10 Best Online Schools for Early Childhood Education Guide

The digital era has brought about a shift in pursuing higher education as a career. In fact, online learning is emerging as a game-changer, especially for early childhood education. So much so that online degree opportunities are unparalleled when it comes to the best online schools for early childhood education.

Aspiring educators can now access accredited online schools for early childhood education programs. Even degrees tailored to meet their needs. Finding the best online school is crucial whether you’re kick-starting your career or advancing your existing expertise.

You can explore the best online schools and early childhood education degree programs right here. We have researched and curated a list that provides valuable online education. That means flexibility, hands-on experience, cost, and more. These schools have gained recognition for their curriculum, faculty, and commitment to preparing future educators.

Article Navigation: Online Early Childhood Education Degrees | Bachelor’s Degree | Cheapest Online Early Childhood Education Degree | Best Online Bachelor’s Degree | Top Online Schools for Early Childhood Education | Program Length | Online ECE Program Costs | Accredited Online Colleges for Early Childhood Education | Careers | Break Into The Field

Online Early Childhood Education Degrees

An early childhood education degree prepares you to work with young children in educative settings. Typically, that’s from birth to around eight years old. It is a specialized field that prepares you to support children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development in their early years.

The best online early childhood education degrees have various benefits. Those benefits might depend on the student’s means, goals, and learning preferences. Nonetheless, some general features make these degrees an ideal choice for students.

• Flexibility and convenience: Online learning is often more convenient. It’s an ideal option for those already working in education or with professional commitments.
• Accessibility for non-traditional students: It also provides non-traditional students, such as parents, caregivers, etc., to pursue a degree without the constraints of physically attending classes.
• Significantly benefits remote students: Online education provides schooling to students living far away from academic institutions.
• Suited for self-motivated learners: Aside from remote students, online learning benefits self-motivated and independent learners.

Licensure plays a significant role in supporting quality practice in early childhood care. According to a report by Administration for Children and Families, licensing provides the foundation of quality and serves as an integral element in the field. In short, the best online ECE degrees fulfill the requirements to meet the standards set by licensing boards.

On-Campus Requirements

On-campus requirements and experience hours for early childhood education degrees vary. Generally, it depends on the college and program. However, most schools have similar requirements, from student teaching to field experience hours.

Some programs include a student-teaching component. This involves a vast, immersive classroom teaching experience under a cooperating teacher’s supervision. Student teaching allows you to:

• Develop teaching competencies
• Manage a classroom
• Gain valuable experience in planning and implementing lessons

In addition to student teaching, most of the best online schools for early childhood education require students to complete a certain number of field experience or practicum hours. These hours provide hands-on experience working with children in academic settings. Satisfying this requirement allows you to apply the theoretical knowledge gained through online coursework in practical situations. There are requirements particular to some schools. Of course, it’s advisable to check the needs of the program to get accurate information. As an online student, there are many ways to fulfill experience hour requirements:

• Local Schools or Childcare Centers

  Many programs allow students to complete their field experience hours in local schools, preschools, or childcare centers. Students can approach these institutions and request to volunteer or observe in early childhood classrooms.

   

• Online Simulations or Virtual Labs

  Virtual simulations and labs allow students to practice teaching skills and interact with virtual children. While these may not replace actual field experience, they provide a valuable supplement to hands-on experience.

   

• Prior Work Experience

  Some other programs may consider previous ECE work experience to fulfill the experience hour requirements. If you have prior experience working in a childcare setting, you may be able to count those working hours towards your degree requirements.

   

Bachelor’s Degree – Early Childhood Education Online

A bachelor’s degree is one of the prevalent programs colleges provide in early childhood education. These degrees provide a foundation in the field. However, the specific titles and offerings may vary between institutions. Generally, there are three different types of bachelor’s degrees. While the core focus remains early childhood education, there are subtle differences in the emphasis and approach of each degree. Here’s a brief explanation of these distinctions.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Early Childhood Education

A BA is ideal if you want to include creative and expressive arts, cultural diversity, and social aspects in your teaching approach. The BA degree is the best online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education for students interested in liberal arts and humanities-based education. All bachelor’s degrees in this field include core courses in the following aspects of early childhood education:

• Child development
• Educational psychology
• Curriculum design
• Early childhood education principles

However, the BA program strongly emphasizes the following:

• Language development
• Social sciences
• Fine arts
• Cultural studies

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Early Childhood Education

The BS degree in early childhood education offers all the core courses of the field. However, the program takes on a more scientific and research-based approach. The BS degree may strongly emphasize subjects such as:

• Research Methodology
• Statistics
• Scientific Inquiry

These programs suit those interested in conducting research, analyzing data, and applying evidence-based practices.

