The Best Online Associate in Elementary Education Programs
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An online associate degree in elementary education prepares you to work with children 10 and under in a variety of settings, including preschools and elementary schools, childcare centers, and after-school programs. Additionally, credits earned in an online associate degree seamlessly transfer into a bachelor’s program, opening up further career opportunities.
Job prospects in the field of early and elementary education are excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 3% rise in employment for preschool teachers between 2022 and 2032.
Featured Schools
The Best Online Associate in Elementary Education Degree Programs
Northeast Community College
Norfolk, NE- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,970
- Out-of-state$4,170
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,258
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Cowley County Community College
- Arkansas City, KS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,040
- Out-of-state$3,480
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,463
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Northwest Mississippi Community College
- Senatobia, MS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,000
- Out-of-state$3,000
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,537
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Community College of Aurora
- Aurora, CO
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,574
- Out-of-state$14,662
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled8,597
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
Front Range Community College
- Westminster, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,574
- Out-of-state$14,662
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled19,283
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Programs
Associate in Elementary Education
2023
Associate in Elementary Education Degree Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyChoosing an Online Associate in Elementary Education Program
Associate in elementary education programs differ in the electives and concentrations they offer. Electives such as health and physical education, art, music, theater, and technology prepare future teachers to integrate these subjects into their everyday work with young children or begin to specialize in teaching these particular subjects. Similarly, courses in special education or diversity prepare teachers to work with students from varied backgrounds and sometimes with special needs, while also introducing them to a field they may choose to specialize in someday.
Online associate in elementary education programs may require hands-on field experience. Those not already working in an educational setting may be placed in a school to complete a practicum. Other programs may require students to complete a portfolio or capstone project that demonstrates an ability to apply classroom learning to practical situations.
What Else Can I Expect From an Online Associate in Elementary Education Program?
Online associate degrees in elementary education require general education courses plus coursework in education, psychology, technology, diversity, and special subjects including art, music, theater, and physical education. Specific course requirements vary by school. See sample courses below.
Curriculum for an Online Associate in Elementary Education Program
- Introduction to American Education:
This foundational course introduces the history and structure of the U.S. educational system. Participants explore the changing role of schools and teachers in American society, educational reform movements, and popular educational theories and practices. This course helps participants explore teaching as a career option. - Child Psychology:
This psychology course introduces the study of human development over the lifespan, with particular emphasis on childhood. Participants learn relevant psychological theories and how they apply to child development, learning, and behavior. This course explains cognitive and social developmental milestones so teachers can recognize these changes in their students.
- Children’s Literature:
Books and stories play an essential role in early childhood education. This course introduces participants to trends, authors, and genres in literature for young children. Participants learn strategies for selecting appropriate literature and also presentation techniques and strategies that work best with children.
Careers with an Online Associate in Elementary Education Degree
An online associate degree in elementary education prepares you to care for and teach young children in a variety of settings. With this degree, you can work as a teacher’s aide in an elementary school, or as a preschool teacher or childcare worker. Associate degree holders also transfer into four-year bachelor’s programs.
- Preschool Teacher:
These teachers care for children age five and under in public and private schools and childcare centers. They teach basic academic and social skills, develop age-appropriate routines, and inform caregivers about development. Most preschools require teachers to hold at least an associate degree, while some prefer a bachelor’s.- Median Annual Salary: $35,330
- Projected Growth Rate: 3%
- Teacher Assistant:
These classroom aides assist elementary teachers with daily activities and give students individual attention as needed. They help teachers by reinforcing lessons and routines, creating or setting up materials needed for lessons, keeping records, and supervising students as they move to different locations within the school.- Median Annual Salary: $30,920
- Projected Growth Rate: 0%
- Childcare Worker:
Childcare workers care for children who have not yet entered school in childcare or daycare facilities, private homes, or even in their own homes. They ensure that children’s basic needs are met and supervise activities such as eating, sleeping, and playing. Educational requirements for this position vary by employer and state.- Median Annual Salary: $28,520
- Projected Growth Rate: -2%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Educational Paths for Online Elementary Education Associate Programs
Many who complete an associate degree in elementary education eventually transfer into bachelor’s programs because they hope to become teachers. While you can work as a teacher’s aide with only an associate degree, all states require certified teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree. With an average annual salary of $61,620, elementary school teachers earn twice as much as teacher’s aides.
- Bachelor’s in Elementary Education:
This degree opens the path to licensure as an elementary school teacher, certified to teach kindergarten through sixth grade. It includes additional training in educational methods and strategies as well as student teaching. - Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education:
This degree focuses on teaching strategies appropriate for children five and under. It prepares graduates to work in preschools as teachers and directors and also in a variety of educational, nonprofit, government, and business settings. - Bachelor’s in Special Education:
This degree prepares teachers to work in schools with disabled students. It includes additional training in how to modify instruction for students with intellectual, emotional, and physical disabilities.
