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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.
Popular Online Early Education Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Associate Degrees in Early Childhood Education
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degrees
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $515
Out-of-State | $515
Credits to Graduate: 60
Ohio State Online's associate degree in early childhood development and education from its College of Education and Human Ecology leads to the Ohio associate licensure in pre-kindergarten education. You can apply the coursework for this program toward a bachelor's degree in human development and family science.
The fully online, asynchronous degree offers flexibility if you want to continue working while in school. You can graduate in four semesters of full-time enrollment or 10 part-time semesters. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED certificate.
#2 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degrees
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $371
Out-of-State | $371
Credits to Graduate: 90
Purdue Global's online AAS degree in early childhood development can prepare you to work with children from birth to age eight. The curriculum focuses on child growth and development, inclusive classrooms, and lesson planning. You can develop critical thinking and communication skills.
The program requires 18 classes exploring curriculum planning, child safety and nutrition, and young children with special needs. You must complete a capstone for early childhood development to graduate. All program credits can transfer to Purdue's online bachelor's degree in early childhood administration.
#3 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degrees
Brigham Young University-Idaho
Rexburg, ID - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | $139
Non-member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | $174
Credits to Graduate: 60
BYU-Idaho's professional preschool education associate in applied science degree, offered by the Department of Home and Family, can help you get the skills you need to become a preschool or childcare teacher or director. You can get hands-on experience working with children in BYU-Idaho's on-campus preschool.
The program can teach you to observe and assess young children and build family relationships. Required classes include foundations of early childhood, nutrition and young children, and child development. Intended as a terminal degree, the credits in this program do not transfer to a bachelor's degree.
#4 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degrees
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: National Association for the Education of Young Children
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $170
Out-of-State | $333
Credits to Graduate: 60
Ivy Tech's early childhood education associate degree can prepare you to pursue careers like assistant teacher, Head Start teacher, and home childcare owner. The program focuses on children from birth through grade three and includes hands-on learning opportunities in campus labs and the local community.
Required courses include emerging literacy, the exceptional child, curriculum in the early childhood classroom, and early childhood administration. After graduating, you can transfer your associate degree and earn a bachelor's degree at Ivy Tech.
#5 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degrees
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $76
Out-of-State | $268
Credits to Graduate: 71
FTCC's online early childhood education AAS degree can prepare you to work in preschools, Head Start centers, and childcare programs with children from infancy through the middle of childhood. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on, supervised experiences working with children.
The five-semester program requires each applicant to possess a high school diploma or placement test equivalent. The curriculum requires classes like child guidance, curriculum planning, quantitative literacy, and an early childhood capstone practicum. Other topics include the physical and nutritional needs of children and communication skills with children and parents.
#6 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degrees
Pima Community College
Tucson, AZ - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: National Association for the Education of Young Children
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $92
Out-of-State | $224
Credits to Graduate: 60
Pima Community College's online early childhood studies AAS program requires classes like early childhood curriculum, assessment of young children, and positive child guidance. Other topics include professionalism in childcare, supervision and administration of early childhood programs, and young children with special needs. You can graduate in four full-time semesters.
You may be able to apply this degree toward a bachelor of applied science. For admission, you must submit a negative tuberculosis test and a fingerprint clearance card.
#7 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degrees
Pikes Peak Community College
Colorado Springs, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $386
Out-of-State | $411
Credits to Graduate: 60
PPSC's early childhood education AAS degree includes coursework that prepares you to pursue work as an early childhood teacher or director for licensed preschools and childcare centers in Colorado. The program explores curriculum development, family and community relationships, and child development.
You can take classes like the exceptional child, infant and toddler theory and practice, and creativity and the young child. Students may qualify for funding from Career Advance Colorado that covers tuition, course materials, and fees for the early childhood education program. In-state learners can also receive lowered tuition from the College Opportunity Fund.
#8 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degrees
Pitt Community College
Winterville, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $76
Out-of-State | $268
Credits to Graduate: 66
Pitt Community College's early childhood education associate program requires classes like children with exceptionalities, exploration activities, and child development I and II. You also must complete an early childhood capstone practicum. Graduates can work for private and public schools, Head Start programs, and child development and childcare programs.
You can also easily transfer your degree toward a bachelor's, which may lead to a teaching license. The program offers experiential learning opportunities in public schools and licensed childcare centers in the community. You can also participate in hands-on learning in the school's model preschool classroom.
#9 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degrees
College of Central Florida
Ocala, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $113
Out-of-State | $113
Credits to Graduate: 60
CF's online early childhood education AS degree combines practical and theoretical courses to prepare you to work in early childhood. The school hosts an on-campus laboratory preschool where you can get hands-on experience working with young children.