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Early Childhood Education

The B.Ed. degree in early childhood education is for students who aspire to become professional educators. It encompasses the theoretical knowledge and practical teaching skills to excel leading in a classroom setting. Like other education degrees, this includes significant hands-on teaching experience. You’ll receive this through student teaching placements or practicum requirements.

Some of the best online schools for early childhood education offer these options depending on your interests. Yes, completing a bachelor’s degree can lead to licensure or certification. However, the process depends on the specific requirements of your state.

Best Online Bachelor’s Degree – Early Childhood Education

This is the best starting point for those passionate about the minds and lives of young children. Exploring the best bachelor’s degree in early childhood education online can provide a practical pathway to pursuing a career.

The best online bachelor’s degree programs should offer a curriculum to equip students with relevant career tools. For example, the knowledge, skill, and practical experience necessary to become effective educators. Considering these factors, here is our pick for the best online bachelor’s degree for early childhood education.

• The University of Alabama

  Degree: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
  Estimated Cost: $46,200

  UA is among the best online schools for early childhood education. The school’s BS in early childhood education prepares you to work with diverse young children and families using research-based, developmentally appropriate educational practices. The coursework covers valuable topics, and the program is NAEYC accredited.

  This bachelor’s in early childhood education online accredited program does offer licensure. Graduates are eligible for an Alabama Class B Professional Educator Certificate upon:

  – Completing the program
  – Meeting the requirements set by the ALSDE

  The number of credit hours is around 120-128. That includes core courses, general education, and specialized coursework.

  Find Out More:
  The University of Alabama

   

10 Best Online Schools for Early Childhood Education

Having identified the best bachelor’s program for early childhood education, we now outline some of the best online schools for early childhood education. This list incorporates programs from associate to bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

In listing the best schools, we consider only accredited online colleges for early childhood education. The cost range is around the average for all ECE degrees online, about $19,120. Here is a comprehensive list of the best online schools for early childhood education in order of degree level:

1. Minnesota State College Southeast

   Degrees: Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education; Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education
   Estimated Cost: $12,137

   The best online colleges for early childhood education offer multiple options for students. MSC Southeast provides both AS and AAS programs in the field. The AS program is a two-year transfer pathway degree in Early Childhood Education. It prepares students for seamless transfer to any university in the Minnesota State System offering a 4-year degree.

   On the other hand, the AAS program is a two-year program that prepares students to practice professional, ethical, and high-quality caregiving strategies. AAS degree graduates can practice these strategies within various early childhood education settings. Both programs require 60 credit hours. However, these programs do not offer licensure.

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education
   Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education

    

2. St. Petersburg College

   Degree: Bachelor of Science in Education Studies & Community Leadership / Early Childhood Education
   Estimated Cost: $15,867

   Next, check out this BS in Education Studies & Community Leadership degree with a preschool focus. This program provides the knowledge and skill to work effectively with early learners (birth to age 4) and their families in public and private sectors. It is fully online and provides other learning options, including an A.A. Transfer Plan.

   This program is for people seeking careers working with preschool-aged children outside of traditional public school settings. Therefore, it doesn’t provide direct licensure. However, it requires 120 credit hours and provides a solid foundation in ECE principles and other core courses. This makes SPC stand out as one of the top online colleges for early childhood education.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies & Community Leadership / Early Childhood Education

    

3. North Carolina Central University

   Degree: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (B-K)
   Estimated Cost: $17,369

   NCCU offers arguably the best online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. This program prepares students for an excellent career. It also specifically focuses on working with children from birth to kindergarten. While the college offers face-to-face classes and field experiences, students can opt for an online format. It also offers the opportunity to obtain licensure as a Birth-Kindergarten teacher in North Carolina.

