science in early childhood studies from the University of Michigan-Flint evaluates child development and learning from birth through age 8. Graduates often go on to work as educators in child development or preschool centers or as child advocates in government agencies.

During the program, students participate in up to 180 hours of field experience, collaborating with other educators and working with children. The campus’s on-site childhood development center welcomes learners who live near UM-Flint, but instructors can also approve other centers.

The 128-credit program includes courses in communication and language, society and classroom management. Early childhood studies majors can also pursue a mathematics or language arts elementary education minor consisting of 20 to 26 credits.

$5,436/year (in state)

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers an online bachelor of science in human development and family studies to learners who already hold an associate of applied science. Students need 120 credits in total to complete the bachelor’s degree program.

While some classes in this program are asynchronous, others meet at specific times during lunch hours or evenings. Online learners must complete an in-person field placement to gain experience working with children in an early childhood setting.

All online students pay in-state tuition rates at UNC Greensboro, and tuition costs less for online learners than for their on-campus peers. Distance learners must pay a $20 per credit technology fee, which caps at $240 per semester.

• Does not use Common App

To make the most of your time and financial investment, consider the following before choosing an early childhood education online bachelor’s degree.

Know Your Time Commitment

Online early childhood education programs often require some in-person or scheduled components, such as field placements or live instructor-led classes. This may be challenging for distance learners with full-time jobs or other personal commitments.

If you have a busy schedule, look for an ECE program that works around your obligations. Some programs offer live meetings during evenings or on weekends. For maximum flexibility, you might seek an asynchronous program, which is largely self-paced and allows you to watch lectures at your convenience. If you do not mind a longer degree timeline, part-time enrollment may make it easier to balance your studies with your other responsibilities.

Look at Accreditation

If you plan to pursue an ECE teaching credential, you should prioritize institutional and programmatic accreditation in your degree search.

Institutional accreditation validates a school’s commitment to student outcomes, academic achievement and quality faculty. Programmatic accreditation does the same for specific programs or departments.

Most states require licensed teachers to hold degrees from institutionally accredited schools. Programmatic accreditation provides further quality assurance for your chosen degree program. The National Association for the Education of Young Children commonly endorses higher education programs in early childhood studies.

Consider Your Future Goals

Do you plan to continue your studies after completing an online early childhood education degree? If so, finding a university that offers graduate opportunities in the early education field may be helpful, even during undergrad. Some programs, like Mercy College’s bachelor’s-to-master’s dual-degree program , provide an accelerated pathway for students to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in early childhood education .

If you want to pursue your teaching credential after earning your degree, ensure you earn a degree that prepares you for licensure in the state where you plan to teach. Non-licensure programs may not meet these credentialing standards.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics , the average public, four-year college charged $9,375 in tuition and fees for in-state, undergraduate students during the 2020-2021 school year. Out-of-state tuition and fees cost $27,091 per year on average. A typical online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education aligns with the national average at about $200 to $750 per credit, or $6,000 to $22,500 per year.

ECE majors should also consider the potential costs of student teaching. Most schools require in-person field placements, which may affect learners’ ability to work full time during their studies. If you plan to keep a job while you earn your degree, prepare for this potential break in work.

We scored 76 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education in the U.S. using 16 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process.

We pulled the data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. We weighted each category as follows:

Student Outcomes: 38% Affordability: 28% Student Experience: 14% Credibility: 10% Application Process: 10%

Specific characteristics we considered within each category include accreditation, nonprofit status, average net price per year, median earnings among graduates, overall graduation rate, socioeconomic diversity, online offerings and Common App participation.

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 79.85% or higher.

The highest-ranking schools are fully accredited, nonprofit institutions with relatively high student retention rates and overall graduation rates.

What is the best degree for early childhood education?

People interested in early childhood education careers typically start with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. However, a master’s in early childhood education may make it easier to earn licensure and increase earning potential. Some schools offer bachelor’s-to-master’s programs, which allow students to begin their graduate studies while finishing their bachelor’s, shortening the completion time to earn both degrees.

What is meant by early childhood development?

Early childhood development refers to children’s social-emotional, physical, behavioral and cognitive development from birth through age 8. Experts believe that parenting, play, socialization and early learning experiences contribute to early childhood development.

As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner and former educator, Amy Boyington is passionate about researching and advocating for learners of all ages. For over a decade, Amy has specialized in writing parenting and higher education content that simplifies the process of comparing schools, programs and tuition rates for prospective students and their families. Her work has been featured on several online publications, including Online MBA, Reader’s Digest and BestColleges.

Early Childhood Education Online Certificate Programs

THE INDUSTRY LEADER FOR ONLINE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

CCEI’s certificate programs are an excellent opportunity for educators to expand their knowledge and skills. Our programs are designed to help teachers stay current in their field, meet state licensing requirements, and enhance their effectiveness in the classroom. Our online format allows you to learn at your own pace, on your own schedule, and from anywhere with internet access.

CCEI’s certificate programs cover a wide range of topics in early childhood education. Our courses are research-based and developed by experts in their field designed to be both informative and engaging. In addition, our programs are affordable.

Earning a certificate from CCEI can help you advance your career and give you the tools you need to be a successful educator. At CCEI, we are committed to providing quality professional development opportunities for teachers. We are confident that our programs will meet your needs.   Don’t miss this chance to invest in your professional development and take your teaching to the next level. Learn more about our certificate programs and register today.

To view all CCEI Certificate Program offerings, please review our extensive Certificate Programs Catalog  here .

Online Child Care Certificate Programs & CDA Courses

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• Instructor-Supported CDA Family Child Care Certificate
• Instructor-Supported CDA Infant-Toddler Certificate
• Instructor-Supported CDA Preschool Certificate
• El certificado de cuidado infantil familiar de CDA apoyado por un instructor
• El certificado de bebé-niño de CDA apoyado por el instructor
• El certificado preescolar CDA apoyado por un instructor
• Self-Study CDA Family Child Care Certificate
• Self-Study CDA Infant-Toddler Certificate
• Self-Study CDA Preschool Certificate
• Programa de Autoaprendizaje y Certificación CDA para Bebés y Párvulos
• Programa de Autoaprendizaje y Certificación CDA para Preescolares
• Programa de Autoaprendizaje y Certificación CDA para Hogares de Cuidado Infantil Familiar
• CDA Credential Renewal Certificate – Infant-Toddler
• CDA Credential Renewal Certificate – Preschool
• CDA Credential Renewal Certificate – Family Child Care
• CDA Credential Renewal Certificate – Infant-Toddler – Spanish
• CDA Credential Renewal Certificate – Preschool – Spanish
• CDA Credential Renewal Certificate – Family Child Care – Spanish
• Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC)
• Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) – Spanish
• Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) School-Age Certificate
• Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) Renewal Certificate
• Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) Renewal Certificate – Spanish
• Infant-Toddler Certificate

Administrator Programs

• Director’s Certificate
• Director’s Certificate Renewal
• Florida Director’s Certificate Renewal
• Georgia Director’s Certificate
• Texas Director’s Credential
• Texas Director’s Credential Renewal

Professional Development Certificate Programs

• Basic Center Management Certificate
• Basic Principles of Child Development
• Budgeting and Risk Management Certificate
• CCDBG Health & Safety Training for ECE Professionals in Nevada
• Child Care Orientation Certificate
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills Certificate
• Diversity and Multiculturalism Certificate
• Georgia Health and Safety Orientation Certificate – 10 Hours
• Health and Hygiene Certificate
• Infant-Toddler Orientation Certificate
• Mandated Reporter Certificate
• Oklahoma Health and Safety Pre-Service Certificate
• Positive Guidance Certificate
• Special Needs and Inclusive Education Certificate
• Staff Leadership Certificate

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• Free Online Course

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Explore strategies for implementing effective early childhood development programs globally, focusing on policy, advocacy, financing, and scaling successful interventions to support children's potential.

• 7 weeks, 1-3 hours a week
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English in Early Childhood: Language Learning and Development

Discover how very young children learn English as an additional language and how you can help them progress.

• FutureLearn
• 6 weeks, 2 hours a week

The Toxic Stress of Early Childhood Adversity - Impact and Interventions

Explores toxic stress in early childhood, its long-term health impacts, and policy strategies to counteract adversity. Discusses new pediatric guidelines and interdisciplinary approaches to promote resilience and healthy development.

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Explore early childhood development, play-based learning, family engagement, and inclusive practices for operating a family day care center. Develop essential policies for your childcare business.

• 10 hours 15 minutes

Prenatal Pedagogy for All: Educating Before Birth

Start your learning journey in Prenatal Pedagogy and embark on a conscious and transformative education. Learn to understand yourself better and positively impact the lives of others. Enroll now and be part of the educational change!

• 5 weeks, 3-5 hours a week

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Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (Birth - Age 5)

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UC Online’s Bachelor in Early Childhood Education (ECE) offers a program to round out and enhance educators’ Birth – Age 5 educational experience. This program is designed to build on associate degree competencies to strengthen professionals’ ability to design and implement developmentally appropriate learning environments for children Birth–Age 5.

Whether you are in a preschool, Head Start program, child-care center, family childcare environment, or just interested in getting started in the field, our online program provides the flexibility and accessibility you need.  Our courses give you information and strategies that you can learn today and apply in the classroom tomorrow! This degree does not lead to Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 5 licensure.

Early Childhood Education Program Highlights:

• Start-to-Graduation Support: Every student enrolled online is assigned a dedicated Academic Advisor and also a Student Success Coordinator providing one-on-one support. They are your on-campus partners who can help you manage your time and ensure you’re meeting degree requirements to get you to graduation.
• T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® OHIO Scholarship: Current Ohio early childhood professionals may be eligible to receive financial assistance for the cost of tuition, books, and related education expenses. Visit OCCRRA to apply.
• 100% Online: All coursework is completed online – no campus visits are required!
• Flexible Scheduling: Offering part-time and full-time options, our online program is designed with busy, working professionals in mind.
• Three Start Dates per Year: With courses offered year-round, students are offered the convenience of beginning their degree in Fall, Spring, or Summer.
• Accredited:  The University of Cincinnati and all of its regional campuses are accredited by the  Higher Learning Commission . Additionally, UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice & Human Rights (CECH) is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
• Nationally Ranked: UC Online’s BS in Early Childhood Care & Education is currently ranked as the 2nd Best Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education by TheBestSchools.org .

Our Guiding Principles:

• To provide accessible education to early childhood teachers.
• To support teachers, families, staff, administrators, and children they serve.
• To help programs meet state and federal mandates and quality initiatives.
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Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs

Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.

Early childhood education is the study of the holistic development and education of children from birth to age eight. The field focuses on nurturing youths’ cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth during their formative years. As distance learning becomes more common, online degrees in early childhood education have emerged as a convenient, flexible option for aspiring educators.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the world of online bachelor’s programs in early childhood education, highlighting their benefits, curricula, and career outcomes. Use this page to learn about online early childhood education programs and discover how they can shape your career.

Popular Online Education Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Accredited Early Childhood Education Programs

Northwestern college.

