Early childhood educators work with children from ages 1 to 8 and are crucial to their development. The requisite abilities and knowledge are provided by an early childhood education degree. Those with bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education have extensive knowledge of how children grow and develop. There are some best online colleges for early childhood education. This enables working folks to pursue a degree without interfering with their ongoing familial or professional obligations.
To teach young children, the country needs an increasing number of educators as its population grows. Each institution on our list provides specialized education and trains students to work with young children in a variety of formats.
Your studies won’t take up all of your time because some best online colleges for early childhood education include programs created with working students in mind. It’s possible that some courses have movable due dates. A lot of courses don’t have scheduled meeting times. This gives you the freedom to study whenever it’s most convenient for you.
Some best online colleges for early childhood education provide certified, thorough, adaptable, and frequently cost-effective bachelor’s degree programs in early childhood teaching. We have explored here, some of the best online colleges offering early childhood education degrees.
Table of Contents
1. Liberty University
Early childhood educators require a combination of academic education and practical experience, which Liberty University can offer. The early childhood education degree at the university emphasizes instructional strategies, current best practices, and principles of classroom management.
The director of an early childhood facility, a preschool instructor, and a tutor are all possible jobs. Transcripts from your high school or college must be official in order to apply. Moreover, Liberty’s online early childhood education program allows you to transfer up to 90 credits, so you can complete your bachelor’s degree in as little as 12 months.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $14,791
Out-of-state: $14,791
Retention Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 50%
Institution Type: Private
Credits to Graduate: 120
Visit Program: Early Childhood Education Online Bachelor Degree
2. Northwestern College
If you have an associate degree from a recognized college, you ought to think about NWC. You can transfer up to 94 credits into the early childhood education degree online program at the university, and first-year students are also accepted.
Many job prospects at Head Start programs, daycare facilities, and preschool programs are made available by a NWC bachelor’s degree. The financial assistance specialists at the institution can help you find state and federal funding for future teachers.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $32,700
Out-of-state: $32,700
Retention Rate: 79%
Admission Rate: 74%
Credits to Graduate: 124
Visit Program: Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education Online
3. Northwest Florida State College
If you desire a well-rounded education that you may use for a variety of job routes, take into account NWF State College. Core courses in child development and introduction to special needs children are required for the early childhood education degree. You also enroll in a course on early childhood education. You can customize your school experience by taking a lot of elective credits.
A 2.0 undergraduate GPA and an associate’s degree are prerequisites for admission. For field experiences, you must additionally undergo a criminal background check.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $2,496
Out-of-state: $9,552
Credits to Graduate: 120
Visit Program: Masters in Early Childhood Education Online
4. Lynn University
If you want to start your studies as soon as possible, Lynn is a convenient option because it offers three annual start dates. Small class numbers and fundamental curriculum are aspects of the online early childhood teaching degree program. By completing a practicum in your final semester, you expand upon your academic understanding.
A personal statement and certified transcripts from high school or college are included in the application materials. If you are eligible for the Florida Effective Access to Student Education Grant, you can lower your out-of-pocket expenses.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $37,600
Out-of-state: $37,600
Retention Rate: 73%
Admission Rate: 79%
Credits to Graduate: 120
Visit Program: Best Online Colleges for Early Childhood Education
5. Indiana Wesleyan University
IWU uses a Christ-centered curriculum to get you ready for a job teaching in a public school. The online early childhood teaching degree program mandates courses in emergent literacy and preschool environments with a literary focus. Also, you complete two student teaching placements.
You must pass a criminal background check and have at least 48 transfer credits from colleges with accreditation. Childcare facility director and preschool teacher are two positions that are available outside of public schools.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $8,871
Out-of-state: $8,871
Credits to Graduate: 66
Visit Program: Accredited Online Colleges for Early Childhood Education
6. Charter Oak State College
You can receive a specialized education from Charter Oak. Five concentration options are available for the online early childhood education degree, including one for preschool and Montessori instruction. You can master literacy strategies and the principles of child development by taking major coursework.
The online course at Charter Oak has six start dates and a lenient transfer credit policy. Teaching assistant, preschool teacher, and elementary school teacher are some of the top employment options. You might be eligible for one of the numerous scholarships available, some of which will pay your entire tuition.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $7,656
Out-of-state: $10,056
Retention Rate: 50%
Credits to Graduate: 120
Visit Program: Early Childhood Education Programs Online
7. Eastern Oregon University
If you want a job in education that doesn’t call for a license, EOU should be on your short list of colleges. Without transfer credits, the university’s online early childhood education program requires four years to finish. It provides courses in early childhood literature, early childhood critical topics, and early childhood technology.
Test results and transcripts from high school or college are included in the application documents. Several job options, including those as a private school teacher, educational coordinator, and Head Start teacher, are made possible by this degree.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $7,830
Out-of-state: $20,520
Retention Rate: 70%
Admission Rate: 94%
Credits to Graduate: 180
Visit Program: Best Early Childhood Education Programs Online
8. Chaminade University of Honolulu
If you are not a resident of Hawaii, no issue. You can still apply for an online program at Chaminade. You can work with kids ages 2 to 8 in educational settings without a license if you get a degree in early childhood education. By taking coursework in leadership and counseling, math curriculum and methodologies, and children’s literature, you prepare for your future job.
