The Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degree Programs
| TBS Staff
Are you ready to discover your college program?
If you enjoy working with young children, you may want to consider a career in early childhood education.
Early childhood educators work in elementary schools, preschools, and daycare centers. They teach young children essential skills like communication, reading, and basic math. Early childhood educators also guide children’s emotional and intellectual development. Early childhood educators can serve as important positive role models for their pupils.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that preschool teaching positions will grow by 10% between 2016 and 2026. As such, prospective students considering an early childhood education associate degree can expect to find ample career opportunities after graduation.
| #1 | Trinity Valley Community College Athens, TX |
| #2 | Gulf Coast State College Panama City, FL |
| #3 | Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Fennimore, WI |
| #4 | Coastal Pines Technical College Waycross, GA |
| #5 | Renton Technical College Renton, WA |
| #6 | Dawson Community College Glendive, MT |
| #7 | Chaminade University of Honolulu Honolulu, HI |
| #8 | South Texas College McAllen, TX |
| #9 | Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque, NM |
| #10 | Eastern Wyoming College Torrington, WY |
Featured Online Schools
Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degree Program Ranking Guidelines
We selected these accredited online associate in early childhood education degree programs based on the quality of the program, types of courses provided, faculty strength, school awards, rankings and reputation; this includes the reputation for providing online degree programs.
The Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degree Programs
Founded in 1946, TVCC provides educational opportunities across disciplines both on-campus and online.
TVCC offers an online associate of applied science in early childhood development. Courses include educating young children, wellness of the young child, and children with special needs. In their last term, students take a practicum course to gain hands-on experience as a child care provider.
Graduates may begin work in a child care setting or pursue a bachelor of applied arts and sciences at partner universities.
Applicants must take the Texas Success Initiative assessment prior to beginning the program.
GCSC provides affordable bachelor and associate degree programs to students, with more than 80 areas of study available.
GCSC offers an online associate of science in early childhood education that prepares students to work with children from birth to five years of age. The curriculum includes required courses for the Florida Childcare Professional Credential (FCCPC).
Courses cover topics such as child development, leadership and management of childcare programs, and creative expression for young children.
Students must obtain a Level 2 background clearance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement prior to beginning classroom observations.
Southwest Tech offers nine online associate degrees in a range of fields and industries.
The associate degree in early childhood education prepares students for careers in a variety of childcare settings. The curriculum covers infant and toddler development, guiding child behavior, and STEM for early childhood. Students also complete practicums throughout the program to provide hands-on experience.
Prior to beginning classes, students must meet immunization and background check requirements, and well as hold a current Basic Life Support CPR certification, which may be completed partially online.
CPTC supports workforce development and adult learning through associate degrees and diplomas offered both on-campus and online.
CPTC offers an associate of applied science in early childhood education. The curriculum covers child growth and development, creative activities for children, and guidance and classroom management.
Most courses, including general education courses, take place online. Students must also complete in-person practicums to earn their degree.
Students may qualify for free tuition under the HOPE Career Grant.
RTC boasts a diverse student body across its many career training and degree programs in seven key areas of study.
RTC offers an associate of applied science in early childhood education in online and hybrid formats. Courses include language literacy and development, culture and diversity, and lifespan psychology. Students also complete four practicums to provide real-world experience with children.
Students may opt to complete the transfer track, which prepares them for further study in a bachelor's degree program. The standard AAS degree requires 90 quarter credits, while the transfer option requires 95-110 quarter credits.
Founded in 1940, DCC offers a range of associate degrees with transfer or workforce preparation options.
DCC's associate of applied science in early childhood education may be completed fully online. Courses include observation and assessment, positive child guidance, and leadership and professionalism. Students also complete general education courses.
In addition to online coursework, students must complete supervised practicum experiences in an approved childcare setting.
To graduate, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA throughout the program.
The only Catholic university in Hawaii, Chaminade educates students through more than 25 graduate and undergraduate programs.
Chaminade offers an online associate of science in early childhood education that prepares students to work with children aged 2.5 to 8 years old. Courses include music, art, and creative movement; health and family issues; and child development. Students also complete a fieldwork practicum.
To graduate, students must complete 60 credits with a 2.0 GPA.
Students also have the opportunity to complete a Montessori Certificate to enhance their education.
Founded in 1993, South Texas now teaches more than 28,000 students across 127 degree programs.
South Texas offers an online associate of applied science in child development and early childhood. Courses cover child growth and development, emergent literacy, and children with special needs. Students complete three field-based capstones focusing on infants and toddlers, preschool students, and administration.