• Campus + Online
• In-State $32,700
• Out-of-state $32,700
• In-State $6,120
• Out-of-state $6,120
• Retention Rate 79%
• Acceptance Rate 74%
• Students Enrolled 1,496
• Institution Type Private

Northwest Florida State College

• In-State $2,496
• Out-of-state $9,552
• Retention Rate 0%
• Acceptance Rate 0%
• Students Enrolled 5,004
• Institution Type Public

Lynn University

• In-State $37,600
• Out-of-state $37,600
• In-State $13,320
• Out-of-state $13,320
• Retention Rate 73%
• Acceptance Rate 79%
• Students Enrolled 3,232

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

• In-State $8,871
• Out-of-state $8,871
• In-State $11,083
• Out-of-state $11,083
• Students Enrolled 10,944

Charter Oak State College

• In-State $7,656
• Out-of-state $10,056
• In-State $9,288
• Out-of-state $9,720
• Retention Rate 50%
• Students Enrolled 1,634

Eastern Oregon University

• In-State $7,830
• Out-of-state $20,520
• In-State $17,550
• Out-of-state $17,550
• Retention Rate 70%
• Acceptance Rate 94%
• Students Enrolled 2,853

Chaminade University of Honolulu

• In-State $26,800
• Out-of-state $26,800
• In-State $24,720
• Out-of-state $24,720
• Retention Rate 81%
• Acceptance Rate 89%
• Students Enrolled 2,208

Florida International University

• In-State $4,721
• Out-of-state $16,529
• In-State $8,912
• Out-of-state $21,393
• Retention Rate 91%
• Acceptance Rate 58%
• Students Enrolled 58,836

Concordia University-Wisconsin

• In-State $30,890
• Out-of-state $30,890
• In-State $11,340
• Out-of-state $11,340
• Acceptance Rate 71%
• Students Enrolled 5,492

Bluefield College

• In-State $25,750
• Out-of-state $25,750
• In-State $8,640
• Out-of-state $8,640
• Retention Rate 63%
• Acceptance Rate 76%
• Students Enrolled 965

How We Rank Schools

Accredited Schools Online uses trusted data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools based on quality, affordability, and reputation. When ranking schools, we look at factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition and other costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation.

This list has not been updated for 2024. Explore our rankings methodology to learn more about how we rank schools.

Why Get an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education?

Earning an online degree in early childhood education (ECE) offers several advantages. In addition to qualifying graduates for educator career paths , benefits of online early childhood education degrees include:

Cost-Effectiveness

Online programs may charge lower tuition — including in-state rates for out-of-state learners at public institutions — and eliminate commuting or relocation expenses.

Flexibility

Online early childhood education programs let enrollees access course materials and lectures from home. Asynchronous courses, which don’t require set meeting times, often provide more flexible schedules that can help students balance their degree with other commitments.

Accelerated or Self-Paced Options

Some online programs offer accelerated formats or self-paced learning, enabling learners to complete their degree at their own pace.

Access to More Schools

Because online learning does not require relocation, prospective students are not limited to institutions in their vicinity, providing a wider array of options for potential schools.

Practical Experience

Many online early childhood education programs allow learners to complete field work or practicum components in their area, ensuring these enrollees still receive valuable hands-on learning opportunities.

Did you know?

According to a 2023 study from The Center for American Progress , the demand for childcare workers outstrips the number of professionals in this field. The total number of childcare workers in 2023 is still below prepandemic levels.

What to Expect From an Early Childhood Education Degree Program

Online early childhood education programs typically award a bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS) degree. Specific coursework varies by school, but classes generally cover the following topics:

• Child development and psychology
• Classroom management strategies
• Teaching methods and curriculum design
• Language development

ECE online programs may also offer specializations or concentrations that let students focus their studies on specific topics. For example, ECE majors can specialize in early childhood special education or administration and leadership .

These programs often include fieldwork or practicum experiences to provide hands-on learning. Enrollees observe and lead educational experiences in early childhood settings under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Prospective learners should research individual programs to understand the specific courses, concentrations, and fieldwork requirements they offer to ensure the degree aligns with their goals.

Understand Accreditation in Early Childhood Education Programs

Accreditation is a process that verifies a school’s academic quality. There are two forms of accreditation: institutional and programmatic.

Institutional accreditation applies to entire schools. An accredited school must complete a rigorous review process proving that it meets an accrediting body’s standards for academic excellence. Attending an accredited school can help learners qualify for federal financial aid and facilitate easier credit transfers between institutions.

Programmatic accreditation only covers specific degrees or departments and can be especially important in industries requiring certification or licensure, like education. This optional process verifies how well a specific program’s coursework prepares learners for field-specific careers. Early childhood education programs can hold accreditation from organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Search NAEYC’s database to find accredited early childhood education programs. You can also check schools’ accreditation status on their websites.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education?

Accredited early childhood education programs typically lead to careers in childcare or preschool, including jobs such as childcare worker, preschool teacher, and childcare center director. However, students may also pursue roles in elementary education, such as teacher assistant, kindergarten teacher, or special education teacher.

Classroom-based educator roles typically require licensure. For example, each state has licensing requirements for kindergarten and special education teachers in public schools, which can include passing relevant exams, obtaining a master’s degree, and completing student-teaching hours.

Of the potential careers for early childhood education program graduates, childcare workers tend to see the lowest pay — their median annual wage was $30,370 in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Meanwhile, kindergarten and special education teachers have the highest median salaries, each earning over $60,000 a year.

Location can influence salaries for early childhood education professionals. For example, childcare workers in the District of Columbia have an average salary of $41,540 , while those in Mississippi earn an average of $22,620.

The following table highlights common jobs for graduates of accredited early childhood education programs.

Paying for an Online Degree in Early Childhood Education

In addition to qualifying graduates for a variety of childcare jobs, a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education can also be a stepping stone to additional credentials and education, like a teaching license or master’s degree . However, tuition and fees for a bachelor’s program can be burdensome. Prospective students should explore financial aid options such as:

Federal Student Loans

Students can borrow federal student loans to pay their tuition and fees and pay back the loans in installments. The federal government offers loan forgiveness programs for qualifying educators , including the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. PSLF forgives loan balances for government or nonprofit employees — including Head Start preschool teachers — after they make 120 qualifying loan payments.

Scholarships

Organizations, schools, and states offer scholarships to early childhood education students. Scholarships can directly reduce the cost of tuition and fees and don’t require repayment. For example, Massachusetts’ Early Childhood Educator Scholarship provides funding for up to nine credits per semester to early childhood educators pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.

Grants apply directly to tuition and fees and are sometimes based on financial need. The federal government offers the needs-based Pell Grant for all eligible undergraduate students for up to $7,395 per academic year. Students who intend to teach in a low-income school or educational agency can also qualify for the federal non-needs-based TEACH Grant , which provides up to $4,000 per academic year.

Explore Other Degree Levels for Early Childhood Education

Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degrees

An online associate degree in early childhood education delivers convenience, flexibility, and the opportunity to earn credentials for entry-level careers in education. These degrees typically lead to supporting roles and non-licensure career tracks in daycare facilities, early learning centers, preschools, and schools. You may benefit from an associate degree in early childhood education if you …

Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education

An online master’s in early childhood education can boost your career prospects and earning power. Use this guide to connect with top-ranked programs.

2024 Guide to a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education Online

Thinking about an advanced degree in early childhood education? Get program details and career information for an online doctorate program.

Questions About Degrees in Early Childhood Education

What is early childhood education.

Early childhood education explores academic, social, emotional, and cognitive development in children from birth through age eight. Early childhood educators typically work in preschools, daycares, or early learning centers, helping young children develop skills like early reading, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.

How long does it take to get a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education?

A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education generally includes 120 credits and takes four years of full-time study. Part-time enrollees usually take 5-6 years, while accelerated programs can reduce the graduation timeline to three years.

What can you do with an early childhood education degree besides teach?

In addition to teaching careers, workers with early childhood education degrees can pursue non-teaching roles, including nanny, childcare center director, or childcare worker. Graduates can also become early education consultants, preschool curriculum designers, or child development researchers, though some of these jobs may require further education.

Can you teach kindergarten with an early childhood education degree?

Yes, an early childhood education degree focuses on educating children between birth and age eight, which includes kindergarten students. However, each state requires teachers to hold a license to teach kindergarten in public schools.

Which professional organizations should I join to help my career?

The National Association for the Education of Young Children , the National Head Start Association , and Childhood Education International advocate for the early childhood education field and its professionals. These organizations provide research and professional development resources for educators to advance their knowledge, skills, and careers.

How to Check if Your Online School Is Accredited

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Earn your Early Childhood Education certificate online

Helping shape young minds is the kind of challenging, yet rewarding career that requires both compassion and discipline. Earn your Early Childhood Education certificate online and gain an understanding of what it takes to work with children—from curriculum development to health, safety, and nutrition. Upon graduation, you’ll be able to apply your studies to the 120 hours of professional education you need to earn your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™.

Our Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education is further set apart by its flexibility. You’ll have the opportunity to set your own pace and fit your studies in alongside your existing obligations. With online classes, you can complete the one-semester program from anywhere and choose to proceed to an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education right away.

Early Childhood Education Certificate Curriculum

Our online Early Childhood Education Undergraduate Certificate curriculum is designed to help you prepare to build the foundation for a rewarding career working with children. You’ll cover topics that are essential to working in a daycare or preschool, such as:

• Careers in Early Childhood Education
• Child Development
• Curriculum Development

Learn more about curriculum, tuition, and enrollment requirements

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• Our affordable tuition payment plan options.
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What you get

• 120 hours of professional education to apply to your CDA Credential™
• Textbook and/or comprehensive online resources and assessments
• Credits which can be applied toward the Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
• The freedom to complete courses at your own speed with self-paced lessons

average salary

Job opportunities

As a childcare worker, you could find jobs in preschools, daycares, and more! The average salary for childcare workers in 2022 was $28,520 † , though how much you can make can vary based on experience, education, certification, and even where you live.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Help guide children as they learn and navigate cultural diversity, creative expression, literacy, and more.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

Start with the basics of child development and education and discover where your ECE career can take you.

CONVENIENT ONLINE LEARNING

Fit studies into your life and put credit earned toward an Associate Degree and/or industry credentials.

Frequently asked questions

You may be taking your first steps into higher education. Or you may be considering online study for the first time. Whatever your situation, we’re here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you have.

Earning a child care certificate online makes sense for busy people who are ready for college-level study and want the convenience of learning from home. Your ECE certificate online will give you a solid foundation in subject matter that is useful for many satisfying careers.

Yes! Every student at Ashworth College gains access to the Ashworth College Central Network , an online toolkit that helps you work through resume templates, cover letters, thank you letters, and more. Use the career tools as much as you like to prepare professional documents for your job search. Once you’ve graduated, you can come back to the Ashworth College Central Network at any time.

We allow you up to one year from the date of your enrollment to earn your Early Childhood Education certificate online. A self-paced, flexible study schedule is one of the many benefits of pursuing your education at Ashworth College.

Related programs

Earning a childcare certificate online is one way to take your career to the next level. If you’re interested in a different career path, we have a number of other Undergraduate Certificates including:

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State requirements

A career in this field may require you to meet certain licensing, training, and other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. You should check with your state, local government, and/or licensing board to find out which requirements may be applicable in your state. Click here for contact information on state licensing/regulatory boards and certain professional licensing information.

