collageBest Early Childhood Education Degree Programs
While not all institutions require a degree in early childhood education to work with young kids, many do require some specialized training, and increasingly, you must get an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s if you want to begin a career in early childhood education.
If you plan to advance your career into administration, own your own preschool, or increase your salary, a bachelor’s or master’s is a must.
There are three main types of early childhood education degree programs, depending on the type of job you’ll be looking for:
- Associate’s Degree (2 years)
- Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
- Graduate Degrees, including Master’s and Doctoral Degrees (2-6 years)
Many education schools offer an early childhood education online degree, or fast-track teacher certification programs if you already have a degree in a specific subject area.
How to Pick Your Degree Program
The first step in deciding which early childhood education degree program is right for you is to familiarize yourself with the different options and understand what each degree means in the world of education.
Undergraduate Degrees
Undergraduate degrees provide you with the necessary (and marketable) skills you need to start your career working with young children.
Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
This 2-year degree qualifies you for many entry-level early childhood education jobs. It is the least costly degree to earn, and can often stand in for the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program if you choose to pursue a full bachelor’s degree. Many associate’s degrees prepare students for a general teaching job, but may not be enough of an educational background for broader advancement within a school or organization.
Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
The bachelor’s degree generally requires four years of course work. It qualifies you for job placement with a greater expectation of fast advancement and higher pay than for those teachers with an associate’s degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, “Adults ages 25 to 34 with a bachelor’s degree or higher have higher median earnings than their peers with less education.”
Graduate Degrees
Graduate degrees are for those who want to increase their salary, do research into ECE and teach educators, or work in supervisory positions.
Master of Education (MEd) degree with a focus in Early Childhood Education
The MEd comes after a bachelor’s degree, usually takes one to three years to complete, and normally requires a thesis for graduation. Master’s degree holders have a deeper level of expertise and are highly valued in more complex, and thus higher-paying, positions. With a MEd, you’ll also start your career at a higher level and can advance more quickly. Students often specialize in Curriculum and Instruction, Technology, Educational Administration, or Organizational Leadership, depending on their interests.
Doctoral Degrees
Doctoral Programs are for people who want to do research and add to the body of knowledge in the field of education, or teach other early childhood educators at the university level.
Doctor of Education: Doctoral programs are designed for K-12 teachers who want to continue teaching while assuming leadership roles in their school and community. They focus on the teacher as leader and empower experienced master teachers to improve student learning and make school- or system-wide improvements.
PhD in Education: In a PhD program, you will develop the expertise to lead in the development of new program practices, to apply emerging research on development in the early years and to conceptualize new paradigms for early learning. Graduates attain key positions in college teaching, research, leadership positions and advocacy roles addressing the needs of young children.
What You’ll Learn in an ECE Degree Program
Your early childhood education degree program should prepare you to understand the fundamentals of early childhood growth and development, what education and curriculum works best, the business and management of early childhood education facilities, and leadership and advocacy for your young students.
A typical bachelor’s program may include courses such as these:
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Mathematics
- English
- Teaching Children with Special Needs
- Infant and Toddler Mental Health
- Language Development
- Classroom Management
- Preschool Behavior
- Cognition and Behavior
To be admitted into your bachelor’s program you will need to submit official transcripts from your high school, any college coursework transcripts, transfer credit evaluations, and hold a minimum GPA that has been decided by your college. Generally this is a 2.0 – 2.5 for admission.
Financial Aid and Online Options
When deciding which early childhood education degree program to pursue, your ultimate career goal is of prime importance. But education takes both time and money, and it’s important to determine how much of each you have…or can get. Don’t fret, though, because education is an important investment in your future and money is available.
Some financial aid options:
- college grants
- student loans
- scholarships from professional organizations, private sponsors and companies interested in helping qualified students.
Read more about financial aid for your early childhood education degree.
Online Degree Programs in Early Childhood Education
Are you trying to balance a job and family with much-needed education? Getting an early childhood education online degree gives you access to the same education you would get in a classroom, but instead of wasting time commuting to campus, you just need a computer with Internet access to get your online teaching degree. Watch video lectures, review course materials, interact virtually with the professor and other classmates, have online discussions, and complete and turn in assignments-all from the comfort of your own home.
In addition to the flexibility of taking a class from home, an early childhood education online degree allows you to do convenient things like pause a video lecture if you find yourself behind in taking notes or need a quick break. Online degrees are a great way to make education fit into your busy lifestyle.
