Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs
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
Orange City, IA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $340
Out-of-State | $340
Credits to Graduate: 124
Northwestern College offers a fully online, non-licensure BA in early childhood that students can complete in as little as two years by taking one eight-week course at a time. The degree prepares graduates to pursue careers in child care centers, Head Start programs, and preschool programs.
The bachelor's degree-completion program requires each applicant to hold an associate degree or higher. The 33-credit early childhood core curriculum includes required classes like child observation and assessment, positive behavioral support for young children, and supporting language learners.
- In-State$32,700
- Out-of-state$32,700
- In-State$6,120
- Out-of-state$6,120
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled1,496
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Northwest Florida State College
- Niceville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Semester:
In-State | $1,662
Out-of-State | $5,817
Credits to Graduate: 120
Northwest Florida State College's early childhood education program prepares students to pursue work with children ages 0-4. The fully online degree includes seven state-mandated courses and explores topics like child growth and development, early childhood program administration, and child observation and assessment.
Each enrollee must complete a nine-credit supervised teaching internship through the Department of Teacher Education Office. The program requires classes like introduction to exceptional children, facilitating social development in the classroom, and curriculum for infants and toddlers.
- In-State$2,496
- Out-of-state$9,552
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,004
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Lynn University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $375
Out-of-State | $375
Credits to Graduate: 120
Lynn University offers an online bachelor's in early childhood education with three start times each year. The program prepares students to qualify for professional roles working with children from birth to age eight.
Students can complete all coursework online and attend on-site practicums. The curriculum explores early childhood education classroom management, instructional strategies, and childhood development.
Required courses include children at risk, cross-cultural communication, and pre-primary math and science. Early childhood education majors also take three one-credit courses to prepare for the Florida Teacher Certification Exams.
- In-State$37,600
- Out-of-state$37,600
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled3,232
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
- Marion, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $395
Out-of-State | $395
Credits to Graduate: 120
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global's online BS in early childhood education can prepare graduates for careers like preschool director, family support specialist, or childcare center director. Each applicant must hold at least 48 transferable college credits to qualify for the program.
Core courses include educational psychology for early learners, instructional tools for the teaching of reading, and early childhood special education. The program also requires an advocacy internship and student teaching placements. Early childhood education majors can add a minor in reading.
- In-State$8,871
- Out-of-state$8,871
- In-State$11,083
- Out-of-state$11,083
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled10,944
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Charter Oak State College
- New Britain, CT
- 4 year
- Online
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $329
Out-of-State | $329
Credits to Graduate: 120
Charter Oak State College offers a fully online early childhood education bachelor's degree with concentrations in early childhood, infant and toddler, and preschool. Students can also add a concentration in Montessori or program administration and leadership.
The curriculum emphasizes values like diversity, reflection, early childhood content mastery, and technology and requires classes like behavior management in early childhood and curriculum for young children. This degree does not lead to certification, but it can prepare graduates for teacher certification programs.
- In-State$7,656
- Out-of-state$10,056
- In-State$9,288
- Out-of-state$9,720
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,634
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Eastern Oregon University
- La Grande, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $286
Out-of-State | $330
Credits to Graduate: 180
The non-licensure early childhood education bachelor of arts degree-completion program from Eastern Oregon University prepares graduates to support and advocate for young children. Depending on prior completed college coursework, learners may complete the degree in as little as two years.
Applicants must complete two prerequisites to qualify for the program: early childhood foundations and child development from conception through age eight. The curriculum explores topics like literature for young children, technology in early childhood, and creative arts methods in early childhood.
- In-State$7,830
- Out-of-state$20,520
- In-State$17,550
- Out-of-state$17,550
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled2,853
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Honolulu, HI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $585
Out-of-State | $585
Credits to Graduate: 120
The online early childhood education BS from Chaminade University of Honolulu's School of Education and Behavioral Sciences aligns with state requirements and standards from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Students learn effective instructional strategies, teaching ethics, and the Marianist educational tradition.
The program prepares graduates to work with children ages 2.5-6 in schools and other settings. The curriculum includes classes like developmentally appropriate practice, children's literature, educational technology, and two fieldwork experiences.
- In-State$26,800
- Out-of-state$26,800
- In-State$24,720
- Out-of-state$24,720
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled2,208
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $236
Out-of-State | $649
Credits to Graduate: 120
Florida International University's College of Arts, Sciences, and Education offers a fully online bachelor's in early childhood education. This non-licensure program focuses on early childhood learning and development, concentrating on the whole child ages birth through eight.
Enrollees take classes like classroom management, educational psychology, and teaching students with exceptionalities in inclusive settings. To apply to the early childhood education program, an applicant must earn at least 60 college credits with a minimum 2.5 GPA and complete the general education core or hold an associate degree from a Florida university.
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- In-State$8,912
- Out-of-state$21,393
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled58,836
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Wisconsin
- Mequon, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $475
Out-of-State | $475
Credits to Graduate: 120
Concordia University Wisconsin offers an accelerated online bachelor's degree in early childhood education through Project INVEST, which seeks to increase the number of diverse teachers in southeastern Wisconsin. Learners can complete their bachelor's degrees and earn Wisconsin teaching licensure at the same time.
Students working at Christian or consortium schools may qualify for scholarships. Major requirements include classes like human relations for teachers, children's literature, collaborating with families, and teaching reading and emergent language development. Each early childhood education major must complete two student teaching experiences.
- In-State$30,890
- Out-of-state$30,890
- In-State$11,340
- Out-of-state$11,340
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled5,492
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Bluefield College
- Bluefield, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $395
Out-of-State | $395
Credits to Graduate: 120
The online, non-licensure early childhood education BS from Bluefield College can prepare students to become early childhood instructors in roles like childcare center director, child advocate, and teaching assistant. The program focuses on children from birth through age six.
Students must complete classes like literature for young children, guiding young children, body and brain based-learning, and safe and healthy settings for the young child. The program also includes a 120-hour, two-semester capstone fieldwork experience in which enrollees intern with mentor teachers.
- In-State$25,750
- Out-of-state$25,750
- In-State$8,640
- Out-of-state$8,640
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled965
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
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.
| Job | 2023 Median Annual Salary | Job Growth Rate (2022-32) |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teacher | $62,690 | +1% |
| Childcare Worker | $30,370 | -2% |
| Preschool Teacher | $37,130 | +3% |
| Childcare Center Director | $54,290 | -3% |
| Teacher Assistant | $35,550 | 0% |
| Special Education Teacher | $65,910 | 0% |
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
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
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.