The curriculum qualifies interested students to sit for the Child Development Associate (CDA) assessment.
As the largest community college in New Mexico, CNM offers more than 200 associate degrees and training programs across numerous disciplines.
CNM's associate of arts in early childhood multicultural education includes three concentrations: birth - 3rd-grade teacher, infant family studies, and early childhood program administration. Courses include curriculum development, assessment of children, and health, safety, and nutrition.
Most classes are typically available online, but the program does not guarantee online availability. Students must also complete supervised practicums to gain experience working with children.
Established in 1948, EWC now teaches nearly 2,000 credit-earning students and nearly 6,000 more in non-credit activities.
EWC offers an associate of arts in education - early childhood through distance learning. In the first two semesters, students build a foundation in general education courses and the basics of early childhood education and child development. Then, students take courses such as observation and guidance of young children and curriculum planning and development.
Students also complete lab components in early childhood settings. Graduates may enter the workforce right away or pursue further training.
KVCC teaches roughly 2,500 students each year as part of the Maine Community College System.
KVCC offers an associate of applied science in early childhood education in a fully online format. Courses include early language and literacy development, children with special needs, and classroom management.
Students spend 360 total hours in early childhood settings to deepen their understanding of the curriculum. Those currently employed in an early childhood setting may use their work site for field placement.
With origins stretching back to the 1920s, today Northeast teaches more than 13,000 students across 130 programs.
Northeast's associate of arts in early childhood education takes place fully online and satisfies the requirements for earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Coursework covers infant and toddler development, family and community relationships, and early childhood administration.
Graduates may transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree, or enter the workforce. Students currently employed in a childcare setting may qualify for scholarships.
Established in 1893 with a Lutheran foundation, today CSP offers more than 80 programs of study to over 5,000 students.
CSP's online associate of arts in early childhood education prepares students to work with children from birth to grade 3, while also meeting training requirements for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Students mainly take general education courses, followed by 12 credits in the growth and development of children, play and learning, and other early childhood education topics.
Courses take place fully online and last eight weeks each to accommodate working adult learners.
Founded in 1879, today GMC offers a robust two-year curriculum for students interested in pursuing four-year degrees or supporting their education through ROTC and military training.
GMC offers a fully online associate of arts or associate of science in early elementary education that prepares students to work with children from birth to fifth grade. Courses include teaching and learning, sociocultural perspectives in diversity in education, and critical and contemporary issues in education.
Graduates may transfer to a bachelor's degree program in early childhood education or find work as paraprofessionals in childcare and school settings.
Founded in 1964, CCC&TI teaches over 4,800 students in associate degree programs each year.
CCC&TI offers an online associate of applied science in early childhood education that prepares students to work with children from infancy to middle childhood. Courses include child guidance, children with exceptionalities, and language/literacy experiences.
To qualify for practicum experiences, students must purchase liability insurance through the school.
Students enter the workforce as childcare professionals upon graduation.
Founded in 1971, Liberty enrolls more than 100,000 students across 700 degree programs each year.
Liberty offers a fully online associate of arts in early childhood education. Courses take place in eight week increments and cover topics such as wellness in an early childhood setting, classroom management for teachers, and educational philosophy.
The program consists of 60 credits and can be completed in as little as 1.5 years. Students may transfer up to 75% of all required credits.
Founded in 1927, today SPC offers more than 180 programs in high-demand workforce areas.
SPC's fully online associate of science in early childhood education prepares students to work with early learners from birth to age four. The curriculum covers observation and assessment, planning and management, and caring for infants and toddlers. Students also complete internships in early childhood settings.
Graduates may continue on to the bachelor of science in educational studies with a specialization in preschool education.
SFCC teaches more than 26,000 students in associate degree programs across disciplines each year.
SFCC offers an online associate of applied science in early childhood education for students looking to work with children from birth to age 8. Courses include infant and toddler care, guiding behavior, and child development. Required practicums emphasize observation and assessment and nurturing relationships.
Students may optionally choose a transfer track to continue their education at a four-year institution. The program meets Washington State core competencies for early care and education professionals.
Founded in 1962, CNCC now teaches close to 1,800 students on campus and online.
CNCC offers an online associate of applied science in early childhood education designed for adults working full-time. Courses take place in a synchronous format accompanied by significant clinical work in a childcare setting.
The curriculum covers guidance strategies for children, art and the young child, and nutrition, health, and safety.
Students must pass a background check prior to taking lab and clinical courses.
MSC Southeast offers nearly 50 programs across eight degree areas, with more than 30 majors available online.
