If you want to become a specialist in early childhood education you will need to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
As an early childhood educator, you will be responsible for shaping the minds of children and prepare them for their future.
Early childhood educators work with children from birth through the age of eight years, and depending on the age of their students, they have different roles.
For example, if you work with toddlers, then you will have to potty-train them, teach them how to walk and how to express themselves.
As children progress, you will teach them about sharing, how to play with others, and how to recognize colors or animal sounds.
By the time they reach the third grade, each student should know how to read, have basic math skills, and be able to behave around others.
To be able to perform the above tasks, along with important skills in teaching and knowledge of the learning process, you will also need a genuine love for children.
If you’re a busy adult who already holds a full-time job, you should know that there are many online schools that give you the opportunity of earning a degree in Early Childhood Education fully online.
On this page, we have selected a list of exceptional schools that provide education in this field.
Our aim is to assist you in choosing the educational program that fits your needs.
Liberty University
The Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education offered by Liberty University aims to help students build a firm foundation that they can later build upon.
The curriculum focuses on early childhood educational and developmental behavior, the importance of psychological milestones in a child’s development, and the best instructional strategies for teaching.
The program also allows students to participate in a field experience capstone project that gives them the opportunity of combining their skills with real-world work experience.
The program is completed, on average, in 3.5 years.
Featured courses include Early Childhood Education Fundamentals, Wellness in the Early Childhood Setting, Developmental Psychology, and Psychology of Childhood.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Official WebsiteFlorida International University
Founded in 1965 with the goal of meeting the growing needs of students of Miami, Florida International University provides a variety of online programs to fit students’ needs.
Their educational offer includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Development that focuses on learning and development topics specific to a child’s early years.
Students learn about social, cognitive, emotional, and language development of children and early education practices and theory.
Graduates are qualified for entry-level positions in childcare and for working with children from infancy to five years of age.
The curriculum focuses on topics such as Classroom Management, Educational Psychology, Art in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Educational Programs, Issues in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, and more.
Tuition for in-state students who enroll in this 120-credit hour program is $228.81 per credit hour plus fees.
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Nebraska – Lincoln
The online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program offered by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln prepares students for a career working with young children.
Graduates are qualified for positions in childcare centers, Head Start programs, preschool programs, public and private schools, as well as before and after school programs for children from birth through eight years of age.
The program teaches students about the basic needs of children, how to nurture child development and the learning process, the importance of a healthy and supportive environment, and many other important skills an early childhood education specialist needs.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Alabama-Birmingham
Dedicated to helping students reach their full potential, the University of Alabama is offering a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education for those who are interested in a teaching career.
Those enrolled in this program learn about classroom management, child development, primary math methods, developmental reading, along with other skills needed for pursuing a career as a preschool, kindergarten, or elementary teacher.
Students also have access to mentors who are experts in their field.
They also have the opportunity of participating in service-learning opportunities such as mentoring high school students throughout the state with GEAR UP Alabama.
Those who qualify can apply for the Early Childhood and Elementary Education Honors Program during junior year.
The University of Alabama-Birmingham is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Official WebsiteFort Hays State University
Founded in 1902, Fort Hays State University encourages students to achieve their educational goals while preparing them for the job market.
The university enrolls over 6,000 students in more than 50 online distance learning programs.
The school also offers a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Unified (ECU) degree program for those who are interested in a career as a teacher, administrator, or coordinator in the school system.
The curriculum covers topics such as Behavior Strategies and Support, Foundations of Education, Educational Psychology, and Childcare Management.
Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Cincinnati
Established in 1819, the University of Cincinnati is the oldest institution of higher education in the Cincinnati area.
Through its online curriculum, the University of Cincinnati gives students the opportunity of participating in a program that accommodates their lifestyles and career goals.
The university’s catalog includes a Bachelor of Science degree program in Early Childhood Education that prepares students for a career as a teacher of children between infancy through five years old.
The program can be completed in four years.
Graduates are ready for entry-level positions in preschool and Head-Start settings, public schools, or child-care centers for young children.
The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Official WebsiteCalifornia Baptist University
The online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Studies provided by the California Baptist University teaches students how to shape a child’s future.
The curriculum covers topics on young child’s development and growth, including physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and perceptual-motor development.
Graduates are ready for entry-level positions in teaching, early intervention or early childhood advocacy, especially with children ages birth through eight years of age.
Tuition is $613 per unit.
California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Official WebsiteNational Louis University
National Louis University is offering a fully online Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education designed to focus on professional and academic instruction in early childhood education theory and practice.
Graduates are ready to work with children ages from birth to eight years of age within childcare facilities or in a primary school.
