Students who get an online associate's degree in early childhood education are prepared for entry-level childcare positions such as preschool instructor, teaching aide, and nanny
A bachelor's degree in early childhood education educates students to topics such as holistic child development and age-appropriate curricula for young children.
Many graduates who get an associate's degree in early childhood education go on to earn a bachelor's degree, which meets the education requirement for teaching license in all states. Graduates with an associate's degree in early childhood education might work as daycare providers to gather experience in preparation for a future as a teacher. Many early childhood education programs have online completion alternatives that are both convenient and economical.
What Are the Best Online Early Childhood Education Associate Programs? Here are our top 8 picks:
Is your school listed here? Get the BestColleges seal of approval.
1: Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
FENNIMORE, WISCONSIN
ALBEMARLE, NC
2: Stanly Community College
Liberty University
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA
3: Northeast Community College
NORFOLK, NEBRASKA
4 Vance-Granville Community
HENDERSON, N.C. is a city in the state of North Carolina
5: Community Care College,
TULSA, OKLAHOMA
6: South Texas College
TX, MCALLEN
7: Saint Francis University
LORETTO, PENNSYLVANIA
Kennebec Valley Community College
FAIRFIELD, MESAUGUSTA
8: Randolph Community College
ASHEBORO, North Carolina
Collapse All Expand All Related Programs That Might Interest You How We Rank Schools
Contact the universities listed below for information on start dates, transferring credits, financial aid, and other topics.
Best Accredited Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Programs
Is your school on this list? Get the BestColleges ranking seal.
Collapse All Expand All
1
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
2
Stanly Community College
3
Liberty University
4
Northeast Community College
5
Vance-Granville Community College
6
Community Care College
7
South Texas College
8
Saint Francis University
9
Kennebec Valley Community College
10
Randolph Community College
What Can I Expect From an Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Program?
Online associate in early childhood education programs routinely offer set or in-state tuition rates and flexible scheduling options for working adults.
Graduates with an associate's degree in early childhood education are qualified for entry-level childcare positions. Employers prefer candidates with a postsecondary education, while state minimum education requirements for childcare workers vary. Aspiring preschool teachers might also benefit from earning an online associate's degree in early childhood education.
A bachelor's degree in early childhood teaching is ideal for students who are patient, creative, and caring, as well as having outstanding communication abilities. For toddlers and preschoolers, associate programs stress overall child development and reading. A normal associate degree takes two years to complete and consists of 60 credits.
In the last semester of an associate degree in early childhood education, most schools require students to do a field experience. For working adults, online associate in early childhood education programs sometimes provide set or in-state tuition rates as well as flexible scheduling possibilities.
Specializations in areas such as special needs childcare and child development are available at some schools. Many online associate degrees also prepare students for the Child Development Associate Qualification, which is an optional certification.
While an associate's degree in early childhood development does not lead to teaching certification, most associate's degree programs are designed to meet many of the prerequisites for a bachelor's degree in early childhood education online.
Still on the lookout for the perfect match? Find programs that are similar to yours.
The Best Associate in Education Programs Available Online
The Best Associate in Elementary Education Programs Available Online
Associate in Child Development Programs Online
Related Programs That Might Interest You Contact the universities listed below for information on start dates, transferring credits, financial aid, and other topics.
What courses will I take as part of an online associate's degree program in early childhood education?
A bachelor's degree in early childhood education with an online associate's degree covers extensive core training. From birth to age five, the curriculum teaches students to the complete range of academic, social, and emotional needs of young children.
In addition to holistic child development, courses in daycare and preschool settings also cover behavior management, professional duties, and instructional methodologies. The following section highlights some of the most frequent courses available in an associate's degree program in early childhood education.
Collapse All Expand All
Introduction to Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Behavior Management
Curriculum and Instruction for the Early Childhood Classroom
Child Development
Professional Responsibilities for Early Childhood Settings
Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree
check-circle icon
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Online College Students
check-circle icon
Your Guide to College Loans
check-circle icon
Your Guide to the FAFSA
What Can I Do With an Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degree?
An online associate in early childhood education can lead to versatile career options. Graduates qualify for entry-level employment as childcare providers. They may also be eligible for lead teaching positions in Head Start programs or private preschools in some states.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 2% job growth for preschool teachers and childcare workers between 2019 and 2029. This increase in the demand for qualified childcare providers is commensurate with the growing number of working parents nationwide.
See what you can do with an online associate in early childhood education. Explore early childhood education careers.
Collapse All Expand All
Childcare Worker
Childcare workers include daycare providers, family child care providers, and nannies. Childcare workers prepare children for preschool by assisting in learning and social activities. These professionals commonly work in childcare centers, private homes, recreation centers, and religious organizations. Childcare workers often enjoy flexible schedules. Most earn an hourly wage.
Preschool Teacher
Teaching Assistant
Recreation Worker
Nanny
Early Childhood Education Not for You? Check Out These Related Careers.
Child Development Careers
Teaching Careers Careers
Special Education Careers
Frequently Asked Questions About Associate in Early Childhood Education Programs
Collapse All Expand All
Is an associate in early childhood education worth it?
What can I do with an associate in early childhood education?
Are early childhood education majors in demand?
How much money can I make with an associate in early childhood education?
What are the highest paying jobs with an associate in early childhood education?
28 Row is creating a community where college women can discuss shared experiences, offer emotional support and grow their social media presence.
Learn about the best bachelor's in sonography programs available online. Examine the costs of tuition, specialities, and job chances.
To find out which program is right for you, look over our list of the finest online bachelor's in environmental health and safety.
28 Row is forming a community for college women to share their stories, offer emotional support, and expand their social media presence.
Learn about the best bachelor's in sonography programs available online. Examine the costs of tuition, specialities, and job chances.