NOTE: This program is not intended to lead to teacher certification.

† Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, " Childcare Workers ". Accessed December 12, 2023.

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From June 1 - July 17 , NAEYC offered over 100 recorded presentations of content shared by NAEYC experts and a diverse group of presenters from all sectors of the industry. NAEYC members had extended access through to July 30.  Our presenters included policy experts, higher education faculty, school leaders, researchers and educators.  While typically this type of content is only offered at NAEYC Professional Learning Institute, we provided access to these presentations during the NAEYC Virtual Institute at no charge as our gift to you for all that you give to young children and their families. 

Not a member? Join today  and take advantage of more professional development opportunites!

*We have experienced technical difficulties with our membership login portal and are working diligently to correct the situation. We are aware that this may impact your ability to access Virtual Institute presentations; please note that all presentations are On Demand and will be available for viewing until July 17. Thank you for your interest in NAEYC Professional Development.

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Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Degree Online Pint-Sized Scholars With Big Futures

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total

Impact the Next Generation with Liberty’s Non-Licensure BS in Early Childhood Education Interdisciplinary Studies Degree

A lot happens in a child’s development both before and during their early years of elementary school. With new concepts constantly being introduced to them, children under the age of 8 have a lot of growing to do! You can have a hand in providing the love, support, and encouragement these young ones need to embrace learning and get the best start they can.

Giving children a solid foundation for their academic journey can lead to better lives and opportunities for them down the road. The young students you work with today could be tomorrow’s world changers. By earning an early childhood education degree online, you can learn how to transform the lives of the children in your care.

Liberty’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Early Childhood Education Interdisciplinary Studies is an excellent option if you want to work in Christian school, private school, or homeschool settings or in childcare facilities and churches. You could also pursue a career as a paraprofessional educator in a public school. If you decide later on down the road to pursue licensure, this early childhood education online degree can provide a solid foundation for pursuing a licensure-track Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) .

Please note: Liberty’s BS in Early Childhood Education Interdisciplinary Studies is a non-licensure degree. This program is designed to prepare students for non-licensed teaching/education roles and to offer a solid foundation for pursuing a licensure program at a later time. If you are interested in teaching licensure at the bachelor’s level, please see our Bachelor of Education program.

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• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Interdisciplinary Studies?

If going for your bachelor’s degree seems overwhelming, or you’re wondering how long it takes to earn a degree in early childhood education, let us help. With 8 start dates per year and no set login times, you’ll have the freedom to complete your early childhood education online bachelor’s degree on your schedule.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ). Our programs have met rigorous academic standards and accreditation requirements, so you can be confident that you’re receiving an education of the highest quality.

Our bachelor’s degree in early childhood education online is taught by seasoned faculty who care about your success. Drawing on their years of real-world experience, they can help equip you to lead with excellence and integrity in the field of education. Their encouragement can help fuel your heart for teaching, reminding you how important your work is for eternity.

In addition to offering award-winning academics and industry-leading faculty, we’ve designed our degrees to give you as many opportunities as possible to grow and learn practical skills. Our online early childhood education bachelor’s degree includes an optional field experience course that can be completed at an approved location near you. This course can help give you an additional confidence boost as you apply your studies to a live classroom setting.

What Will You Study in Our Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Online Program?

Liberty’s bachelor’s degree in early childhood education focuses on current issues and trends in education. You can also learn about the elements of instruction and the important psychological milestones of early childhood development. We know that you are passionate about teaching children – so are we! Let us help you discover the best instructional strategies for both you and your students.

At Liberty, you can earn a degree focused on child development as well as education theories and practices. This can help you better tailor an educational experience to the specific needs of your young students.

We know that lectures and online assignments can only teach you so much – hands-on experience is important as well. That’s why our online bachelor’s in early childhood education degree includes an optional field experience capstone course, which can help you put your skills to the test in a live classroom.

Potential Career Opportunities

Some of the positions you can pursue with a non-licensure bachelor’s in early childhood education include:

• Early childhood center director
• Kindergarten/elementary school teacher*
• Paraprofessional educator in a public school
• Preschool teacher*
• Teacher within a faith-based organization or private school

*The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education does not lead to teacher licensure. However, this program may be a good fit for students who do not need state teaching licensure to teach at a private school or in other non-licensure settings.

Featured Courses

• EDUC 210 – Early Childhood Education Fundamentals
• EDUC 215 – Wellness in the Early Childhood Setting
• PSYC 210 – Developmental Psychology
• PSYC 221 – Psychology of Childhood

Degree Information

• This program falls under the School of Education .
• View the Undergraduate Education Course Guides (login required) .
• This online early childhood education degree can help prepare you for Liberty’s licensure-track Master of Arts in Teaching .
• Please note: This is a non-licensure program.

Degree Completion Plan

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Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

To continue our mission of providing affordable education,  electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!

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Financial Aid & Scholarships

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Admission Information for the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Students may be allowed to enroll in up to 12 credit hours with Liberty with the submission of our High School Self-Certification Form (login required – you will first need to claim your Liberty Account ) .
• Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form .

Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

*Official high school transcript requirement may be waived with college transcripts from an accredited college/university showing at least 12 earned credit hours with an acceptable GPA.

Note: A 2.0 or above cumulative GPA is required for admission in good standing.

Transcript Policies

High school transcript policy.

Applicants may submit a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of a final official high school transcript in order to enroll in up to 12 credit hours at Liberty University.

• Applicants may submit a college transcript showing 12 or more credits from an accredited institution and a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of high school transcripts.

Students must submit official high school transcripts, or official college transcripts showing at least 12 credit hours earned with an acceptable grade point average (GPA) from an accredited institution, in order to register for additional courses.

The official high school transcript, GED requirement, and High School Self-Certification Form can be waived if the applicant has earned an associate degree or higher.

Final transcripts must reflect all coursework and final grades received for grades 9-12, a graduation date, and an overall GPA. (Mailed transcripts must be in a sealed and unopened envelope.)

Unofficial College Transcript Policy

Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:

• Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
• Cumulative GPA
• A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
• Degree and date conferred (if applicable)

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Military Transfers

If you have military-only transfer credits (completed basic training and enlistment), you must request an official military transcript. Please go to the Military Transfer Credit webpage to request your military transcript.

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, you may be required to have your international transcripts reviewed. Information regarding the transcript evaluation process for international students can be found by visiting NACES .

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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course) *
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
• Potential college credit for military training

*Not applicable to certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs can you get with a non-licensure bachelor of early childhood education online.

When you think of education professionals, maybe you picture licensed teachers working in public schools. Licensed educators certainly play a vital role in training up the next generation of students, but the field of early childhood education is so much more vast than that – and many jobs are open to applicants without a teaching license!

With this non-licensure early childhood degree online, you can pursue a variety of roles in early childhood centers, churches, and homeschool settings. You could even go on to teach in a private school or work as a paraprofessional in a public school. Partner with us and earn a degree that gets you where you need to go.

Can you earn an early childhood education degree online?

Yes! At Liberty, we believe you should be able to pursue your academic goals without putting your life on hold. That’s why our bachelor’s degree in early childhood education is available 100% online. You’ll have the flexibility to stay invested in your job, family, and community while getting the training you need to launch your career.

If you decide to take the optional field experience course as part of your Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, you can complete the necessary hours at an approved location near you. That way, you can gain valuable hands-on training without having to leave your area.

Can you teach elementary school with a degree in early childhood education?

Early childhood education typically applies to children from birth through age 8. Thus, with a BS in Early Childhood Education degree online, you could become qualified to teach in a non-licensure capacity through the 3rd grade! Be sure to research the application requirements for any jobs you’re interested in to verify what type of education is needed.

What is the benefit of earning a non-licensure early childhood education degree?

Since many teaching jobs in public schools require state licensure, you may be wondering what advantage there is to pursuing a non-licensure bachelor of early childhood education. Typically, a licensure-track degree (e.g., a Bachelor of Education ) will require a certain amount of practicums, student teaching placements, and gate courses to ensure you meet all competencies for licensure. These things are critical if you want to become a licensed teacher – but there are many education roles you can pursue without licensure.

If you’re confident that you don’t need licensure at this time (e.g., if you’re looking to teach in a private school), the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education provides a strong foundation in learning theory and instructional practice without requiring extensive field placements or other requirements associated with state licensure. Many non-licensure roles will still require a certain level of formal education, and this bachelor’s degree can help provide the training you need to pursue your career goals without requiring you to commit to student teaching placements and practicum hours.

What do you study in an online early childhood education degree?

Our early childhood education bachelor’s degree online can help you gain a solid foundation in a variety of subjects, such as biology, history, mathematics, geometry, and communication. This well-rounded base of courses can help ensure that you’re ready to guide students through a variety of subject-specific activities from pre-K through 3rd grade.

You’ll also dive into essential areas of education like learning theory, classroom management, instructional practice, and educational philosophy. Lastly, you’ll look specifically at the fundamentals of early childhood education, with an emphasis on the psychological development and learning needs of young children.

What topics are covered in an early childhood education degree?

Some of the topics you’ll study in this early childhood bachelor’s degree include:

• Approaches to teaching reading, including phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and language development
• Basic theories and principles of child growth and development
• Best practices for teaching mathematics
• How family relationships, development, and content knowledge affect early childhood education
• How to develop a personal philosophy and apply it to teaching, lesson plan design, and delivery
• Learning theories and styles
• Methods for classroom management
• The promotion of wellness in early childhood education through good nutrition and safety for young children

Will this program provide any hands-on experience?

You have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with an optional field experience capstone.

Does this program allow for transfer credit?

You can transfer in up to 75% of your total credits to Liberty’s online bachelor’s in early childhood education.

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Early Childhood Education

If you want to explore a career in education  that allows you to make a difference and work with children, our online Early Childhood Education Associate Degree can help you prepare to take the first steps toward the career you want. Through accredited, flexible, online classes you can earn a degree while taking the next steps toward becoming a preschool teacher  from home, on your schedule. 

• Our Early Childhood Education Degree online can prepare students for entry-level jobs such as preschool teacher, teacher's aide, and child care professional.  
• College-level early childhood classes cover fundamental topics including how to promote language, literacy, and social skills development for preschoolers and young children.
• Apply what you learn with hands-on training by completing observation hours and practical application in a licensed childcare center through four required field experience modules. 
• Penn Foster is an official partner of Bright Horizon Family Solutions and Learning Care Group. 
• Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.

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Video Transcript

• How to plan, evaluate, and design curriculum appropriate for the education of young children.
• How to apply best practices, observation, and assessment to enhance learning and development.
• How to use the power of play to meet established early childhood curriculum goals.
• How to work with children with special needs, including recognizing important developmental milestones.

Preschool Teacher

AVG SALARY*

NUMBER OF JOBS*

JOB GROWTH*

State Licensing Requirements

State licensing requirements vary for early childhood education professionals. Penn Foster College recommends that you check with the licensing agency in your state for specific requirements. This program is intended to provide the education required for entry level employment or career advancement in a daycare or childcare setting. Your state will have specific regulations that specify whether or not the courses in the program would meet any continuing education requirements. This program is not intended to meet or satisfy teacher certification requirements established by any state department of education. Educators are advised to contact their employer as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement. This is particularly important for residents of CT.

