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 want an efficient path to entry-level job opportunities. Because of their shorter duration, associate degrees typically cost less in tuition than bachelor’s programs. Thus, they can be an affordable path to the workforce while providing a solid base for future educational pursuits.

This degree guide explores the benefits of earning an associate in early childhood education online. It also covers admission requirements, courses and curricula, and jobs you can pursue after graduation.

Childhood educators play a critical role in children’s social, emotional, and intellectual development. If you like working with young children, an online associate in early childhood education may appeal to you. These degrees equip you with the skills required for entry-level jobs in the field.

Early childhood education associate programs provide a solid introduction to essential concepts in curriculum design, child development, and classroom management. Earning an associate degree can build a foundation for further education if you are not ready to commit to a four-year degree and teaching licensure.

These programs also lead to certification opportunities that can help you launch your career. For example, some associate programs meet the educational requirements for industry-standard endorsements like the child development associate credential from the Council for Professional Recognition.

Beyond having a positive impact on children’s lives, you can enjoy multiple other benefits of earning an online associate in early childhood education, including:

Associate programs in early childhood education usually require 60 semester credits. Most full-time learners finish an associate degree in two years.

These programs mainly focus on foundational concepts, exploring topics like:

Some programs may offer concentration or specialization options in areas like preschool education, infant and toddler development, or special education. However, these are more common at the bachelor’s level and beyond.

Earning your degree from an accredited institution often facilitates a smoother credit transfer process if you pursue a bachelor’s degree after graduation. An associate degree can fulfill the requirements for up to two years of bachelor’s coursework.

If you attend a community college, research transfer agreements with nearby four-year institutions. These agreements guarantee that specific courses will count toward the four-year school’s bachelor’s programs as long as you earn minimum grades in each class.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reveals the following average tuition costs for two-year schools in the 2021-22 school year:

Typically, attending an in-state or in-district public two-year school will offer the lowest tuition rates. Some online programs offer all learners in-state or more affordable online-only tuition.

Two-year colleges generally maintain inclusive admission policies for students. Schools require applicants to hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, including GED certificates. Often, prospective enrollees must send academic transcripts from high school and any colleges you previously attended. Some schools may request SAT or ACT test scores. Others maintain test-optional policies or do not consider test scores.

Each school offers its own suite of classes, but most associate degrees in early childhood education cover a similar set of core topics. Courses you may encounter include:

Associate programs in early childhood education typically lead to associate of arts (AA) or associate of applied science (AAS) degrees.

Online learning engages multiple delivery formats, including asynchronous and synchronous models. Asynchronous courses use prerecorded lectures, and classes do not meet at specific times. Instead, you engage with your coursework on your own schedule, often with flexible weekly or monthly deadlines. Synchronous courses involve live lectures and classroom discussions. They meet on set schedules and facilitate more interactivity between peers and instructors.

Hybrid models blend online and face-to-face learning. Some associate programs involve internships, student teaching, or field training experiences. In most cases, you must complete these components in person.

Completing an associate in early childhood education online can lead to multiple entry-level careers. Common jobs for graduates include:

NCES data from the 2021-22 school year reported that two-year institutions charged tuition and mandatory fees in the range of $4,000–$17,700 per year. On average, public institutions are more affordable, while private schools cost more.

If you attend a public institution, you may pay less if you choose a school in your home state. Some public colleges offer the same tuition rate to all online students, regardless of student state residency. Online enrollment may include additional fees and costs, including:

For financial aid, research nonrepayable funding sources like scholarships and grants. Use federal or private loans as a last resort, as they create long-term debt.

When comparing associate degrees, make sure all schools on your list hold institutional accreditation. You can verify a school’s accreditation using the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation directory.

Some degrees may hold optional programmatic endorsements from specialized accrediting agencies. These credentials verify that a program prepares students for careers in the field or adequately covers specific learning models. Examples of these agencies include:

Next, consider whether particular program features match your career goals and learning needs. Evaluate factors like:

Online learning can offer advantages over traditional face-to-face education models. These include:

However, online learning isn’t for everyone. Distance education demands independence, strong time management, and self-discipline. If you’re unsure whether you can thrive in online environments, consider enrolling in a few distance learning courses or pursuing an on-campus program. Some students find it easier to manage the structured nature of traditional classroom learning.

Associate degrees are not the only entry-level credential you can earn in early childhood education. For instance, some postsecondary schools offer undergraduate diplomas or certificate programs in early childhood education. The following table summarizes the key differences between these program types:

Both program types cover essential topics and concepts. However, associate degrees generally provide deeper, more detailed treatments of academic content. They may also offer specialization options and can qualify graduates for a wider array of roles, including jobs with higher average wages or more growth potential.

Certificate programs in early childhood education are just one alternative to associate degrees. Other paths you can pursue include bachelor’s or master’s degrees, which you need if you want to earn a teaching license for work in public schools.

The best degree for early child education depends on your career goals. If you want to enter the workforce quickly and plan to pursue supporting roles, an associate degree may appeal to you. However, you need at least a bachelor’s degree if you want to work as a teacher in public schools.

Early childhood education is an academic specialization dedicated to the learning needs of children from birth through age eight. The field primarily focuses on the social, emotional, and intellectual development of children in this age range.

Postsecondary programs in early childhood education typically focus on curriculum development, child development markers, early literacy and numeracy, teaching strategies, and classroom management. Some schools offer early childhood education degrees in targeted areas like special education, gifted education, literacy, or arts education.

Head Start centers and public preschools require teachers to hold at least an associate degree. Some jurisdictions or employers may require additional education or licensure. Consult your state’s department of education or teacher licensing agency for more information.

Full-time students can complete associate degrees more quickly than bachelor’s degrees, making them ideal for learners seeking quick transitions into the workforce. Associate degree credits from accredited institutions can often transfer toward bachelor’s programs. This flexibility maximizes your post-graduation options.

Whether you need certification or licensure after completing an early childhood education associate degree depends on your state’s regulations, employer requirements, and career goals. An online associate in early childhood education will not suffice as a standalone qualification for a license to teach in public schools. To earn teaching licensure, you need at least a bachelor’s degree.