How ECE Online Degrees Work
- Average number of class logins required per week: 2 to 5
- Average time spent doing course work: 13 hours per week
- Class formats: Synchronous versus Asynchronous. In an early childhood education online degree, you have one of two class options. In a synchronous class, all students log in at one set time and are in constant dialogue with the professor and each other. In an asynchronous course, each student logs in independently to complete the course work, although virtual group discussions can also be scheduled.
- Tech skills: You’ll need to be able to use a computer, the Internet, a word processing program and email, either a school’s proprietary learning management system (LMS) or an online learning program such as Blackboard Learn LMS, Moodle LMS or Schoology LMS, and participate in chat or Skype groups with other students and your instructors. Most early childhood education online degrees have training demonstrations to teach you what you need to know.
- Computer requirements: A computer, Internet access, a basic Internet browser and email. Each specific degree program will specify its operating system requirements, though most will work with Windows 2000 or later, or Mac OS 8.1 or higher.
- Human contact: Most early childhood education online degrees make it easy to get in touch with your professors and fellow class members via phone, email, Skype, and discussion boards.
Classes and Courses in Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education courses are usually available through bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in this field. Students taking these courses explore the way young students learn, how to interact with and involve parents and how to plan and conduct classes for infants, toddlers and young children.
Instruction in assessing language and developmental delays will also be included in an early childhood education program. Some states require practical teaching experience for certification and licensing in this field, so some programs and classes also include a teaching practicum. Students taking these courses explore a variety of topics including:
- Child development
- Nutritional needs
- Language acquisition
- Movement and motor skills
- Cultural influences
List of Early Childhood Education Classes
Early Childhood Development Course
This is an introductory class in early childhood education, designed for those students who wish to become preschool or kindergarten teachers. This class covers the major theoretical perspectives of the cognitive, emotional and social development of children from infancy to age six. Typically, students spend time with kindergarten-aged students to observe the way they interact socially.
Infant and Toddler Assessment and Intervention Course
Intermediate classes in early childhood education, such as this, present curriculum and assessment models for teachers of young students. Strategies for effective teaching are explored. Students study the developmental stages of young children and study evaluation methods that determine if children have any learning or developmental issues.
Language Development Course
Students taking this course study methods for teaching students spelling, pronunciation and vocabulary. They learn the way that students acquire language through classroom observation. Usually, students observe how very young children, such as toddlers, acquire language and compare it to the language acquisition of older children. Students will learn to develop lesson plans to teach students writing and reading for kindergarten and preschool age students.
Role of the Parents Course
Through this advanced early childhood education course, students learn the importance of keeping in touch with the parents or guardians of their future students. They study ways that parents can make learning and education fun and more fulfilling through familial interactions. Early childhood education majors read research pertaining to guardians’ influence in the classroom and study ways to encourage parents to get involved in the classroom.
Preschool and Kindergarten Student Teaching Course
Student teachers get a chance to hone their skills in a real classroom environment in this and similar advanced classes in early childhood education programs. Under the supervision of an experienced teacher, trainees practice teaching and assessing young children of varying ability levels. Advanced classes in early childhood education serve as a capstone experience for students preparing to complete programs in early childhood education.Next: View Schools Link to this page
Teaching, Young Children Guide
- Guide
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
1. Online Degrees Associate of Early Childhood Education: Online Degree Master of Arts in Education: Online Early Childhood Education Degree Online Early Child Education (ECE) Courses Overview
2. Salaries and Outlook Preschool Teacher Job Description, Career Options and Salary Info Salary and Career Info for Early Childhood Special Education Teachers
3. Career Information Online Universities with Early Childhood Education Programs Career Info for a Degree in Teaching Young Children
4. Program InfoTop University in Harrisburg, PA, for Early Childhood Education Courses Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education: Program Information Ph.D. Programs in Early Childhood Education: Degree Overview Graduate Degrees in Early Childhood Education: Program Options
5. Jobs: Jobs and Salary Info for a Masters in Early Childhood EducationJobs in Early Childhood Education: Career Options and Requirements Careers in Elementary Education: Job Options and Requirements
6. Top Schools Best Early Childhood Education Programs: List of Top Schools Top 25 Teaching Colleges in the U.S.
Popular Schools
The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users.