A background check may be required for employment in child day care centers and schools.

Please review your state board requirements that are applicable to your field of study. State boards may impose a variety of different requirements. This is particularly important for residents of Missouri and South Carolina.

Penn Foster's Early Childhood Education Associate Degree program fulfills the 120 hour educational requirement for those interested in earning their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. For more information about CDA Credential requirements, click here .

How to Get the Education to Work with Children

• 4 semesters
• 4 field experience options

Estimated completion time per semester :

• Fast track = 4 months
• Average time = 10 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times per semester are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from November 2020 - October 2021, excluding withdrawals.

Our Early Childhood Education Degree online will cover the foundational concepts that are used by ECE teachers every day — including how to make lesson plans and promote language, literacy, and preschool social skills development. Your online education classes include: 

• Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child
• Curriculum for Early Childhood Education
• Working with Children with Special Needs
• Guidance in Early Childhood Education

Non-US residents: This is a United States-based institution with course materials that are geared toward US job and labor standards. Learners from outside of the US may find that some information and materials will differ from the current standards of their country. Please note, the materials for this program are in English and use the Imperial unit of measurement, not the metric system.

Due to externship requirements and other factors, students outside of the United States are not eligible to enroll in this program at this time.

As part of earning your early childhood education degree online, you'll gain hands-on experience and apply what you've learned each semester in a field experience requirement. You will gain practical experience by completing observation hours and practical application in a licensed childcare center near you. Your field experience in semester four will consist of 300 hours, which is a minimum of 45 hours in each age group: infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Penn Foster does not assist students in finding a site to complete their field experience. However, through our partnerships, you may be able to be placed in a Bright Horizons center or Learning Care Group near you for the externship portion of the program.

Students can complete each of the field experience requirements at the same approved facility or find a new site each semester.

Demetria P.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2021

“It was an awesome program, and the flexibility is something that is needed in today’s fast-moving world.”

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• Digital study guides
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• 24/7 access to online resources
• Online student community
• Dedicated Learner Center
• Expert faculty
• Robust learning resources
• Dedicated student services

Prepare for a job as a child care professional while gaining the 120 hours of education required for your CDA.

Prepare to earn your CDA and build a professional portfolio with Penn Foster's online CDA Credential Prep Undergraduate Certificate.

Learn how psychology impacts the growth and development of children in our online Child Psychology Certificate.

What will I teach as an ECE teacher?

Early childhood education professionals most often teach children younger than five years old. You’ll teach students basic skills such as identifying colors, shapes, numbers, and letters. You’ll organize activities that allow children to learn about the world around them. Most ECE graduates work as preschool teachers, teaching assistants, childcare workers, and special education teachers.

What is the average salary for a teacher in early childhood education?

The average salary for early childhood education teachers can vary based on experience, the state in which you work, and the environment you work in. The national average salary in 2021 for preschool teachers was $30,210 per year.* Salary and hourly wages for teachers can also be determined based on whether or not the school they work for is a private or public institution.

Is early childhood education right for me?

Teachers in early childhood education work closely with young children and their parents to develop language, literacy, and other necessary skills. Effective teachers are patient, compassionate, creative, and have developed written and verbal communication skills. If this sounds like you, becoming an ECE teacher could be a great career path!

Can I teach elementary school with a degree in early childhood education?

Generally, an Early Childhood Associate Degree prepares graduates for work in preschools, daycares, or other facilities with a classroom setting. Though requirements can vary slightly based on your state and whether you’re seeking employment in public or private education, most elementary school teachers are required to attain at least a bachelor’s degree and pass state exams.

Where else can I teach with an Early Childhood Education Degree?

Besides preschools, you can teach in public and private daycares, childcare centers, and schools as a teaching assistant or special education support staff. Additionally, early education teachers also work in social services or as a home-based provider, such as a nanny.

Are early childhood education teachers in demand?

Skilled educators are important to a child’s short and long-term intellectual growth and well-being, so the need for early education teachers is projected to grow about 15% by 2031, adding around 63,100 new jobs.*

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. " OPreschool Teachers ." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed September 23, 2022.

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.

Disclaimers:

1 Depending on where you live, you may be charged taxes in addition to the total cost of your program.

Penn Foster Partners with Bright Horizon Family Solutions and the Learning Care Group

Online BA in Early Care and Education

New scholarship covers your entire education.

ECE students can apply for the new Early Learning Equity Scholarship and get all of their costs covered!

What you can earn

Credits earned, time commitment, upcoming deadline, transforming early childhood education.

The online Early Care & Education (ECE) program centers young children, families, and communities through interdisciplinary coursework and practice-based learning rooted in equity, diversity and inclusion.

Students join ECE for the flexibility and affordability, gaining a full UW education while living and working in their own community.  And our instructors and staff provide each student with dedicated support and coaching.

If you are committed to transforming the early childhood education field, we invite you to join our next cohort of change-makers.

After graduation

ECE equips you with the skills, knowledge, and experiences that will elevate your strengths and talents to excel in your career development. Graduates in this program continue their professional development in current or new roles and transition into leadership positions. These positions include lead teachers, coaches, and program directors in non-profit community-based settings and early learning sites.

• Preschool teaching
• Early childhood administration
• Children’s museums educator and communications
• Early learning assessment
• Early learning coach and specialist
• Early education policy and advocacy
• Education research
• Family & community support

The ECE program can also serve as a pathway for graduates interested in K-8 education, health related fields, child life specialist, social work, psychology, or other fields related to children’s learning, development and well being.

• Want to become a K-8 teacher? Although ECE graduates do not earn a teaching certificate, it is a great foundation for one of our teacher preparation programs.
• Aiming to earn your master's degree? After earning your bachelor’s degree through ECE, we offer a wide array of graduate-level programs that support your career goals.

Let's connect

We're so excited that you're thinking about joining our undergrad program! Join our mailing list to learn about upcoming information sessions, deadlines, scholarships and more!

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Prefer a one-on-one experience? Prospective students can schedule an admissions advising appointment .

The ECE program is offered entirely online, which means you can log in anytime and from anywhere to complete coursework before weekly deadlines. We use an online learning management system to host course materials and interactions with your peers and professors. While most learning occurs asynchronously, you’ll enjoy some real-time collaboration opportunities.

To earn your B.A. in Early Care & Education, you'll need to complete all required ECE courses along with any remaining general education courses and electives. The program’s duration varies based on the amount of college credits you’ve previously earned. Full-time students typically graduate in about two years, while part-time students usually graduate in about three years.

Technical requirements: You will need access to reliable high-speed internet, webcam, microphone, and a device capable of capturing video and audio, like a smartphone. The program may require additional software that UW offers at low or no cost, with tutorials provided.

Once you enroll, your academic adviser will review any transfer credits and help you create a personalized graduation plan to complete your degree, which may include general education and elective courses. The sample graduation plans outline the required ECE courses only and do not include general education or other graduation requirements.

• Full-time graduation plan
• Part-time graduation plan

The following list includes required ECE courses.

Explores current and historical themes, research, and programs in the field of early care and education, offering students the opportunity to explore their own professional identities.

Drawing upon the history of multicultural education, social justice education, culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogies, critical perspectives in early childhood education, and anti-bias education, this course supports professionals serving young children and families to develop skills needed to engage in equitable practices.

Builds on foundations of critical pedagogy, social justice education, and culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogies. Focuses on the intersections of identity (e.g., class, dis/ability, and gender), self, systems of power and privilege, and working with young children. Designed to better understand how art and children's texts can be used as tools for equity.

Builds on foundations of critical pedagogy, social justice education, and culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogies. Focuses on the intersections of identity (e.g., race, ethnicity, language, and sexual identity), self, systems of power and privilege, and working with young children. Designed to better understand how art and children's texts can be used as tools for equity.

Instructionally Supportive Interactions: Importance of equitable high-quality early childhood education. Specific types of environments and responsive instructional interactions that support children's thinking, language, and problem-solving. First of a two-part series.

Social and Emotional Support and Well-Organized Classrooms: Focus on importance of equitable high quality early childhood education and specific types of environments and responsive instructional interactions that support children's social, emotional and self-regulatory skills. Second of a two-part series.

Focuses on the kinds of knowledge, ways of knowing and modes of inquiry relevant to early care and education. Through identifying and reviewing substantive research in their areas of interest, students locate ideas for inquiry within the research literature in early care and education.

Seeks to deepen understanding of contemporary social issues and problems that impact families and young children. Discusses legislation and other policies from a local, national and global perspective. Explores the complex web of social, private, and governmental organization that impact families and young children.

Focuses on the key role that family and community contexts play in supporting development, as well as the key role early childhood programs can play in promoting family engagement. Participants examine interdisciplinary principles on how best to support a developing child's primary relationships through family engagement, and responsiveness to differences between families.

Helps identify individual strengths, set professional goals, and practice necessary professional skills, such as job-searching, networking, and developing oral and written proficiency.

Synthesizes and demonstrates learning across the ECE major. Brings together research, theory and hands-on practice in service learning in order to highlight overall degree competencies and promote development of a professional portfolio.

Focuses on developmental foundations and theoretical and researched-based models of early childhood curriculum. Studies approaches to designing, organizing and implementing early learning programs. Studies curricular content for supporting children's learning and development in physical development; social and emotional development; approaches to learning; cognition; and language and early literacy.

Teaching From the Inside Out: Being a Resilient Educator: Equips students with skills and strategies to optimize their effectiveness as early childhood educators. Students learn how to be as healthy as possible, possess the confidence to manage stressful situations, connect effectively with others and focus on the positive aspects of life.

Addresses the significance of social and emotional development in the early years. Discusses the adoption of models and evidence-based practice strategies that focus on promoting social-emotional development, providing support for children's appropriate behavior and preventing challenging behavior. Examines how adult resiliency and wellness relate to improved early care and teaching.

Focuses on observation and methods used to study and understand young children in the context of families and society. Develops skills to understand children's behavior in learning environments. Examines approaches to and purposes for assessment and documentation of children's development and learning. Explores approaches to assessing early learning environments.

Supporting Language & Literacy Development in Preschool: Increases knowledge about language and literacy developments between ages 3 to 5 and the ways in which these developments are critical precursors to the emergence of and success with formal reading skills, and to build participants' use of evidence-based language and literacy practices within the preschool classroom.

Increases knowledge about cognitive developments between ages 3 to 5 and ways in which these developments are critical precursors to emergence and success with later content and skills in mathematics and science. Learn to design and implement effective instructional practices and interactions with children that support their learning and development.

Examination of the latest research on brain development in early childhood and the application of this knowledge in the creation of learning environments that promote physical, language, cognitive, social and emotional development. The roles of family, classroom and community provide context to build relationships that support each child's development.

overs the topics of disability and ableism specifically focused on educational contexts.

Human learning in the educational setting. Cognition, development, learning, motivation, affective processes and socialization. Emphasis on skills in influencing classroom learning and discipline.

Provides a survey of infant and early childhood development, including prenatal and neonatal factors, and social/societal influences, using an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion informed framework. Emphasizes how risk and protective factors can impact social emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Includes research based principles and approaches to supporting families and caregivers of young children.