MSC Southeast's associate of applied science in early childhood education takes place in a fully online format. Courses include child growth and development, history and professions in early childhood, and early childhood special education.
Students complete field experiences in childcare settings in their local area, complemented by lectures in class.
Graduates may begin working in childcare settings or transfer to a four-year institution.
As part of the Wisconsin Technical College System, CVTC offers dozens of career preparation degrees and programs.
CVTC offers an associate of applied science in early childhood education. Coursework takes place fully online. Students also participate in four hands-on practicums. Courses include guiding child behavior, children with differing abilities, and art, music, and movement.
To graduate, students must earn 60 credits. Program graduates enter the workforce or transfer to four-year institutions.
TCC provides more than 70 degree and certificate programs to prepare students for the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution.
TCC offers an online associate of science in early childhood education and development. Courses include diversity for educators, creative experiences for young children, and disabling conditions in young children.
The curriculum meets the requirements for the Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC). Students may also pursue the director's credential. Students with a current FCCPC receive 9 credits for prior coursework.
Founded in 1969, VGCC teaches over 40 programs leading to certificates, diplomas, and degrees.
VGCC offers an associate of applied science in early childhood education for students interested in working with children from birth to age 8. Courses include child development, creative activities, and curriculum planning.
Students may apply for the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) after completing introduction to early childhood education.
Students may optionally complete the transfer track that prepares them for further education at a four-year institution.
Founded in 1964, RCC now serves over 10,000 students across 60 programs of study.
RCC offers an online associate of applied science in early childhood education. Courses include observation and assessment, learning disabilities, and learning theory. Students may choose from several tracks preparing them for the workforce, licensure, and/or transfer to a four-year institution.
Students also complete hands-on practicums to provide real-world experience with young children.
PCC teaches roughly 20,000 students each semester across 140 occupational and transfer programs.
PCC offers an associate of arts with an early childhood studies concentration. Courses take place entirely online. The curriculum covers topics such as positive child guidance and child growth and development.
Students must also complete general education requirements and support courses to prepare them for transfer to a four-year institution.
To graduate, students must receive a grade of "C" or better in all core courses.
Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
The motto of TheBestSchools.org is Finding the best school for you. Here is how we do it:
The value of any ranking list of schools and/or degree programs depends on having a methodologically sound assessment of each school’s/program’s characteristics, especially insofar as these can be objectively measured. A college or university is a complex entity, with numerous factors to consider, and distilling these down to the place where meaningful comparisons can be made to form a defensible ranking list becomes part science and part art.
To meet this challenge—and thereby provide you with the most useful and insightful educational rankings on the Internet — TheBestSchools.org formulates our rankings based on five informational categories (six, when considering online schools). The major metrics and qualities for which we rank are these (with expanded, detailed considerations and weights listed):
1. Academic excellence based on a school’s curriculum generally or within the selected discipline [weight = 25%]
- Weighs school against known leading schools in that discipline
- Weighs number of core curricula listed as advanced courses within that discipline and compares against introductory courses
- Weighs school’s curriculum against known knowledge needs of major employers in that discipline
- Considers number and types of specializations offered within that discipline
- Considers faculty expertise in that discipline
- Considers range of electives within that discipline
- Considers quality of online environment offered to students (if applicable), particularly within that discipline
2. Strength of faculty scholarship [weight = 25%]
- Considers education background of the faculty
- Considers years of faculty experience both inside and outside of academia.
- Considers faculty membership and leadership within relevant, prominent associations
- Considers academic papers published by faculty in relevant, prominent periodicals
- Considers awards and recognitions given to faculty members from prominent organizations and from other sources
3. Reputation [weight = 20%]
- Considers a school’s reputation among academic peers and employers regarding the following:
- Faculty
- Curriculum
- “Freshness” of academic knowledge
- Adaptability to changes in employment sectors
- Suitability of graduates for the workplace
4. Financial aid [weight = 10%]
- Mandatory: Requires full accreditation from an agency endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and listed on the federal register to accept student federal financial aid
- Considers range of school-sponsored financial aid such as scholarships and grants
5. Range of degree programs [weight = 20%]
- Considers range of degree levels: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral and professional
- Considers range of degree subjects offered, such as art & design, computers & technology, education & teaching, criminal justice, and business
6. Strength of online instruction methodology (if applicable) [weight = 25%; subtract 5% from each of the above for online schools/programs]
-
Considers the following of the online classes:
- Types of online technology used to deliver content
- Pedagogy style: asynchronous, synchronous, or both (depending on the degree)
- Extent and quality of the online, community learning environment, including options for communication, interactivity, and collaboration between students and also between students and instructors
- Variety, breadth, and depth of coursework, and its support, including project options and online tutoring
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Considers the following of instructors:
- Extent of training for teaching within an online learning environment
- Amount of timely, consistent feedback to students
- Extent of collaboration with prospective employers to ensure suitability of instructional materials for achieving desired skills
- Ratio to number of students in a class
- Number and quality of internships in a student’s geographical area for applicable degrees
Because students tend to review a variety of information when choosing a school, the weight a student gives any one criterion will vary. For instance, it’s not enough to offer a carefully constructed ranking of great schools if many are too expensive or too difficult to get into.
