Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs

Amy Boyington
By
Updated on July 22, 2024
Edited by

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.

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Best Accredited Early Childhood Education Programs

#1 Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs

Northwestern College

  • Location-markerOrange City, IA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$32,700
  • Out-of-state$32,700
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,120
  • Out-of-state$6,120
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate74%
  • Students Enrolled1,496
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment46%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs

Northwest Florida State College

  • Location-markerNiceville, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,496
  • Out-of-state$9,552
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled5,004
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment78%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs

Lynn University

  • Location-markerBoca Raton, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$37,600
  • Out-of-state$37,600
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$13,320
  • Out-of-state$13,320
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate79%
  • Students Enrolled3,232
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment48%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

  • Location-markerMarion, IN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,871
  • Out-of-state$8,871
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,083
  • Out-of-state$11,083
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled10,944
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment92%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs

Charter Oak State College

  • Location-markerNew Britain, CT
  • 4 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,656
  • Out-of-state$10,056
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,288
  • Out-of-state$9,720
  • Retention Rate50%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled1,634
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs

Eastern Oregon University

  • Location-markerLa Grande, OR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,830
  • Out-of-state$20,520
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$17,550
  • Out-of-state$17,550
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance Rate94%
  • Students Enrolled2,853
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment92%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs

Chaminade University of Honolulu

  • Location-markerHonolulu, HI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$26,800
  • Out-of-state$26,800
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$24,720
  • Out-of-state$24,720
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate89%
  • Students Enrolled2,208
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment61%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs

Florida International University

  • Location-markerMiami, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,721
  • Out-of-state$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,912
  • Out-of-state$21,393
  • Retention Rate91%
  • Acceptance Rate58%
  • Students Enrolled58,836
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment86%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs

Concordia University-Wisconsin

  • Location-markerMequon, WI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$30,890
  • Out-of-state$30,890
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,340
  • Out-of-state$11,340
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate71%
  • Students Enrolled5,492
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment53%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Online Early Childhood Education Programs

Bluefield College

  • Location-markerBluefield, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$25,750
  • Out-of-state$25,750
Average Graduate Tuition
  • 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:

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

Jobs for Early Childhood Education Graduates
Job2023 Median Annual SalaryJob 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$35,5500%
Special Education Teacher$65,9100%
Sources: BLS

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

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.