While pursuing the associate degree, you can also earn certificates in childcare center management or childhood development early intervention. Required courses include learning through play, survey of disabling conditions, observing and recording behavior, and preschool workshop. You also must complete two childcare practicums.
#10 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degrees
Georgia Military College
Milledgeville, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $169
Out-of-State | $169
Credits to Graduate: 45
GMC's online early childhood education associate degree can transfer to a bachelor's program or prepare you for employment as a daycare instructor or teaching assistant. The curriculum explores contemporary theory and practices of early childhood education. This affordable degree costs an average of $8,280.
Students complete field experiences, which provide hands-on learning working with young children. Required classes include teaching and learning, exploring socio-cultural perspectives on diversity in educational settings, and investigating critical and contemporary issues in education. The program also includes coursework in content areas like math and science.
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Why Get an Early Childhood Education Associate Degree?
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:
- Versatility and Flexibility: With an associate degree, you can pursue a variety of entry-level jobs or continue your education.
- Specialized Learning Opportunities: Associate programs often build specialized concepts into their curricula. For example, you can study special education and learn to evaluate children's progress toward important developmental markers.
- A Strong Base for Later Learning: With an associate degree in early childhood education from an accredited school, you can often transfer credits toward bachelor's programs for advanced standing.
What To Expect From Early Childhood Education Associate Programs
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:
- Childhood emotional, social, and intellectual development
- Classroom management, organization, and communication strategies
- Early literacy and numeracy development
- Educational theories and techniques
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:
- Public institutions: $4,000 per year
- Private for-profit institutions: $15,600 per year
- Private nonprofit institutions: $17,700 per 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.
Admissions Process
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.
Popular Courses
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:
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education: This survey-style course provides a general introduction to early childhood education. It explores major historical and contemporary theories in the field.
- Child Development: Early childhood educators need detailed knowledge of typical developmental paths, markers, and milestones. Assessing children against these standards helps educators understand their development. This course introduces essentials of childhood development from infancy through primary school age.
- Creative Expression and Play: Creativity and play are both critical to child development. This course explores various strategies for incorporating creativity and play-based activities into early childhood education programs.
Associate Degree Options
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.
Early Childhood Education Jobs and Salaries
Completing an associate in early childhood education online can lead to multiple entry-level careers. Common jobs for graduates include:
Camp Counselor
Camp counselors lead physical, creative, and educational activity programs at residential and day camps. They also supervise the camp environment to protect participants' health and safety.
Preschool Teacher
Preschool teachers lead classes and educational programs for children who are not yet school-aged. Depending on state regulations and work settings, preschool teachers may require licensure in addition to a degree.
Teacher Aide/Teacher Assistant
Teacher aides and assistants work in classroom settings. They support teachers and provide additional academic instruction in one-on-one or small group formats, offering additional supervisory support for students.
Tutor
Tutors use targeted educational activities to help students master academic concepts and improve their scholastic performance. They may work in institutional settings or private learning centers. Some families also hire tutors to provide in-home instructional services.
Paying for an Associate in Early Childhood Education Degree
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:
- Technology fees
- Software licenses
- Computer equipment upgrades
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.
Selecting the Right Associate Degree Program
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:
- American Montessori Society
- National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs
- National Association for the Education of Young Children
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation
Next, consider whether particular program features match your career goals and learning needs. Evaluate factors like:
- Cost
- Experiential learning opportunities
- Academic specialization options
- Degree transferability
- The availability of future education options like bachelor's degrees or stackable certificates at the same school
Why You Should Get Your Associate in Early Childhood Education Online
Online learning can offer advantages over traditional face-to-face education models. These include:
- Cost-saving opportunities
- Enhanced scheduling flexibility
- The option to work while you study
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.
Should You Get an Associate Degree or a Certificate in Early Childhood Education?
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:
| Key Factor | Early Childhood Education Associate Degree | Early Childhood Education Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Admission Requirements | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Program Length | Two years of full-time study | 1-2 semesters |
| Credit Requirements | About 60 credits | 10-30 credits |
| Courses and Concepts the Program Covers |
|
|
| Specialization Options | May include options like pre-K education, special education, arts education, or early literacy development | Usually not available |
| Career Paths Available to Graduates |
|
|
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.
Other Educational Paths
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.
Explore Other Degree Levels for Early Childhood Education
Questions About Early Childhood Education Associate Degrees
What degree is best for early childhood education?
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.
What is early childhood education?
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.
Can I be a preschool teacher with an associate degree?
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.
What are the benefits of getting an associate in early childhood education?
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.
Do I need to get certified or licensed to teach after earning an associate degree in early childhood education?
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.