To better serve the needs of prospective students, we are therefore increasingly offering filters that help you better use our rankings to find the schools that match your specific needs. These supplement our ranking criteria and include:
- Accreditation
- Public or private status
- Acceptance rate
- Retention rate
- Graduation rate
- ACT/SAT requirements
- Cost in-state / out of state
- Undergrad, grad, or both offered
- Region
- State
- City
Get the best rankings here AND get them to suit your personal needs. That’s TheBestSchools.org advantage!
If you have any questions about our ranking methodology, please contact us.
Citations: For a broader account of our ranking methodology, especially as it relates to TheBestSchools.org's underlying educational philosophy and, in other ranking articles, looks beyond academic excellence (as here) to such factors as return on investment or incidental benefit, see our article "Ranking Methodology: How We Rank Schools at TBS." Reputation of schools and degree programs can at least in part be gauged through the school or department's publishing activity, citations, and desirability. At TheBestSchools.org, we keep track of such social and peer validation: "Making Sense of College Rankings." For nuts-and-bolts information about colleges and universities, we look to the National Center for Education Statistics and especially its College Navigator. Insofar as salary and inflation data are relevant to a ranking, we look to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Finally, nothing beats contacting schools and degree programs directly, which our researchers often do, with the result that all the entries in this article should be considered as belonging to this citation!
Choosing an Online Early Childhood Education Associate Degree Program
Take your time when selecting where to earn an early childhood education associate degree online to make sure you find the right program. Many options exist -- with a little patience and research, you can find a school that matches your specific needs. If cost represents a primary factor in your decision, you may want to start your search with public, in-state programs. These typically offer the most affordable tuition rates. However, some distance programs offer the same tuition rate to all online students, regardless of residency status. The list below describes a few other factors worth considering when looking at associate programs.
- Program Cost: Tuition and fees vary depending on the school and program, as do the number of credits required to graduate and the transfer credits allowed. Online courses may or may not cost the same as on-campus courses. Make sure to compare the per-credit costs for each program that interests you.
- Transfer Policies: If you wish to transfer credits into your associate program or ensure that your degree will transfer to a bachelor’s program at another institution, it is important to look into each school’s transfer policies. Most schools limit the number of transfer credits they accept. Additionally, many two-year colleges boast articulation agreements with four-year colleges, ensuring smooth transfer of associate degree credits.
- School Size and Type: Class size and the student-to-teacher ratio can vary widely according to the type of school you attend. For example, large universities may rely on larger classes taught by graduate students, while smaller schools may offer smaller class sizes with greater individual attention. Look into the average class sizes of online courses to ensure you will receive the classroom experience you need.
- Program Length: Online programs frequently offer flexible delivery options, including part-time, full-time, and accelerated formats. Most associate degrees take full-time learners two years to complete.
- On-Campus Requirements: Some online programs do require occasional on-campus meetings, such as orientations or weekend residencies. Make sure that you can travel to campus as needed or select a program that does not require any on-campus commitments.
Accreditation for Online Early Childhood Education Associate Degrees
All the best schools participate in a voluntary evaluation process to demonstrate program quality; this process is called accreditation. Colleges often consider accreditation when determining whether they will accept transfer credits, and employers may expect job applicants to hold a degree from an accredited institution. When exploring online programs, you can look for institutional and programmatic accreditation. Institutions may hold regional or national accreditation. Both the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education coordinate accreditation, recognize accrediting bodies, and maintain lists of accredited schools.
Regional accreditation is typically viewed as more rigorous and prestigious than national accreditation, and regionally-accredited institutions often only accept transfer credits from other regional institutions.
In addition to institutional accreditation, programs can hold specialized accreditation to demonstrate that they meet standards in the field. Early childhood education programs may hold accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, while teacher preparation programs may hold Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation accreditation.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education?