Students enrolled in this program learn about the principles of child development, developing lesson plans and activities, effective instructional methods, and how to promote socialization within the classroom.
After completing all the required coursework graduates will earn a Professional Educator License for early childhood and self-contained general education (birth through second grade) along with an English Language Learner (ELL) endorsement.
The National Louis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteWestern Governors University
Western Governors University was founded in 1997 by a group of U.S. governors with the goal of providing students with the opportunity to earn a college degree at their own pace.
Nowadays the university provides millions of students the opportunity of accessing online distance learning programs.
The Online Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education offered by Western Governors University is designed to prepare students for a career in teaching at an elementary level or beyond.
Those enrolled in this program learn how to apply their teaching skills and knowledge to an elementary classroom.
The program is completed within 36 months by 60% of graduates.
Tuition is $3,225 per 6-month term.
After graduating from this program you will meet licensure requirements.
The Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Nebraska-Kearney
The University of Nebraska-Kearney takes pride in providing its students with a quality and affordable online distance learning program designed to fit their needs and career goals.
The University offers two early childhood education programs, namely a Bachelor of Arts in Education through an Early Childhood Inclusive program and a Bachelor of Science degree focused on Early Childhood and Family Advocacy.
The Bachelor of Arts program helps students develop the skills needed for teaching children ages birth through age five in special education settings and ages birth through eight in regular school settings.
This program includes classes such as Teaching in a Democratic Society, Student Teaching, Literacy Assessment, Primary Grades Literacy, Early Childhood Program Administration, Math, Science, and Social Studies for Children 0-8, just to name a few.
The Bachelor of Science teaches students how to work with children and their families in non-teaching positions, like childcare centers, preschool settings, or withing public agency programs that focus on children.
Students enrolled in this program learn about Counseling Skills, The Developing Child 0-8, Cross-Cultural Family Patterns, Families in Crisis, Partnership with Families, and more.
The University of Nebraska-Kearney is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteUniversity of Washington
Another great program for those who want to start a career in helping young children achieve their goals is the online Bachelor of Arts in Early Care and Education degree offered by the University of Washington.
Students enrolled in this program learn about the early childhood educational system, childcare, social and mental health development, the importance of parent support, and many other topics.
The program can be completed in two years by full-time students and in three years by part-time students.
The early education program offered by the University of Washington focuses on two-degree pathways: a Core Pathway and a Teaching and Learning Pathway.
The Core Pathway is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of early childhood education for ages birth through eight years old and also teaches students about child care, development, and health.
The Teaching and Learning Pathway includes the same classes as the Core Pathway but it adds additional coursework that qualifies students for positions as preschool teachers, directors, coaches, or mentors.
Tuition is $231 per credit.
The University of Washington is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Official WebsitePark University
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education degree program provided by Park University is designed to prepare students for an entry-level position as an early childhood education teacher, director or consultant, a Head Start teacher, or a family advocate.
The program covers the education of young children from birth through pre-kindergarten.
The curriculum includes topics such as Technology in Education, Early Childhood Principles, Education and Exceptional Children, Development and Learning Through Play, Children and Young Adult Literature, Personal and Community Health, just to name a few.
Online students are also required to spend practical time in a classroom working with children to gain experience.
Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteMississippi State University
Mississippi State University offers 175-degree programs, including an online Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.
Students enrolled in this program learn the foundations of teaching children between the ages of pre-kindergarten up to sixth grade.
The program also offers the possibility of choosing a middle school concentration.
By enrolling in this program you will also have the opportunity of taking part in field experiences in PreK-6th grade classrooms.
During the senior semester, you will work full time in a classroom as a student teaching intern.
Mississippi State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Official WebsiteChaminade University of Honolulu
The Chaminade University of Honolulu was originally founded to meet the needs of local Hawaii Catholics and its goal is to educate students who are willing to advocate for a peaceful society through intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth.
Among its 23 bachelor’s degree programs, is an online Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education that allows students to participate in coursework at their own schedule.
The program is designed for those who want to work with children 2 and a half to 6 years old.
Students enrolled in this program take classes on Health and Family Issues, Child Development, Math Curriculum and Music, Art and Creative Movement in Early Childhood Education, just to name a few.
Tuition for online undergraduate programs at the Chaminade University of Honolulu is $550 per credit hour.
The Chaminade University of Honolulu is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Official WebsiteNational University
Established in 1971, National University is a veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit.
The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education provided by National University was designed for those who are willing to focus on educating young children ages birth through five years old.
Students enrolled in this program learn essential concepts needed for early childhood education, how to create a healthy learning environment, how to communicate with children and families, how to keep the children safe and healthy.