   This program typically requires students to complete around 120 credit hours. The curriculum includes:

   – General education
   – Core courses
   – Specialized coursework in birth-kindergarten education

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (B-K)

    

4. University of Mobile

   Degree: Alternative Master of Arts in Education / Early Childhood Education
   Estimated Cost: $17,275

   With 42 credit hours offered in a blended format, the Alternative MA in Early Childhood Education is perfect for career-changers. Students may begin class any time, including Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters. This program is specifically for those with a baccalaureate degree from a non-teacher certification program. Expect courses covering areas such as classroom management, technology for the classroom, educational psychology, and more. There are requirements for the master’s degree internship, including taking the Praxis II and approval from the school’s teacher education council.

   Find Out More:
   University of Mobile

    

5. Fort Hays State University

   Degree: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education Unified
   Estimated Cost: $28,586

   Looking for an excellent bachelor’s degree in early childhood education online? Opt for a BS in Early Childhood Unified program by FHSU. As you would expect, this multifaceted program is ideal for students pursuing a career in early childhood education. It prepares you to serve as a teacher, administrator, or coordinator in any setting. Furthermore, the “unified” portion of the degree includes Special Education coursework.

   FHSU ranks as one of the best online colleges for early childhood education. Graduates are eligible to apply for Kansas licensure as an Early Childhood Unified teacher. This license helps you enter education-related jobs, serving children and families from birth to age 8. In brief, completing the program requires a total of 126 credit hours.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Unified

    

6. University of Toledo

   Degree: Post-Graduate Certificate: Education Specialist in Early Childhood Education; Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education; Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
   Estimated Cost: $19,117

   The University of Toledo is one of the best accredited online colleges for early childhood education. Its Education Specialist in ECE degree offers the best theoretical, research, and practical academic elements. This helps to equip teachers with the skills to become more effective in the classroom.

   Early childhood education programs prepare students to become instructional and administrative leaders. They achieve this by improving engagement, effectiveness, and quality of learning in elementary and secondary schools. The ED.S. program is a licensure track that students can complete online, focusing on curriculum, instruction, and early childhood education.

   Find Out More:
   Post-Graduate Certificate: Educational Specialist in Early Childhood Education
   Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education
   Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

    

7. University of Montana

   Degrees: Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (Licensure); Master of Education in Teaching & Learning / Early Childhood Education
   Estimated Cost: $11,389

   The University of Montana offers a distinct M.Ed. program in Early Childhood Education, the M.Ed. in Teaching & Learning / ECE without licensure. This program is intended for students interested in deepening their knowledge and expertise in the field but does not require licensure. It’s ideal for licensed teachers or professionals in educational leadership positions. Its estimated cost of about $11,389 makes it one of the cheapest online early childhood education degrees on this list.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Education in Teaching & Learning / Early Childhood Education

    

8. Campbellsville University

   Degrees: AS in Early Childhood Education; BS in Early Childhood Education; Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education / Montessori Emphasis; BS in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education; Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education / Montessori Emphasis; MA in Education in Teacher Leader / Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education; MA in Teaching / Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
   Estimated Cost: $11,760

   Campbellsville University offers two MA programs in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education. The MA in Teaching program leads to licensure in Kentucky. In contrast, the MA in Education in Teacher Leader only helps to enhance educators’ expertise in the field.

   Nonetheless, these degrees remain two of the best early childhood education programs online. They require completion of around 33-36 credit hours. Students gain the skills for professional collaboration within early childhood education. It also helps enlighten students on technology’s role in the classroom.

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education
   Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
   BS in Early Childhood Education / Montessori Emphasis
   Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
   BS in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education / Montessori Emphasis
   Master of Arts in Education in Teacher Leader / Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
   Master of Arts in Teaching / Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education

    

9. University of West Alabama

   Degrees: Post Graduate Certificate: Education Specialist in Early Childhood Education, P-3; BS in Early Childhood / Elementary Education; M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education – PreK-3
   Estimated Cost: $14,886

   Being one of the top accredited online schools for early childhood education, UWA offers a Bachelor’s in ECE, a Post-Graduate Certificate in ECE P33, and an M.Ed. program in Early Childhood. They aid professionals in meeting the educational, social, and emotional needs of children in preschool through third grade in various environments.