We believe early childhood professionals learn by applying knowledge through action, observation and reflection. ECE students take part in Community Based Learning (CBL), a place-based education, centering learning in the physical environment, local culture, history, language, and with the people of a community.

You will have many opportunities to integrate your classroom experience into your CBL Experience. You will build on your cultural and contextual knowledge of children’s learning through real-world opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills in early learning settings.

Our students participate in two types of experiential learning:

• Community-Based Learning Experience : Weekly time spent engaging with young children through your work or volunteering in an early learning setting is required for many courses.
• Applied assignments: Examples of applied assignments include videos of your practice, environment or child observations, case studies, and an interview with a professional or parent. These may be completed at your Community-Based Learning Experience site.

Already working or volunteering with children in an early learning setting? You can complete the community-based learning experience at your current job! If you need support finding a setting, our CBL coordinator will help you find a place to do your community-based learning.

It will take a minimum of 7 quarters to complete the program. To graduate from the University of Washington, you must have a minimum of 180 quarterly credits. How long it takes to graduate depends on a number of factors, including how many credits you are transferring in with and how many credits you take per quarter as an ECE student.

You can connect and schedule an advising appointment with our Lead Admissions & Outreach Adviser who can provide one-on-one support with: 

• Admissions process
• Scholarships and financial aid
• Transferring to UW

Schedule an appointment

Admission requirements and process

Please reach out to us at  [email protected] if you need any support during the application process!

New students start each autumn, and you can choose either full-time or part-time enrollment.  Applications open in January each year . Applicants who submit by our priority deadline (April 1) will be notified first about admissions decisions. They will also be notified about scholarship opportunities in May. Because of the different steps and requirements, we recommend starting your application process as early as possible.

To be eligible for this program, you must have met the following requirements:

• Live in the United States and do not require an F-1 visa.
• Completed at least 45 transferable quarter credits from regionally accredited colleges or universities (1 semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits)
• Earned a cumulative transfer GPA of 2.0 or higher.

If you have completed fewer than 40 transferable quarter credits at the time you submit your application, you will also need to complete the College Academic Distribution Requirements (UW admission requirements that can be satisfied by high school and/or college coursework). Please contact us at [email protected] if you have questions about this requirement.

• Include transcripts from all institutions attended
• Your transcripts must include your name and coursework
• If you have fewer than 40 transferable credits at the time of application, you must also submit and official or unofficial high school transcript

Instructions

Respond to each of the questions below using these instructions. You may choose to submit either written or recorded responses:

• Written responses: Write a short paragraph (150 words or less) in response to each question.
• Recorded responses: Make a video or audio recording with your responses (1-2 minutes per question). You will need to upload your recording to a cloud service such as Youtube, Google Drive, or Sharepoint and share the link in your application form.

Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you have questions about how to submit your application questions.

• The ECE program focuses on community-based early learning with children from birth to age 8 and their families. Tell us about your experience and/or interest in working with children in this specific age range and their families. 
• How has your background and experience prepared you to be effective in an environment that holds equity, diversity, and inclusion as a core to our mission and values?
• What impact have you had (or hope to have) in the early learning community for equity, diversity, and inclusion at your current position (or a position in the future)? What are you still working on?
• In what ways do you hope the ECE program will further your learning and skill set in equity, diversity, and inclusion? 
• The ECE program’s Community-Based Learning requirement is to work or volunteer for at least 3-5 hours per week at a formal early learning setting that serves children ages birth-8, and allows you to observe, enact practices, and occasionally film yourself interacting with at least 3-5 children. Examples include Head Start, ECEAP, childcare center, family childcare center, elementary school, etc. Do you currently work or volunteer in a setting that meets this criteria? If so, briefly describe the setting and your role. If not, are you willing and able to volunteer in this kind of setting for 3-5 hours per week while you are a student in the program? Briefly describe your ideal volunteer setting. Support is available to help you find a site.
• (optional) Are you applying as a member of the Native Cohort based at Tulalip?
• (optional) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
• Gather all required materials
• Visit the online application form
• Log into your account or create a new profile if you are a first-time applicant
• Complete all steps in application process and upload your documents
• Pay the nonrefundable application fee or request a waiver
• Submit your online application
• Submit transcripts
• When completing the online form, be sure to select: “Early Care & Education (Online)”
• If you have already earned your bachelor’s degree, select “Early Care & Education (Online) - Post-Bac”

You will be notified some time between June and August. Applicants who submit before the priority deadline (April 1) will be notified first.

In general, you should be able to transfer college-level academic credits for general education courses (described on the UW's Undergraduate Advising General Education page) and early childhood and education-related credits.

For more information about UW’s transfer requirements, including notable restrictions on transfer credit, please visit the UW Transfer Credit Policies page. 

To graduate from the University of Washington, you must have a minimum of 180 quarterly credits completed. Transfer students are encouraged to take courses that will transfer and count towards UW’s general education credits.

Please note: the majority of your ECE major coursework must be completed within our program. Most EDUC/ECE courses that transfer will count towards your general education requirements or general electives.

Costs and funding

The online ECE program is a self-sustaining, fee-based program. Course fees are charged on a per-credit basis and are the same for Washington residents and non-residents. Our course fees are less than, or comparable to, many similar programs in Washington state. The current estimated cost is:

• $231 per credit
• The total cost to complete varies based on transfer credits

Additional UW fees (registration, technology, etc) are not included in this estimate. 

It is highly recommended that students in the program complete the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) application. These applications are necessary for various forms of financial aid, including scholarships and loans. Because ECE is a fee-based program, students are not eligible for tuition exemptions or university grants, such as the Husky Promise. For more details, please visit the fee-based programs page on the Office of Student Financial Aid website. 

The Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards offers information and resources about student scholarship opportunities and mentors students through the various application processes.

Students may qualify for specific scholarships and other financial aid that are tied to their background or prospective career field, including the opportunities below.

The Early Learning Equity (ELE) Scholarship, made possible by an extremely generous gift from the Ballmer Group, covers a student’s unmet financial need, including the cost of attendance for Washington state residents. The scholarship is available to newly enrolled ECE students, or those returning  to ECE after one or more years away.

Through this one application, undergraduate students can apply for multiple scholarships worth between $900 - $5,000.

The Zesbaugh and Anderson-Olsen Scholarships generously supports undergraduate students in financial need who are committed to a career as an educator. Applicants should be pursuing a career in P-12 teaching, education policy, higher education, school counseling, social services, or a myriad of other education fields.

Child Care Aware of Washington (Early Achievers) is for early learning professionals working at an Early Achievers enrolled program. The Bachelor’s Degree Pathways Scholarships are contract based for 12 months, and include BA completion, DTA/Pre-BA and the Montessori Credential.

The Martin Achievement Scholarship and Martin Honors Scholarship are available for Washington community college students and graduates interested in obtaining bachelor's degrees from the University of Washington.

Students based in Washington state can also apply for scholarships and other financial aid earmarked for residents of this state. There are number of sites that offer information about these kinds of programs, including:

• Career Bridge: Pay for School
• theWashBoard.org

Transforming inequitable systems

Our curriculum is rooted in the belief that all young children and their families have the right to equitable learning and development opportunities in a just and culturally-thriving society. ECE students reflect on their identities and how decisions we make every day in and outside of the classroom are influenced by larger power systems. Assignments and cohort discussions encourage critical thinking about early learning, equity, and community.

Read our equity statement

Honoring Indigenous Land and Calls to Action: The ECE program shares a commitment that is essential to the process of working to be in good relationship with the Indigenous land on which our lives and institutions exist and the peoples of the land. Read our land acknowledgement .

We are here to support you!

Our faculty and student support team are committed to supporting you every step of the way: from your very first question about ECE to your graduation date, and beyond. We offer admissions advising to help you navigate the application process, and our academic adviser will be there to support you after you enroll in the program. We offer support in your community-based learning experience, and our faculty are committed to supporting you as you earn your degree, and prepare for your future.

Our support approach is holistic, encompassing all aspects of your student experience. Support ranges from academic planning and community-based learning placements, to career guidance and resource referrals, and more.

At the start of the program, you’ll meet with your adviser to develop an individualized graduation plan. Then you’ll connect regularly to check in on progress and discuss any obstacles you might be facing. Your community-based learning coordinator will work with you to identify and establish a community-based learning site. If you need help, we are here to listen and guide you to available UW resources.

Faculty in the program are dedicated to your success, employing a “high-touch” teaching approach to keep you engaged. They check in weekly with students and embed career goals in courses to make them relevant to your experience.

The faculty also help foster a reflective and collaborative community where students feel empowered and all voices are heard. Students grow this community by sharing experiences and best practices and offering feedback and support to each other.

New to online learning? Don’t feel intimidated by the online aspect of ECE. All levels of tech savvy are welcome — and we’re here to support you.

The technology is manageable and easy to use. We use a web-based learning management system to deliver course materials, and guided instruction and tutorials are built right into the curriculum. If you need extra technical support, our help from a technical support team is just a phone call or email away.

Frequently asked questions

No. ECE students do not receive a teaching credential through the program. If teaching in elementary schools is your career goal, ECE is a great first step for your undergraduate work. After graduating you can apply to one of our college's teacher education programs and earn your Master in Teaching (M.I.T.). If your goal is to teach middle or high school, the ECE program is not a good fit and we encourage you to check out one of our other undergraduate majors.

No. Because you are admitted directly to the ECE major, you can only pursue the ECE major while you are enrolled at the University of Washington.

The ECE program is fully online. While you may be able to take occasional on-campus classes, options are extremely limited. If you prefer an on-campus experience, we recommend the Early Childhood & Family Studies: Teaching & Learning program.

We are here to help! We offer info sessions and individual pre-admission advising. Schedule a virtual advising appointment.

Yes! If you work in an early learning setting with children (birth to age 8), it is likely that this will count as your CBL weekly hours. If you don’t work with young children, the CBL coordinator is available to support you to find a CBL placement. 

You can access coursework on your own schedule and complete the majority of your work on the weekends. There are flexible options for occasional synchronous small group sessions and meetings with staff and faculty.

Yes!  If you have already completed or will complete a bachelor’s or graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to enrolling at UW, you are considered a post-baccalaureate applicant. Please select “Early Care & Education (Online) - Post-Bac” option when you fill out the online application form. 

As a “post-bac” you will only need to complete the ECE major coursework as your general education coursework will be taken care of with the credits from your original bachelor’s degree.

Yes, you are a UW Husky. You will receive a UW student ID card, enjoy the same access to resources and events as campus students, and can walk across the stage at Commencement! Go Dawgs!

Program Faculty

Nancy Hertzog

Gail E. Joseph

Jodi Burrus Newman

Soojin Oh Park

Holly Schindler

Program staff.

Ruth O. Ayodeji

Alejandra Baires-Ramirez

Jenni Campbell

Camille Lemire

Sala Sataraka

Bridget wittke.

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Free Online Early Childhood Education Courses

These free online early childhood education courses will teach you about this educational program designed to serve children in the preschool years. Early childhood education is a branch of education theory relating to the teaching of children from birth up to the age of eight. You will learn about how you can help form a child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.... …Read More These free online early childhood education courses will teach you about this educational program designed to serve children in the preschool years. Early childhood education is a branch of education theory relating to the teaching of children from birth up to the age of eight. You will learn about how you can help form a child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Read Less

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Frequently asked questions.