The program also covers classes on infant and toddler care, how to care for children with special needs, how to create and implement a curriculum that promotes a child’s development, and more.
Ethical and legal aspects of early childhood education is another important topic that will be studied by those enrolled in this program.
Graduates are qualified for entry-level positions in daycare centers, Head Start or Pre-K programs.
National University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Official WebsiteWilmington University
Wilmington University offers many online degree options to help students advance in their careers or begin new ones.
Students have over 125 online programs to choose from, including and online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (Preschool).
The program combines general education classes with an education studies core.
Through this program, you will learn how to teach, encourage, and inspire children by exploring topics on educational psychology, learning theory, child development, and other relevant subjects.
Students are required to complete 122 credits.
Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Official WebsiteNorthern Arizona University
The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program offered by Northern Arizona University focuses on preschool and primary school-aged children.
The online distance learning program provided by Northern Arizona University gives students the possibility of choosing between a “structured and guided” format or a “self-paced” format.
Online students have full library access, 24/7 technical support, financial aid opportunities, and access to online tutoring and guidance from dedicated professors and advisors.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 120 units.
Graduates may pursue career opportunities in preschool education and early childhood education.
With further education, they may also qualify for positions as preschool teachers or childcare specialists.
Northern Arizona University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteGrand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University offers its students the opportunity to attend online coursework and earn a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree.
Students enrolled in this program learn the skills needed for working with children from ages of birth through third grade.
The curriculum covers topics on Special Education, Educational and Developmental Psychology, Social Justice, Early Childhood Foundation and the Teaching Profession, Instructional Planning for Young Children as well as Child Development: Prenatal to Adolescence, and more.
Students need 120 program credits for graduation.
Online tuition at Grand Canyon University is $440 per credit.
Those who hold a bachelor’s degree in early education are qualified for positions as preschool teachers, child development specialists, daycare directors, education advocates, K-3 teachers, or child development specialists.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteBall State University
Ball State University encourages its students to maintain academic excellence, be socially responsible, practice academic honesty, and respect others.
The University’s bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education prepares students to work with children from birth through 5 years of age in a non-licensed position.
The program also includes a minor in early childhood special education.
Students enrolled in this program learn how to promote child development and learning, how to build family and community relationships, how to support young children and their families, and many other topics.
Those who hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood education have access to many career options, such as Pre-K or preschool teachers, Head Start program specialists, curriculum specialists, teacher assistants, para-educators, home-based service providers, and more.
Ball State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Official WebsiteBrandman University
The Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education provided by Brandman University is designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to enhance each child’s potential by providing the care and attention every child needs and deserves.
The program includes coursework in Health, Safety and Nutrition, Social and Emotional Competence, Child Growth and Development, and more.
Students are also required to complete a capstone course that allows them to apply and demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired during this program.
Tuition is $500 per credit.
Some of the career options that you may pursue after completing this program are Preschool Teacher, Education Administrator for Preschool and Childcare Programs, and Teacher Assistant.
Brandman University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Q. How will an online Bachelor of Early Childhood Education help me in my future career?
To be able to work in a pre-K or kindergarten setting and shape the minds of small children you will need knowledge and skills in psychology, pedagogy, and many other related fields.
Online bachelor’s degree programs in Early Childhood Education are designed to teach you, among other things, about child growth, the psychology of education, infant/toddler development, and health and nutrition.
If you want to work with older children, you will also learn about methods of instruction in reading, English, math, science, and social studies.
Regardless of the level you choose, online programs will also teach you how to effectively plan an interesting curriculum and fun lessons and how to evaluate each child’s performance.
After graduating from an online program you should also apply for state licensure.
Q. How much can I earn with an online Bachelor of Early Child Education degree?
Those who hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Child Education have multiple career opportunities.
Some work as preschool teachers, while others work as teaching assistants or childcare assistants.
Your annual wage will vary depending on the path you choose.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for preschool teachers was $30,520 as of May 2019.
Salaries in this field vary based on a variety of factors, including the employer and the teacher’s level of experience.
Some preschool teachers earn less than $22,000 while others make more than $55,000 a year.
Final Thoughts
Teaching small children can be a very rewarding career, giving you the chance to shape young minds and make them ready for future learning experiences.
If you love children and you’d like to bring a significant contribution to their future cognitive, emotional, and social development then a career in Early Childhood Education can sound like the best path for you.
Many positions in this field require a Bachelor’s Degree and a state license.
If you already have a full-time job and would like to earn your degree fully online, the schools included in the above list offer a variety of programs designed for students just like you.
So, there’s no need to put your professional dreams on hold; do your research and choose the program that best meets your needs.