   Students of the master’s programs are required to complete 34 credit hours. Then they become eligible for the Alabama Teaching Certification. Students can also earn their M.Ed. degree online from the University of West Alabama.

   Find Out More:
   Education Specialist in Early Childhood Education, P-3
   Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood / Elementary Education (P-3/K-6)
   Master of Education in Early Childhood Education, P-3

    

10. Portland State University

    Degree: MS or MA in Early Childhood Education / Inclusive Education & Curriculum & Instruction
    Estimated Cost: $22,135

    Portland State University offers two early childhood education degrees online in the form of an MS and MA programs. Both programs specialize in Inclusive Education and Curriculum & Instruction. These programs require 45 total credit hours and can be completed online.

    The MS and MA programs in ECE are both non-licensure programs. Still, they provide graduates with a good understanding of implementing an inclusive approach in any setting. These programs also emphasize a commitment to anti-bias education. Portland State also offers a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education for those who want to work with children ages birth through eight.

    Find Out More:
    Master of Arts in Early Childhood / Inclusive Education & Curriculum & Instruction
    Master of Science in Early Childhood / Inclusive Education & Curriculum & Instruction

     

Program Length – Best Online Schools for Early Childhood Education

Online early childhood education degree programs are available at levels including associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. These levels and your school’s requirements also determine how long these programs will last. Here is an overview of the typical program lengths for each level.

Associate’s Degree

An online associate’s degree in early childhood education usually takes two years of full-time study. Part-time options are also available for students who need a more flexible schedule. Such associate’s degree programs provide foundational knowledge in early childhood education, covering the following:

• Child development
• Curriculum planning
• Classroom management

Bachelor’s Degree

Online bachelor’s degree programs in this field typically require four years of full-time study. Students can also explore part-time options depending on the institution. These programs build upon the foundational knowledge of early childhood education and explore deeper topics, including the following:

• Educational psychology
• Assessment and evaluation
• Inclusive education
• Leadership in early childhood settings

Master’s Degree

The length of this advanced degree program is usually 1-2 years of full-time study. These programs are for graduates in the field advancing their knowledge and expertise. Throughout a master’s, students can engage in advanced theoretical and practical coursework. Moreover,  they conduct professional research, which prepares them for leadership positions in the field.

In most schools, an online ECE master’s degree program offers specializations in the following fields:

• Curriculum and instruction
• Administration
• Special education
• Infant/ toddler education

It’s important to note that program lengths can vary depending on credit transfer policies, course load, and student progress. Additionally, some online programs may offer accelerated options or allow students to progress at their own pace within certain time limits.

Online ECE Program Costs – Best Online Schools for Early Childhood Education

When considering online early childhood education degrees, you need a clear understanding of the costs. All costs vary depending on the school, program duration, and degree level. Here are some average tuition prices for some ECE programs, depending on the degree level:

• Associate degree in early childhood education online averages $15,200
• Bachelor’s in ECE averages at $47,600
• Masters in ECE online averages at $18,000

While most schools follow these average costs, it’s still crucial for you to research and compare different online programs. Consider their costs, accreditation status, curriculum, and student support services. For instance, the quality of an accredited online early childhood education degree could result in higher costs than non-accredited programs. But an accredited program is also more likely to help you find the best jobs. Make sure you select a reputable program that aligns with your career and financial goals.

Accredited Online Colleges for Early Childhood Education

Overall, it is crucial to pursue a bachelor’s in early childhood education online from accredited schools. This remains the surest way to receive high-quality education. Also, it proves that you meet professional standards. Accredited online colleges offer flexible and accessible programs. They allow students to gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel.

Online colleges undergo regional assessment from the accrediting agency within their geographic area. This process ensures that a school meets certain quality standards.

Seven regional accrediting agencies are responsible for this assurance.

Accreditation is crucial in supporting credit transfer between schools. Say you begin a program at an accredited college and decide to transfer to another college. In this case, accredited credits are more likely to be recognized and accepted. This allows you to continue your education without experiencing setbacks.