Early Childhood Studies Development and Education

How do you nurture cognitive abilities and critical thinking in little ones? This popular course looks at different models and theories of early childhood education for an all-round understanding of this important topic.

Early Childhood Special Needs Education

Children with special needs require approaches that align with their developmental ability and that take into consideration their circumstances. This course looks at creating an inclusive programme and how families can take a supportive role in their child’s education.

Project-based Learning in Early Childhood Education

PBL or project-based learning is an effective pedagogic method. The Reggio Emilia approach of ‘emergent’ and holistic education is unpacked and explained in a way that makes it easy to apply in the classroom where appropriate.

Early childhood education is considered to start at birth and continue until the child is about eight years old. This is generally the time of nursery, preschool or kindergarten up until about third grade or early primary or elementary school. It covers everything from developing gross and fine motor skills, physical or hand-eye co-ordination to numeracy, language skills and even emotional and social development. Parents and families cover many of these aspects (teaching a child to talk and walk, for example) but may not have the time, knowledge or resources to go further and teach a child to read, write, count, begin to think critically and so forth. This is where professional and trained ECE educators come in. Research shows that children who are part of ECE programmes can have better outcomes later in life as the stimulation they receive builds their cognitive, language and social skills. 

Yes, there are many different philosophies when it comes to early childhood education although there may be overlap between them. Some of the most well-known are: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, play-based learning, Waldorf and cognitive-based learning. We have free online courses in some of these approaches - be sure to return to this page often as we constantly add to our course selection and there may be new options that interest you later.

Montessori Teaching - Fundamental Concepts and Principles

One of our most popular ECE options, this course explains the observations that led Dr Maria Montessori to develop this teaching style that is used across the world. It helps children uncover their natural talents and interests in an informal way and setting.

Preschool Education: The Reggio Emilia Approach

This philosophy centres the child and allows them to take a self-guided approach to experiential learning in settings that favour relationships and connections. Enrol in this course to learn more and see if it will work for you.

Childcare and EYFS

A highly recommended course, EYFS stands for Early Years Foundation Stage, which covers birth to five years old in England. Its lessons, however, are universal and you will see how to bring out the best in very young children.

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In This Section

Early childhood education courses (fully online), professional development for educators.

Advance in your current career or take the first step onto a new path with Fisher College’s Early Childhood Education online courses. These convenient, affordable classes are available on eight-week rotations. Learn from the comfort of your home in online courses that facilitate hands-on practice and collaboration with your peers.

Register before the next starting date:  October 28th

Register now

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Why Take Early Childhood Education Courses at Fisher?

Affordable and flexible learning.

Enroll in online classes for early childhood education as a non-degree-seeking student that are priced for your success! Fisher’s eight-week learning opportunities are available at a special discounted rate of $550 per course. This accessible online format allows you to study on a schedule and in the environments that work best for you.

Quality Online Classes 

Engage deeply with learning material in hands-on early childhood education courses that involve simulations, presentations, and collaborative projects. Every early childhood education online course involves interactive opportunities for you to learn from experienced peers and expert faculty whose valuable skills and knowledge can enhance your learning and influence your career choices.

Your Path to Credentials and Degrees

Every credit you earn in Fisher’s Early Childhood Education program can be applied toward our Early Childhood Education certificate , associate degree , or bachelor’s degree programs . If you decide to pursue a degree at Fisher College, your academic advisor can help you determine which courses you need to meet your desired level of certification for your chosen age group in the state of Massachusetts.

8-Week Online Courses Offered

Ed115: introduction to early intervention, ed116: health, safety, and nutrition for young children, ed120: infant/toddler curricula, ed121: preschool curricula, ed204: strategies for children's behavior, ed223: program administration for early childhood, ed224: supervision and personnel management in programs for children, ed227: children, family, and community, ps103: child development.

Term: November

Number of Credits:  3

Cost:  $550

This course will provide an introduction to the Early Intervention (EI) program currently applicable to all children under the age of 3 who meet the criteria. Students will learn about the history of EI in the United States, the components of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), and the interdisciplinary approach to assessment and treatment. In this course, we emphasize the importance of understanding and working within the family system from a culturally competent context.

Term: March

This course is intended for students working in an educational setting, for childcare providers, and for adults and parents who desire additional information about current concepts in the field of health, safety, and nutrition, and their relationship to the young child.

Term:  September/May

This course presents a developmentally appropriate curriculum framework for the cognitive/language, physical, and social-emotional development of infants and toddlers.

We emphasize an education on children’s interactions with their environment through exploration, problem-solving, and discovery.

Students will study the role of the adult in creating a safe, physical, and psychological learning environment.

Students will utilize stimulating materials such as: presentations, projects, and observations that will provide first-hand experience.

Term:  January/July

This course presents a developmentally appropriate curriculum framework for the cognitive/language, physical, and social-emotional development of preschoolers. Students prepare to utilize evidence-based, developmentally appropriate practices in the context of children’s family, culture, language and abilities.

This program's emphasis is on understanding children’s developmental stages and developing appropriate learning opportunities, interactions and environments to support each child in the following areas: dramatic play, art, music, fine and gross motor play.

Term:  September/March

This course will examine instructional strategies and developmental theory of how children’s self image and self control are developed through individual and small-group interactions.

Course material is drawn from developmental and learning theories for infancy, toddlerhood, and the preschool years. Observations are an important learning tool for this course.

This course is designed to acquaint students with practical matters involved in establishing and maintaining an Early Childhood facility. It includes topics such as determining the need for and structure of an early childhood facility, legal requirements for childcare centers and staff, child selection and grouping, staff recruitment, development, evaluation, funding, and budget management.

The course will emphasize the role of the supervisor or mentor in human resource management. Leadership theories and skills will be explored as they relate to working with diverse populations. Students will collaborate with outside resources such as parents, social service, and healthcare professionals in children's programs throughout the course.

Term:  November

This course will examine the developing child in a societal context, focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community by emphasizing historical and socio-cultural factors.

Students will gain an understanding of their professional role in supporting practices that strengthen respectful, collaborative family/child partnerships, and how to use protective factors through effective use of community and family resources.

The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families.

Term:  September, November, January, March, May, July

This course will examine the developing child in a societal context, focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community and emphasizing historical and socio-cultural factors. Students will gain an understanding of their professional role in supporting practices that strengthen respectful, collaborative family/child partnerships, and how to use protective factors through effective use of community and family resources. The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted, showing the importance of respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and empower families.

Skills You’ll Learn in Early Childhood Education Courses

Teaching : Practice developing curricula that meet the needs of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with varying developmental, physical, cognitive, behavioral, and developmental needs.

Holistic Attention : Consider the interrelationship of a child’s family, school, community, socio-cultural, and historical contexts and how these play into development and relationships in the self, family, and community.

Wellness : Cultivate practices for observing and attending to young children’s health, safety, and nutrition.

Intervention : Learn when and how to compose individualized family service plans (IFSPs) and implement Early Intervention (EI) strategies for children aged three and under.

Management : Explore the roles and responsibilities of a supervisor and mentor to fellow workers in early childhood education contexts. 

Cohort Pricing

Does your organization need a college course for more than 14 employees? Specialized cohort course pricing is available. 

For more information, contact us at: [email protected] .

Special Discounted Courses for Early Childhood Professionals

Enhance your knowledge in the early childhood profession through condensed, affordable online courses. As a non-degree-seeking student, you can take up to four courses for only $550 per course.

These courses equip you with skills and expertise from Fisher’s respected Early Childhood Education degree programs. Connect with peers and skilled faculty whose shared experiences can help you grow your career. All credits you earn here can be applied toward a Fisher College certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. 

Advance Your Career in Early Childhood Education

Expand your professional potential and apply to one of Fisher College’s online degree or certificate programs in early childhood education. Embrace the flexibility of eight-week terms and build out your expertise — an investment that will serve you throughout your career!

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St. Petersburg College

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Early Childhood Education

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DEGREES + TRAINING | TUITION + FINANCIAL AID | ADMISSIONS | WHY SPC

As an early childhood professional, you play a vital role in the life of a child. From providing a safe learning environment to helping children grow socially, emotionally and educationally, you learn the special skills needed to work with young children. 

Our programs in early childhood education follow a pathway to prepare you to work effectively with early learners (birth to age 4) and their families in both the public and private sectors.

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Features that fit you

Not only is a degree in Early Childhood Education from St. Petersburg College affordable, but it is also flexible enough to meet your scheduling needs. Whether you are a part-time or full-time student, our course options make it easy for you to plan around your busy schedule.

Education degrees and careers

With a degree in Early Childhood Education, you will be prepared to work in caregiving and educational roles in programs for infants, toddlers, and young children. Employment opportunities exist in preschools, VPK classrooms, Head Start centers, before- and after-school care, early intervention programs, early childhood care and education agencies and in-home family child care.

St. Petersburg College offers these Early Childhood Education Degrees:

• Early Childhood Education A.S. Degree
• Preschool Specialization Certificate
• Infant and Toddler Specialization Certificate
• Early Childhood Education Credentials

Why employers hire our graduates

Our graduates rank first in the state for earning the highest entry wages in Florida. With degree programs tailored to meet the needs of local industries, you’ll be job ready at graduation. In fact, more than 90 percent of our graduates find jobs in the field, are continuing their education or serving in the military.

St. Petersburg College offers free tutoring to all students. We also offer online support, campus learning centers and small group workshops so you get the academic support you need.

Center for Excellence Scholarships

St. Petersburg College and Pinellas County Schools, in partnership with The New Teacher Project (TNTP) and Learning Science International (LSI), have developed a cohesive and comprehensive plan to improve the education of pre-service teachers through the College of Education Center of Excellence in Elementary Teacher Preparation. The program will restructure the current Elementary Education Bachelor of Science degree by:

1. Increasing the number of required content-specific courses by nine, specifically targeting math, science and social studies, assuring deeper content knowledge in core subjects;

2. Enhancing co-op teacher preparedness and outreach strategies to improve field experiences of pre-service teachers; and

3. Utilizing research-based educational approaches that incorporate supervisor coaching best practices and real-world teacher evaluation models with training led by industry experts to improve teacher effectiveness and student outcomes.

By using innovative training models, such as TNTP’s Fast Start and LSI’s Marzano evaluation system, pre-service educators, district cooperating teachers and the SPC’s supervising teachers will be uniformly equipped with the tools necessary to improve themselves as educators, and more importantly, the lives of those they teach.

Paying for college

The program offers scholarships for up to 100 Elementary Education B.S. degree seeking students, covering two courses per year. Please contact Pat Roper at [email protected] for details or to apply.

The initiative was funded by a $5 million Florida Centers of Excellence in Elementary Teacher Preparation grant by the Florida Department of Education.

To learn more about how you can get help paying for college, visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page . 

Why choose St. Petersburg College?

Choosing a college is a big decision. With our focus on you, you will see why SPC is the smart choice. 

1/2 THE COST 

Two years at St. Petersburg College and two years at a public university can save you more than $5,830 compared to four years at a public university in Florida.