Associate degrees typically require students to complete about 60 credits and take two years of full-time study. Online programs frequently offer flexible options that allow learners to progress at their own pace, and part-time learners may take 3-4 years to complete their degree. However, part-time options do enable students to continue working more easily while attending school.
Additionally, learners who can transfer in credits, test out of requirements, and/or take accelerated classes can complete their degrees in less than two years. The time it takes to complete an early childhood education associate degree online can impact the overall cost of a program. Most schools raise their tuition rates each year, and students who take larger course loads may gain access to lower per-credit tuition rates.
Courses in an Online Early Childhood Education Associate Program
This course introduces the theoretical and historical foundations of early childhood education. Topics include national, professional, and ethical standards; state regulations; career options; and program types. Students explore methods that can be used to create safe, appropriate, and responsive environments and activities for young children.
This course explores the physical, social-emotional, and cognitive changes that occur in the first five years of life. Students learn to identify the skills young children typically acquire during this time and ways to support growth and optimize developmental outcomes.
This course emphasizes the health-related aspects of child development and age-appropriate behavior management techniques. Future caregivers learn to identify potential challenges children in their care may face. They also develop strategies to provide appropriate care, communicate with families, and promote wellness.
In this course, students explore ways to work with parents and other professionals to care for children with special needs, including those with physical/cognitive disabilities and gifted/talented children. Topics include methods for modifying the physical environment to ensure inclusion and strategies for adapting activities and instruction.
This course provides an overview of normal language development in young children. Students explore strategies to facilitate language development, identify appropriate children’s literature and its purpose, and present literature to young children in engaging ways.
Educational Paths for Early Childhood Education Degrees
After earning an online associate degree in early childhood education, you may decide to continue your education by earning a bachelor’s degree. Some schools require their employees to hold at least a bachelor’s degree, especially if they want to teach kindergarten or higher grades. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree can also pursue some leadership positions, increasing their salary potential and allowing workers to gain access to benefits like employer-paid healthcare. The three degrees below represent potential educational pathways aspiring teachers can follow.
The upper-level courses in a bachelor’s in early childhood education program go into greater depth than associate-level courses. These programs may prepare you to earn teacher licensure in your home state, qualifying you to work in a public elementary school.
The Montessori method revolutionized the education of young children by focusing on a child’s natural curiosity and emotional development. Montessori teachers receive specialized training during their teacher education programs, qualifying them for both traditional and Montessori classroom settings.
A child’s physical development proves just as important as their intellectual and emotional development. Physical education programs may satisfy the requirements for teacher licensure in your home state, opening the door to more career opportunities and a higher salary.
Early Childhood Education Associate Degree Salary Information
Associate degree holders can find rewarding positions teaching and caring for young children in public and private preschools, elementary schools, and Head Start programs. They may also provide much-needed childcare to working parents through daycare providers and recreational centers. These teachers and care providers offer nurturing, professional supervision and instruction to children ages five and under. Professionals who go on to complete a bachelor’s degree may qualify for higher-paying jobs in the field. The list below describes career options often pursued by graduates of associate programs.
Preschool Teachers work with children under the age of five in childcare centers and public and private preschools, helping young learners acquire the basic academic and social skills needed for elementary school. This position typically requires an associate degree.
Entry Level
$25,000
Mid-Career
$27,000
Experienced
$28,000
Late Career
$29,000
Childcare Workers care for young children not yet in school. They may also provide after-school care in private homes, schools, and childcare centers. While this position may not require an associate degree, some employers prefer to hire degree holders.
Entry Level
$20,000
Mid-Career
$21,000
Experienced
$22,000
Late Career
$24,000
Preschool Directors manage the daily operations of childcare centers and preschools, including hiring teachers, dealing with admissions, and communicating with parents. This position requires at least an associate degree, although employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s.
Entry Level
$36,000
Mid-Career
$37,000
Experienced
$40,000
Late Career
$42,000
Schools typically require applicants to hold an associate degree or some college experience to assist classroom teachers. Teacher Assistants give students additional instruction or personal attention as needed, supervise children and ensure their safety, and help teachers prepare materials and deliver lessons.
Entry Level
$22,000
Mid-Career
$24,000
Experienced
$25,000
Late Career
$26,000
Elementary School Teachers typically hold a bachelor’s degree; in public schools, they also need to obtain state licensure. An associate degree may serve as an important first step toward qualification as an elementary school teacher.
Entry Level
$39,000
Mid-Career
$44,000
Experienced
$50,000
Late Career
$56,000
Source: PayScale
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