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25 Best Online Childhood Education Bachelor’s Degree Colleges

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A Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Education can lead to some of the most in-demand career paths in the country. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs relating to Childhood Education will increase by 3% between 2022 and 2032 for preschool teachers.

This degree prepares students for careers in the field of early childhood education and child care.

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The Lowdown

Do you love to work with children? If you are interested in shaping young minds, generally from birth to eight years old, a career in Early Childhood Education is for you!

Early childhood education programs prepare individuals to educate young children. Most Bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education programs result in licensure to teach. Do you need an online distance learning program? Take a look at the schools below!

Early Childhood Education Salaries

Preschool Teachers – $35,330 annually
Childcare Workers – $28,520 annually
Kindergarten and Elementary School – $61,690 annually
Preschool and Childcare Center – $49,690 annually
Special Education Teachers – $62,950 annually
Teacher Assistants – $30,920 annually

Goals of an online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

One of the goals of a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education programs is to equip students to effectively teach and guide young children from infancy to eight years old.

The program curriculum also aims to study the behavioral, mental, emotional, psychological, and physical changes and overall early childhood development that’s happening in a child at every stage of their growth and development.

The social and cultural aspects of the environment influencing the child are also dealt with in Childhood Education.

Methodology

We have come up with a list of top online accredited universities and colleges that provide extensive, flexible, and affordable online Bachelor’s Degrees in Early Childhood Education programs.

In featuring the best online schools, we present each according to the following features:

We also highlight what makes their online program stand out from the rest. The online schools are ranked and listed in random order.

Please visit our Methodology page for more information.

Best Online Childhood Education Bachelor’s Degree Colleges

Fort Hays State University

online bachelor of childhood education

Fort Hays State University features an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Unified degree program.

The program leads to teaching licensure in Kansas and provides sufficient knowledge and ample preparation for students who wish to pursue a wide range of careers in educational environments. It also maintains a balance of both coursework and practicum for the best academic experience.

The program curriculum also combines both hands-on experience and conceptual knowledge, and it mainly concentrates on the aspects of growth and development, diversity in learning, classroom management, and effective evaluation and curriculum planning.

Location

Hays, Kansas

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Scholarships, grants, loans, employment funding

What’s unique about the program

Students can earn the degree program with flexibility, either part-time or full-time. FHSU’s Virtual College utilizes the Blackboard Learning Management System to handle all online activities and coursework that can be completed in synchronous or asynchronous formats.

Online students can also obtain a teaching license in Kansas with credits that are transferable to their home states.

Liberty University

online bachelor of childhood education

Liberty University has an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education-Interdisciplinary Studies degree program. The university prepares students to fully and effectively function as a teachers at the preschool and elementary levels for both public and private schools in the state.

The degree program cannot be regarded as an accelerated program, even though it has flexible coursework and an online format. It prepares students for postgraduate study in the field of education.

Location

Lynchburg, Virginia

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Official transcript request form

Financial Aid

Grants, loans, work-study programs, scholarships

What’s unique about the program

A teaching experience can serve as a substitute for this online degree program’s coursework. Liberty University’s online program in Early Childhood Education has been ranked as one of the top 5 among more than 2,000 online universities and colleges.

It is hailed for the quality of education and affordable tuition rates it offers.

Vanguard University of Southern California

The Vanguard University of Southern California features an online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree program. The program curriculum coincides with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) professional criteria.

It provides students with hands-on training for teaching in public and private schools.

The curriculum in this Early Childhood Education program also focuses more on contemporary, professional practices and strategies for the enhancement of the student’s skills, such as assessment, planning, and meeting the educational and progressive needs of young students from different backgrounds.

Location

Costa Mesa, California

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Student loans, federal work-study programs, scholarships, grants

What’s unique about the program

Vanguard University of Southern California’s online degree program is taught from a Christian-based perspective. The university also provides an online 30-credit certificate in Early Childhood Education aside from the bachelor’s degree program to provide students with a solid foundation as they pursue education-related careers.

Ball State University

online bachelor of childhood education

Ball State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education program is most appropriate for students with prior teaching experience and who are looking for ways to advance their careers. The curriculum mainly focuses on teaching and engaging with children from 0 to 5 years old.

The program’s primary emphasis is child development and learning, observation, and evaluation to meet individual developmental requirements. It also focuses on establishing stable family and community relationships, learning teaching methodologies and models, and cultivating professionalism.

Location

Muncie, Indiana

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Scholarships, student loans

What’s unique about the program

Field experience is more emphasized through this online degree program. It can be completed in two types of settings, namely, Early Childhood and Mild Interventions (K-6).

Kansas State University

online bachelor of childhood education

Kansas State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program under the School of Family Studies and Human Development. The completion program aids students in extensive preparation to become future teachers and administrators.

The curriculum combines Early Childhood Special Education and Early Childhood Education. The degree program also focuses on evaluating and understanding various models of child development and engagement.

Location

Manhattan, Kansas

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Scholarships, grants, student loans

What’s unique about the program

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education students at Kansas State University have the opportunity to obtain a combined license in both Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

online bachelor of childhood education

The University of Nebraska at Lincoln features an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education under a Mobile Society degree program. It puts significant focus on preparing students for teaching young children from birth to eight years old in mobile families, such as those involved in the military.

Students have the opportunity to enroll in courses that prepare them for careers in Head Start programs, before and after-school programs, childcare centers, home-based childcare, and preschool programs. There are also certain courses that help them prepare for licensure examinations.