An admission advisor from each school can provide more info about:
- programs & curriculum
- career opportunities
- tuition & financial aid
- admissions & starting dates
- 1University of Pennsylvania School Info School locations:
- Pennsylvania (1 campus)Program InfoAreas of study you may find at University of Pennsylvania include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Education
- Counseling and Guidance
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Educational Evaluation and Research
- ESL Teaching
- Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Teacher Education for Specific Levels and Methods
- Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
- Teaching, Elementary
- Teaching, High School
- Teaching, Young Children
- Teacher Education for Specific Subject AreasGet Started with University of Pennsylvania Research University of Pennsylvania’s Programs & Degrees
- 2 Vanderbilt University School Info School locations:
- Tennessee (1 campus)Program InfoAreas of study you may find at Vanderbilt University include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Education
- Counseling and Guidance
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- International and Comparative Education
- Special Education
- Teacher Education for Specific Levels and Methods
- Teaching, Elementary
- Teaching, High School
- Teaching, Young Children
- Teacher Education for Specific Subject AreasGet Started with Vanderbilt University Research Vanderbilt University’s Degree Programs
- 3 University of Florida School InfoSchool locations:
- Florida (1 campus)Program InfoAreas of study you may find at University of Florida include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Education
- Counseling and Guidance
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Educational Evaluation and Research
- Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Special Education
- Teacher Education for Specific Levels and Methods
- Teaching, Elementary
- Teaching, Young Children
- Teacher Education for Specific Subject Areas Get Started with University of Florida Research University of Florida’s Programs
- 4 Boston University School Info School locations:
- Massachusetts (1 campus)Program Info Areas of study you may find at Boston University include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Post Master’s Certificate, Post baccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Education
- Counseling and Guidance
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- ESL Teaching
- International and Comparative Education
- Special Education
- Teacher Education for Specific Levels and Methods
- Teaching, Adults
- Teaching, Elementary
- Teaching, Young Children
- Teacher Education for Specific Subject AreasGet Started with Boston University Research Boston University’s Programs
- 5University of LouisvilleSchool InfoSchool locations:
- Kentucky (1 campus)Program InfoAreas of study you may find at University of Louisville include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Education
- Counseling and Guidance
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Special Education
- Teacher Education for Specific Levels and Methods
- Teaching, Adults
- Teaching, Elementary
- Teaching, High School
- Teaching, Junior High
- Teaching, Young Children
- Teacher Education for Specific Subject Areas Get Started with University of Louisville Research University of Louisville’s Degree Programs
- 6 University of Iowa School Info School locations:
- Iowa (1 campus)Program Info Areas of study you may find at University of Iowa include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Education
- Counseling and Guidance
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Evaluation and Research
- Library Science and Related Professions
- Teacher Education for Specific Levels and Methods
- Teaching, Adults
- Teaching, Elementary
- Teaching, Young Children
- Teacher Education for Specific Subject Areas Get Started with University of Iowa Research University of Iowa’s Programs & Degrees
- 7Iowa State University School Info School locations:
- Iowa (1 campus)Program Info Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Education
- Counseling and Guidance
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Educational Evaluation and Research
- ESL Teaching
- Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Special Education
- Teacher Education for Specific Levels and Methods
- Teaching, Adults
- Teaching, Elementary
- Teaching, Young Children
- Teacher Education for Specific Subject Areas Get Started with Iowa State University
- Research Iowa State University’s Programs
- 8 Western Governors University School Info School locations:
- Online Learning Program Info Online Programs Areas of study you may find at Western Governors University include:
- Graduate: Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate, Post baccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Education
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- ESL Teaching
- Special Education
- Teacher Education for Specific Levels and Methods
- Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
- Teaching, High School
- Teacher Education for Specific Subject Areas Get Started with Western Governors University
- Research Western Governors University’s Programs
- 9University of Vermont School Info School locations:
- Vermont (1 campus)Program Info Areas of study you may find at University of Vermont include:
- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate, Post baccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Education
- Counseling and Guidance
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Special Education
- Teacher Education for Specific Levels and Methods
- Teaching, Elementary
- Teaching, Junior High
- Teaching, Young Children
- Teacher Education for Specific Subject Areas Get Started with University of Vermont
- Research University of Vermont’s Degree Programs
- 10Florida State University School Info School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)Program Info Areas of study you may find at Florida State University include:
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Education
- Counseling and Guidance
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Educational Evaluation and Research
- Library Science and Related Professions
- Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Special Education
- Teacher Education for Specific Levels and Methods
- Teaching, Adults
- Teaching, Elementary
- Teaching, Young Children
- Teacher Education for Specific Subject Areas Get Started with Florida State University Research Florida State University’s Degree Programs
collage