FINANCIAL AID

Over $6 million in scholarships granted in 2016. Learn more about how you can get help paying for college by downloading our FREE Financial Aid Guide!

GRADUATES GET JOBS

More than 90 percent of our graduates find jobs in the field, are continuing their education or serving in the military.

Others like you

“I would absolutely recommend SPC’s education program to others.”

– Alexis Kelly, Third Grade Teacher

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Bachelor's Degree inBachelor's Degree in Elementary Education + IECE Dual Certification

Campbellsville University's dual certification program enables you to attain career-focused credentials in elementary education and interdisciplinary early childhood education (IECE), adding only one semester to your bachelor's program.

Program Details

Dual certification: p-5/iece birth to 5th grade overview.

Act on your passion for educating the youngest learners with Campbellsville University's dual certification program. You'll earn a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education, gaining the experience and global perspective to thrive as an inclusive educator of diverse populations — from birth through 5th grade.

Campbellsville's dual certification program helps you prepare to seek initial teaching certificates in interdisciplinary early childhood and elementary education in Kentucky. Follow multiple career paths after completing the online program, with the qualifications to teach in preschools, elementary schools and beyond.

Campbellsville has deep roots as a teaching school and has empowered educators for success for more than 100 years. Distinguished faculty teach each online class, instilling valuable skills for nourishing the educational needs of the youngest learners. Moreover, this online program provides a direct route to becoming a dual-certified teacher, enabling you to stand out for elementary education and IECE roles.

Campbellsville University's education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Education Professional Standards Board of Kentucky (EPSB) for teacher education and certification.

Program Outcomes

By pursuing your elementary education and interdisciplinary early childhood degree online in Campbellsville's dual certification program, you'll prepare to:

• Teach as an elementary teacher, tutor or homeschool teacher
• Teach in early childhood education from birth through preschool
• Apply the servant leadership model to teaching practice and professional development
• Create teaching plans that best fit the needs of your learners
• Build relationship and communication skills for a more effective learning environment
• Experience real-life examples of how to approach pedagogy for teaching and assessing elementary students

Campbellsville's Dual Certification: B.S. in Elementary Education and Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education degree program includes 143 credit hours. In addition to the online classes, you'll complete 200 clinical practice hours in multiple classroom settings and grade levels. The program concludes with three student teaching placements that last a total of 16 weeks.

The general education component of this dual certification bachelor's degree program provides a basic understanding of a broad range of subjects. These online classes support the liberal arts emphasis of Campbellsville's academic mission.

• ED 199: Entry to Teacher Preparation
• ED 220: Introduction to Teaching
• ED 299: Admission to Educator Preparation Program (CAP 2)
• ED 300: Human Development and Learning Theory
• ED 399: Admission to Student Teaching Credits
• ED 499: Educator Preparation Program Exit (CAP 4)

ED 220 and ED 300 are three credit hours apiece, and ED 199, ED 299, ED 399 and ED 499 are for CAP submission requirements.

• ED 331: Social Studies Methodology
• ED 341: Math Methodology
• ED 343: Science Methodology
• ED 351: Reading Methodology
• ED 361: Language Arts Methodology
• ED 390: Assessment and Instructional Strategies

English (6 credit hours)

• ED 371: Children's Literature
• ENG 361: Modern English Grammar

Math (9 credit hours)

• MTH 111: College Algebra
• MTH 201: Math for Elementary Teachers I
• MTH 202: Math for Elementary Teachers II

Science (14 credit hours)

• BIO 110: Biology
• BIO 104: Biology Lab for Teachers
• CHE 100: Introduction to Chemistry
• CHE 103: Introduction to Chemistry Lab
• GEO 105: Introduction to Earth Science
• PHY 131: Conceptual Physics

Social Studies (12 credit hours)

• GEG 315: World Geography
• HST 110: U.S. History to 1877
• HST 120: U.S. History Since 1877
• POL 110: American Government

Choose one of the following classes:

• HST 231: World Civilization to 1650
• HST 242: World Civilization Since 1650

Note that some of the HST courses may count toward your general education requirements.

• IEC 301: The IECE Profession
• IEC 381: Language and Literacy Methodology
• IEC 383: Math, Science and Social Studies
• IEC 384: Interactive and Assistive Technology
• IEC 416: Special Education Procedures and Strategies in IECE
• IEC 440: Positive Behavior Supports
• IEC 460: Working with Families in Early Intervention
• IEC 470: Advanced Assessment in Interdisciplinary
• ED 325: Teaching Diverse Learners
• IEC 360: Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in ECE
• IEC 400: Current Issues in the Early Childhood Profession
• IEC 410: Special Investigations in ECE
• ED 414: Classroom Management
• IEC 480: Advanced Curriculum and Methods in IECE
• ED 450: Student Teaching

Admissions Requirements

Applying to Campbellsville's Dual Certification: B.S. in Elementary Education and IECE degree program includes the steps listed below.

Apply to CU:

• Online application
• Official transcripts, including a complete record of all courses attempted from each college or university attended
• If transferring less than 24 credit hours, submit an official high school transcript
• Minimum GPA of 2.0
• Costs & Financial Aid

The tuition for this dual certification bachelor's degree program is $424 per credit hour. Be sure to request information if you have questions about tuition. Campbellsville University's staff is here to help you discover financial aid options and afford your education.

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) to explore scholarships, grants, loans and payment plans. Numerous options are available, and not all financial aid is based on need.

View Financial Options

Eligible students can transfer as many as 72 credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university.

Transfer My Credits

Campbellsville University is a Military Friendly ® School and a proud member of the Yellow Ribbon program. Students who currently serve at home or abroad and veterans can further their education in conducive online classes.

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Elementary Education and IECE Career Opportunities

After becoming a dual-certified teacher, you can embark on a career journey with multiple rewarding paths in education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for elementary school teachers is $61,350 per year, and nationwide employment is projected to top 1.5 million by 2031. Additionally, the median annual earnings for childcare center directors is $47,310, with available jobs increasing by 8% from 2021 to 2031. Campbellsville's dual certification program also appeals to students who aspire to become:

• Early Childhood Education Teachers
• Daycare and Early Childhood Program Owners
• Homeschool Teachers

Why CU Online?

Focused on your growth.

Our well-rounded education in the arts and sciences is central to our goal of fostering your personal and professional growth.

Faith-Based Education

Founded in 1906 as a Christian university, we welcome diverse perspectives and prepare students to become Christian servant leaders.

Affordable and Convenient

Campbellsville seeks to provide an affordable education for its students. Our online degree programs are in a convenient format, so you can study whenever and wherever you want.

Accreditation

Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates, associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the status of Campbellsville University.

Benefits of Learning Online

Campbellsville University offers several dynamic online degrees so that students can continue their education and hone their skills. Campbellsville's online campus has been recognized as one of the best by numerous outlets. The institution's faculty members have real-world experience in their fields, so students can get a glimpse of working in their prospective career. Students can also conveniently fit online coursework into their busy schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.

View All FAQs.

Find Your Calling

Program resources.

• Career Change Guide: Becoming a Teacher
• How to Become a Teacher in Kentucky
• Admission Requirements
• Career Outcomes

• Calendar/Events
• Navigate: Students
• Navigate: Staff
• More Resources

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

Degrees, licenses and certificates.

There’s no more important job in the world than teaching, caring for and mentoring the youngest generation. At UW-Whitewater, we deeply share your calling and commitment to nurture children.

Our Early Childhood program offerings include bachelor's degrees with options to specialize, from dual licensure to non-license. Looking for flexibility? We have options to learn in person or online. Whether you’re passionate about supporting diverse learners or incorporating nature-based learning into your teaching , we have add-on credentials for you to personalize your education. Dive deeper into the field of early childhood education with our high-quality and experiential master’s degree.

Get started on your journey by exploring the options below to learn more.

Program Vision, Goals, and Data

Mission Statement, Framework, and Outcomes

Degrees Awarded Data

Retention and Graduation Data

UW-W Early Childhood Education Graduate Job Placements

Bachelor's degree programs

Add-on licenses

Have you already earned a Wisconsin teaching license? Broaden your education and make yourself more marketable with one of our high-quality add-on licenses.

Early Childhood Education Special Education

Credential certificates

If you’re looking to specialize, we offer credential certificates — bundles of courses on specific topics that last eight weeks per course.

Course 1 | EARLYCHD 332 – What is Culturally Responsive Teaching This course will require students to explore the historical context of racism and discrimination, reflect deeply on their own identity, culture, intersectionality and biases, and begin to consider steps they can take toward growth. 

Course 2 |EARLYCHD 334 – Building on the Assets of Families and Cultures Throughout this course, students will learn about how to build on the assets of diverse families. They will learn how to engage families while respecting their different backgrounds, welcome families and solicit their involvement so teachers and families can work collaboratively in the best interest of their child.

Course 3 | EARLYCHD 336 – Culturally Appropriate Interactions and Guidance Throughout this course, students will learn about culturally appropriate interactions and guidance for young children.   Students will explore their own biases; reflect on their intentional and unintentional beliefs that lead to their responses when working with children from backgrounds different from their own.  Students will also begin to recognize the disparity of equity that may impart a cumulative emotional and historical trauma across generations while learning how to interact and guide children that may be affected by such. 

Course 4 | EARLYCHD 338 – Authentic Curriculum that connects with Children (Capstone) Throughout this course, students will learn about the importance of creating curriculum that connects with children from diverse backgrounds. Students will also explore their role as leaders in the classroom and their program in creating a culturally competent environment for children and families. Students will create a capstone project as a summative assessment intended to demonstrate and display what they have learned throughout the four courses comprising this credential. 

How to apply: If you are NOT enrolled in the major, you must apply to UW-Whitewater as a Special/non-degree student. If you are already enrolled in the Early Child Care and Education major, simply email  [email protected]  with your name, UW-Whitewater ID number and the name of course(s) you wish to take. 

Course One | EARLYCHD 320 – Introduction to Dual Language in Early Childhood As the first course in the Supporting Dual Language Learners Credential, this course provides a historical overview of dual language programs in the United States and offers evidence to support the importance of home language maintenance in a dual language setting. It provides a foundation for understanding dual language learners, as well as strategies to effectively meet the needs of dual language learners in an early childhood setting, including classroom environments, teaching recommendations, and methods of assessment.

Course Two | EARLYCHD 322– Components of a Quality Dual Language Program As the second course in the Supporting Dual Language Learners Credential, students will learn about the components of a quality dual language program, including assessment and accountability, curriculum, instruction, classroom environments, staff quality, program structure, family and community involvement, and support and resources. Students will investigate and evaluate each component and how it affects dual language learning.

Course Three | EARLYCHD 324 – Supporting Language Acquisition in Early Childhood Dual Language Learners As the third course in the Supporting Dual Language Learners Credential, students will develop understanding about the characteristics of an effective teacher of children who are dual language learners. Students will learn and apply strategies to effectively support all dual language learners in an early childhood setting from infancy to preschool. 

Course Four | EARLYCHD 326 – Assessment of Dual Language Learners in Early Childhood Throughout this final Capstone course, students will learn about the components of a quality dual language program, including assessment and accountability, curriculum, instruction, classroom environments, staff quality, program structure, family and community involvement, and support and resources. Students will investigate and evaluate each component and how it affects dual language learning.