There are two fieldwork requirements at nearby schools for graduation. If you are on current service in the military, you are eligible for a tuition discount.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $26,800
Out-of-state: $26,800
Retention Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 89%
Credits to Graduate: 120
Visit Program: Accredited Early Childhood Education Programs Online
9. Florida International University
FIU offers various benefits, including three annual start dates and one-on-one success coaches. The online early childhood education degree program provides courses in educational psychology and child development.
If you don’t have any college experience, you must present official high school transcripts and exam results. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is one of the additional requirements for transfer credit. Four institutional scholarships from FIU are given to prospective undergraduates with stellar grades in high school or college.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $4,721
Out-of-state: $16,529
Retention Rate: 91%
Admission Rate: 58%
Credits to Graduate: 120
Visit Program: Early Childhood Education Online Bachelor Degree
10. University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Asynchronous courses are available at any time through the UW’s online early childhood education degree program, which also includes applicable assignments and community-based learning practice. Courses cover subjects like research, social policy, and equality in early care and education. Also, you’ll study early childhood curricula, evaluations, and child observation.
The community-based component of UW requires 3-5 hours of fieldwork in a classroom each week. You must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and at least 45 transferred credits to be eligible to apply. A personal statement, resume, and transcripts are also required.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $10,629
Out-of-state: $37,998
Retention Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 56%
Institution Type: Public
Credits to Graduate: 120
Visit Program: Best Online Schools for Early Childhood Education
11. National University
The four-week courses for the early childhood education degree at NU begin each month and provide a route into the teaching profession. You can learn about moral and legal considerations, newborn and toddler care, and early cognition through NU’s early childhood education program.
Also, you’ll learn about developing curriculum, working with families, and early language and literacy. The NU Key Award allows eligible students to earn 50% off of their tuition.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $13,320
Out-of-state: $13,320
Retention Rate: 45%
Admission Rate: 89%
Institution Type: Private
Credits to Graduate: 120
Visit Program: Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education Online
12. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Associate degree recipients have the option of concentrating in early care and education or pursuing a teaching license thanks to UNCG’s early childhood education degree. Both synchronous and asynchronous learning are available in this cohort-model curriculum. Three practicum courses and a student teaching experience are required of you.
For the student teaching experience, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a minimum GPA of 2.6. First-year or transfer applicants are accepted into the main campus program.
Average Tuition:
In-state: $4,422
Out-of-state: $19,581
Retention Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 88%
Institution Type: Public
Credits to Graduate: 120
Visit Program: Masters in Early Childhood Education Online
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an early education bachelor of arts?
A progressive Level 8 degree, the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning supports the training of exceptional early childhood educators. In their third year, students can graduate with a Level 7 qualification, and after their fourth year, a Level 8 qualification.
2. What distinguishes an Early Childhood Education BA from a BS?
Both sorts of degrees normally require 120 credit hours of coursework, although a BA program’s curriculum tends to place more emphasis on the humanities and the arts than a BS program does on math and science.
3. Does early childhood is in demand?
The good news is that in the upcoming years, there will likely be a rise in demand for early childhood educators. Preschool teaching jobs will actually grow by 18% over the next ten years, which is much more than the growth of elementary and high school teaching positions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
4. What is the scope of early childhood education?
The focus of early childhood curriculum is on the strategies and resources utilized by parents, teachers, and other caregivers to support young children through their many developmental phases. The needs of kids from infancy through age five in terms of social, emotional, physical, and educational needs are covered.
5. How long does it take to become a qualified ECE teacher?
The program can be finished either full-time in one rigorous year, which equates to 1.25 years of study, or part-time over two years. You’ll also need to adhere to additional conditions, such as time restrictions and point total restrictions.
6. Is teaching young children a rewarding profession?
For individuals who genuinely want to nurture kids in their formative years, it’s a very gratifying job choice.
7. What can I do with my education of young children degree?
- Preschool Teacher
- Kindergarten & Elementary School Teacher
- Nanny
- Childcare Center Director
- Childcare Worker
- Special Education Teacher
- School Counselor or Psychologist
8. Which degree is ideal for teaching young children?
- PhD in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy
- Doctor of Education (EdD) with a specialization in Early Childhood Education
- EdS in Early Childhood Education
- MS in Early Childhood Studies
- BS in Early Childhood Studies
9. Is a degree in early childhood education worthwhile?
By deciding to pursue a career in early childhood education, you could assist young students in gaining long-term advantages, such as success in elementary school and potential lifetime income. You might even be able to do something to lessen the likelihood that those kids will end up in trouble with the law as adults.
Image credit: Yandex.com
Also Read: Best Online Colleges for Psychology