Accreditation also enhances the reputation and credibility of a school. Therefore, graduates are more competitive in the labor market. It’s common for employers to opt for graduates from an accredited school. To employers, it demonstrates that you have received a quality education. Other benefits of accreditation include:

• Federal financial aid eligibility
• Quality assurance
• Professional Licensure

Programmatic Accreditation

Also, there is programmatic accreditation. As the name suggests, this type of accreditation concentrates explicitly on the quality of college programs. It examines curriculum, faculty, resources, and other factors related to a particular program of study.

Specialized accrediting bodies with expertise in a specific field assess programs. Like other fields, ECE also features programmatic accreditors responsible for establishing standards and criteria that programs must satisfy to receive accreditation. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the most prominent.

NAEYC accreditation is a voluntary process. It demonstrates a programmatic commitment to providing high-quality education and care for young children. The standards set by NAEYC encompass a range of areas essential for effective early childhood education. These include:

• Curriculum
• Teaching methods
• Child assessment
• Family engagement
• Health and safety practices
• Administration

Schools seeking NAEYC accreditation for their programs also receive on-site visits from assessors. Assessors review program practices and records to evaluate compliance with the standards.

Another central agency responsible for accrediting educator preparation programs is the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP aims to advance the quality of educator preparation through rigorous standards and a commitment to continuous improvement.

To achieve CAEP accreditation, educator preparation programs undergo an evaluation process. This process involves self-study, data collection, and an external review by a team of trained experts who assess the program’s adherence to CAEP’s standards.

Choosing accredited online early childhood education degrees is the only way to ensure the program meets nationally recognized standards for educator preparation. It signifies a commitment to excellence. It supports continuous improvement and prepares aspiring educators for success.

Early Childhood Education Careers

In completing early childhood education degrees online, you are exposed to a wealth of rewarding careers. This field presents diverse and fulfilling pathways to impact children’s lives during their most critical developmental years. Here are the top five highest careers in the early childhood education field:

1. Early Childhood Educator

   Median Annual Wage: $30,210
   Required Education: Associate’s degree

   Preschool teachers educate and care for children younger than five who have yet to enter kindergarten. The BLS projects a 15% growth between 2021 and 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

    

2. Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

   Median Annual Wage: $61,820
   Required Education: Bachelor’s degree

   Special education teachers work with students with a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this career is expected to grow by 4% from 2021 to 2031. While the required education for this career is a bachelor’s degree, special education teachers in public schools may also require a state-issued license.

    

3. Childcare Center Director

   Median Annual Wage: $47,310
   Required Education: Bachelor’s degree

   Administrators or directors of a childcare center are responsible for overseeing operations, managing staff, and ensuring the center complies with regulations. Employment for directors is projected to grow by 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. Aside from a bachelor’s degree, experience in the field is also typically required to become a director. In some cases, employees require an advanced degree or nationally recognized license.

    

4. Early Childhood Education Curriculum Developer

   Median Annual Wage: $66,290
   Required Education: Bachelor’s degree

   Developing effective curricula for young children is crucial for their early learning experiences. Curriculum developers in early childhood education are tasked with designing educational materials, lesson plans, and learning resources. While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, some employees may prefer candidates with advanced degrees.

    

5. College Instructor

   Median Annual Wage: $79,640
   Required Education: Master’s degree

   These professionals teach aspiring educators at the college level. Overall employment of college instructors is projected to grow by 12% between 2021 and 2031. Graduates are open to working in several settings within the public and private sectors. In some cases, colleges that offer early childhood education online also provide career opportunities for outstanding students.

    

Break Into The Field With An Online Early Childhood Education Degree

ECE is experiencing a significant shift towards remote learning. Overall, it’s opening up new possibilities for aspiring specialists. A wide selection of the best online schools for early childhood education has made this degree more accessible. These online schools empower you to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to excel.

You may be a working professional advancing your career. Or a student passionate about education. Either way, exploring online schools that offer early childhood education provides a pathway to success. Check out GetEducated’s database of online ECE degrees today!

Sources:

• https://www.acf.hhs.gov/opre/report/role-licensing-supporting-quality-practices-early-care-and-education
• https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
• https://www.naeyc.org/
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/preschool-and-childcare-center-directors.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm
• https://caepnet.org/

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