How to apply: If you are NOT enrolled in the major, you must apply to UW-Whitewater as a Special/non-degree student. If you are already enrolled in the Early Child Care and Education major, simply email  [email protected]  with your name, UW-Whitewater ID number and the name of course(s) you wish to take. 

EARLYCHD 400 | The Personal Dispositions of a Leader This is the first of four courses and will cover definitions of leadership and leader roles, the role of vision, emotional intelligence, resilience, optimism, and reflective practice in successful leadership of early childhood programs. For credentialing, it is required that the Leadership Credential courses must be taken sequentially, however this course can be taken individually.

EARLYCHD 401 | Leading in your Program This is the second of four courses in early childhood leadership. Through this three-credit course, students in early education will cover the leadership roles, responsibilities, and skills necessary for excellence in early childhood programs. Various leadership models will be presented. The role of leadership in staff development will be examined, including coaching and mentoring. Overarching themes include the importance of excellence, equity, inclusion and belonging in early care and education programs, and the role of vision and reflective practice in reaching these goals. For credentialing, it is  required that the Leadership Credential courses are taken sequentially, however this course can be taken individually.   

EARLYCHD 402 | Leading in your Community This is the third of four courses in early childhood leadership. This course will cover the leadership skills necessary to go beyond individual programs to leadership in communities and in the profession. The focus will be on collaboration, interconnections, relationships, transformation and advocacy. Overarching themes include the importance of excellence and diversity in early childhood programs, and the role of vision and reflective practice in reaching these goals.

EARLYCHD 403 | Leading for Change This is the fourth of four courses in early childhood leadership. This course will cover the use of transformational leadership, theories on change, action research, and strategies for successful advocacy. As the final course in the leadership series, students will participate in a research project to effect change. Overarching themes include the importance of excellence and diversity in early childhood programs, and the role of vision and reflective practice in reaching these goals.

This course requires the student to complete a major project that demonstrates the ability to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills taught in the first five courses as described in Project Preparation Guide , from The Registry.

EARLYCHD 341 | Introduction to Nature-Based Early Childhood Education (NBECE) This is course one out of four in a series which must be taken in sequence to earn a certificate or credential, or can be taken individually. Nature-based early childhood education has its roots in early childhood education and environmental education. Understanding the foundation and history of both will help support this new profession that integrates these two varied disciplines. This course will introduce students to the field of nature-based early childhood education including its history, theories, benefits for children, the variety of programs possible, the teacher’s role, high quality practices, and resources available.

EARLYCHD 342 | Exploration of Nature-Based Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment This is course two out of four in a series which must be taken in sequence to earn a certificate or credential, or can be taken individually. This course is designed to help students develop a deeper understanding of what a Nature-Based Early Childhood (NBEC) curriculum entails as well as how to unite early childhood learning standards with age-appropriate nature content.  Students will explore how a Nature-based curriculum supports the developmental domains of early childhood. They will also evaluate different approaches to assessment in a NBED classroom while examining the relationship between assessment and curriculum. 

EARLYCHD 343 | Navigating the Benefits, Risks, and Challenges in Nature-Based ECE This is course three out of four in a series which must be taken in sequence to earn a certificate or credential, or can be taken individually.There are enormous benefits to nature-based play and learning – for children, teachers, administrators and families.  With these benefits, as with all things, come risks and challenges. As the adults in children’s lives, it is up to us to seek and understand the benefits and to mitigate and manage the risks and challenges.  

This course looks at the benefits of nature-based early childhood programming and how nature-based environments support children’s learning and development.  The course explores benefit and risk assessment, regulations, the role of teachers and management and the importance of shared vision and principles.  

EARLYCHD 344   | Designing for and Implementing Nature-Based Early Childhood Learning This is the fourth course in the four-course series; it must be taken last and cannot be taken individually. This course will be implementation focused, providing students the opportunity to integrate what they have learned in the previous 3 courses through planned projects.

While nature-based early education topics will be reviewed; primary course content will aim to help students plan and carry out projects implementing the provision of nature-based early childhood education.

Students will explore aspects of nature-based early learning to determine the character and scope of action project they will undertake. They will learn about proposal writing and project management, creativity and problem solving, and various other things, depending on the scope and character of their action project.

Students will prepare project proposals for, 1) a course project to be completed at the end of the scheduled course, and, 2) an action project that will be submitted to authorities or partners.

As part of their course project, students will do the necessary research, analysis, planning and decision making to determine and propose actions required to achieve their action goals. This will take the form of an action project proposal to be presented to initiate implementation and as completion of the course.

How to apply: If you are NOT enrolled in the major, you must apply to UW-Whitewater as a Special/non-degree student. If you are already enrolled in the Early Child Care and Education major, simply email Anne Tillett at [email protected]  with your name, UW-Whitewater ID number and the name of course(s) you wish to take. 

EARLYCHD 354 | Introduction to Program Development This first course in a series of four provides an overview of definitions, roles, responsibilities, and ethics involved in program development and sets the context for the other three courses. Students explore what it means to develop and implement a high-quality early care and education or youth care program. The course includes the application of the Wisconsin Model Early Standards or your state’s Early Learning Standards to guide expectations for supervisory and teaching staff and support continuous quality improvement. The content is intended for those in positions that involve program development, implementation, and supervision such as directors, assistant directors, lead teachers, family childcare providers, program coordinators, site coordinators, and group leaders.  

EARLYCHD 355 | Observation, Assessment and Evaluation This is the second of four courses in a series of four. This course includes discussions and practical application of techniques and tools for observation, assessment, and evaluation of individual children, curriculum, learning environments. Systems for planning, goal setting, and monitoring provide continuous information on the quality of the program, educators, and child outcomes. The course meets the requirements for Wisconsin Model Early Standards, or your state’s Early Learning Standards which is used to guide expectations for supervisory and teaching staff and support continuous quality improvement. The content is intended for those in positions that involve program development, implementation, and supervision such as directors, assistant directors, lead teachers, family childcare providers, program coordinators, site coordinators, and group leaders.

EARLYCHD 356 | Designing Environments for Learning This is the third course in the Program Development Credential. Environments are both physical and  cultural and are an important part of producing excellent quality programs. They reflect the program’s philosophy and either assist or hinder children’s learning.

This course uses the Wisconsin Model Early Standards, or your state’s Early Learning Standards as a framework for program quality and for both supervisory and teaching staff expectations. The content is intended for those in positions that involve program development, implementation, and supervision such as directors, assistant directors, lead teachers, family childcare providers, program coordinators, site coordinators, and group leaders.  

EARLYCHD 357 | Supervision, Coaching and Professional Development This is the fourth course in the Program Development series.  The quality of the program for children is dependent on the knowledge skills and dispositions of the staff working directly with children. Staff are supported by individualized, ongoing professional development programs and effective coaching and supervision. This course provides program supervisory and lead personnel with the tools to develop cultural responsiveness and supportive learning environments through staff development, coaching, supervision, and community building. This course uses Early Learning Standards as a framework for program development.

Master's degree program

The Master of Science in Education in Professional Development provides you with advanced academic work focused on the improvement of teaching and learning. Develop skills and knowledge in three core areas: research, practice and professional voice.

Learn more about the master’s degree.

Hired Before Graduation

Megan Nennig, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, earned a B.A. in early childhood education and was accepted to graduate school at the University of Minnesota pursuing a Master of Applied Child and Adolescent Development in St.Paul, Minnesota.

"I'm proud of achieving what I thought to be impossible as a working mother, to find my passion in early childhood mental health. Carmen Rivers was the most understanding and encouraging person and she helped me to believe I could be where I am today."

Jen Szymkowiak, from Amherst, Wisconsin, earned a BSE in early childhood education and was hired as an early childhood special education teacher with Riverside Elementary in Wautoma, Wisconsin.

For more information on our Early Childhood programs: Contact us »

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Early Childhood Education (ECED) - Indianapolis

• Research Resources
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• Instructional Materials
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• Practical Resources
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Ebooks In Our Catalogue

Open Access Academic Journals

• Journal of Early Childhood Research Open-access journal that publishes studies in the field of early childhood research, focusing on issues like child development, pedagogy, and policy.
• Contemporary Issues In Early Childhood Open access journal that engages with theoretical and policy issues in early childhood, drawing on fields such as sociology, gender studies, and cultural studies.
• International Journal of Early Childhood Open access journal that covers early childhood education, curriculum development, teaching strategies, and more.
• International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy Open access journal that "disseminates research and analysis regarding major issues of child care and education policy relating to young children and their families to a broad international readership, including policymakers, researchers, and practitioners."
• Global Education Review "Global Education Review is a forum for reporting approaches to and implications of educational practice, as well as the influence of social, economic, and political forces on educational practice in different countries or global regions."

Multimedia Resources

• YouTube - National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Features content for early childhood educators, including professional development videos, webinars, and tutorials on best practices in early childhood education.
• YouTube - Teaching Strategies "Teaching Strategies is transforming early childhood education with The Creative Curriculum, GOLD, Tadpoles, ReadyRosie, ParentPal, Al's Pals, Noni, and professional development."
• YouTube - Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University An official Harvard University YouTube channel with videos on early childhood development, brain science, and the importance of early interventions in the lives of young children.
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Human Development and Family Sciences

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Early Childhood & Family Policy Online Graduate Certificate

100% online graduate certificate, about the early childhood & family policy online graduate certificate.

Completing the Early Childhood & Family Policy graduate certificate from IDEA will equip you to advocate for those who need support. It can also open doors to leadership roles like executive director, supervisor, program manager, or program developer. This program consists of four courses, each lasting 8 weeks, totaling 12 credits and can be finished in two semesters. Classes are conducted online with occasional virtual networking events, guest speakers, or debates to enhance your learning. Hands-on learning opportunities are integrated into each course to help you apply your knowledge to real-world situations.

4 ONLINE COURSES

• History, Child Development, and Equity
• Examining Practices, Policies, and Key Issues
• Theory, Analysis, and Research
• Policy, Leadership, and Policy Advocacy

View the course planner tool

Learn More About the Early Childhood & Family Policy Online Graduate Certificate

In just four courses, students develop essential policy skills and understand the interrelationship of early childhood and family policies in a range of systems, such as health care, education, family leave, mental health, child abuse and neglect, parent incarceration, and minimum wage.

All courses will have a common price. There is no in-state or out-of-state tuition. This price will cover all course costs except textbook or course packet purchases.

Calculate your cost

*Common tuition rate set by IDEA Board of Directors in connection and cooperation with participating institutions.

Course Registration

Students enroll for all courses through their home institution by contacting the IDEA Coordinator. Students will have only one enrollment process to complete and one check to write. All coursework completed will be recorded on your home institution's transcript.

Students who have not been admitted to the IDEA program may enroll in a course if space is available. Each course has a maximum enrollment, and those who have been admitted to a degree program at one of the participating universities will be given preference. 

IDEA Early Childhood and Family Policy Faculty Coordinator

Stephanie Shine, PhD Email: [email protected] Phone: (806) 834.4664

IDEA Campus Coordinator

Ashlee Murden  Email: [email protected] Phone: (806) 834.4140

Contact TTU

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