Location

Lincoln, Nebraska

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Scholarships, federal grants, federal work-study programs, loans

What’s unique about the program

Online students can earn their degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln but can participate in special classes at six other universities in the state. Students experience different teaching methods from various nationally acclaimed experts in the area of Early Childhood Education.

The program operates under the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA), which focuses on educating students in the mobile age.

University of Toledo

online bachelor of childhood education

The University of Toledo offers a fast-track Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education online degree program. The core curricula tackle relationship-based approaches to early childhood learning, individualized learning, and partnerships between families and teachers.

The skills of students are enhanced to effectively meet the various needs of young children through a comprehensive, individualized approach that promotes growth and development.

Location

Toledo, Ohio

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Scholarships, student loans

What’s unique about the program

University of Toledo online students benefit from one of the online program’s unique features: extensive E-tutoring with success coaches and advisers.

Designed for working students who want to advance their careers in education, the program entails fieldwork to provide a solid foundation for teaching as an occupation.

Indiana Wesleyan University

online bachelor of childhood education

Indiana Wesleyan University features an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program. The completion program offers alternatives to pursuing licensure or a non-licensure track. It fully equips students for different careers in the field of education.

Establishing a solid foundation for both practical and conceptual knowledge of early childhood education, the online school develops students’ teaching skills through efficient curriculum planning along with meeting the various needs of young children.

Location

Marion, Indiana

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Loans, grants, scholarships

What’s unique about the program

This online degree program efficiently prepares students for Praxis exams. This Early Childhood Education program curriculum also covers topics on proper observation and documentation of child behavior and development and the establishment of positive relationships with the children’s families.

Brenau University

online bachelor of childhood education

Brenau University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program that helps students obtain teaching licensures and certifications. The program curriculum mainly puts emphasis on assessing and meeting a growing child’s needs.

This is through the application of best practices, teaching methods, and current concepts in Early Childhood Education.

Location

Gainesville, Georgia

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Scholarships, federal student loans, grants

What’s unique about the program

Acceleration of the online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program is possible at Brenau University. Students can also earn a Georgia State teaching certification through the online program’s extensive and flexible coursework.

Florida International University

online bachelor of childhood education

Florida International University’s online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program focuses on the extensive development of children during their growing up years (from birth to five years old).

Students become prepared to work in various private and public sectors as the curriculum integrates evaluation strategies, family engagement, cultural diversity, classroom management, and literacy development.

Students are trained to enhance their skills and apply modern teaching strategies and practices to promote stable growth and development among young children.

Location

Miami, Florida

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Scholarships, grants, loans, federal work-study, funds for books

What’s unique about the program

Florida International University is a non-profit organization. The online Early Childhood Education degree program is one of its most effective distance learning programs, with one success coach being provided for each online student. The online program also features highly reliable technical support that can be accessed 24/7.

Bluefield College

online bachelor of childhood education

Bluefield College features a non-licensure, online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program. It prepares students for careers in public and private academic institutions, specifically in teaching children ages 0 to eight years old.

The curriculum combines practical and conceptual knowledge with topics that include classroom management, developmental psychology, curriculum design, and a comprehensive approach to learning. Future teachers are expected to be more equipped for careers in non-profit organizations and educational agencies.

Location

Bluefield, Virginia

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Scholarships, loans, grants

What’s unique about the program

Bluefield College features internship placements in age-appropriate classrooms. Besides learning the fundamentals through online coursework, students also acquire sufficient hands-on experience that is essential to obtain their teaching license.

University of Arizona-South

online bachelor of childhood education

The University of Arizona-South features an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education degree program. It prepares students for careers in early childhood education in a wide range of private and public settings.

The program curriculum focuses on education for exceptional children, a balanced curriculum, analysis strategies, classroom management, early literacy, and planning methods.

Location

Sierra Vista, Arizona

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Scholarships, work-study programs, grants, loans

What’s unique about the program

The University of Arizona-South’s online Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education degree is also offered as a hybrid (traditional classroom and online) program for maximum academic experience and flexibility.

Western Carolina University

online bachelor of childhood education

Western Carolina University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Birth to Kindergarten degree program. It is aimed at preparing students as they pursue teaching young children from different backgrounds in private and public schools, daycare facilities, and developmental assistance programs.

The program curriculum strongly focuses on child development and the responsibilities of adults in influencing development.

Location

Cullowhee, North Carolina

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Scholarships, loans, grants

What’s unique about the program

Western Carolina University’s online Bachelor of Science in Birth to Kindergarten curriculum has three unique concentrations: Professional Education, Early Childhood Education, and Alternative Licensure.

University of Cincinnati

online bachelor of childhood education

The University of Cincinnati features an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program. Its curriculum is completely based on the guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The program combines field experience and conceptual knowledge with an emphasis on cultivating adaptability so students are better equipped to pursue education careers in both public and private academic institutions.

The curriculum covers topics on child development models, classroom management, building family relationships and engagement, evaluation, and effective teacher-student relationships.

Location

Cincinnati, Ohio

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

loans, scholarships, student employment

What’s unique about the program

The online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program at The University of Cincinnati provides education and training for students who hope to pass the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) exams and obtain teaching licensure in the state.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University

online bachelor of childhood education

Mount Vernon Nazarene University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree completion program. It is designed for students who wish to earn a degree without compromising family and work responsibilities.

The program incorporates child care theory and pedagogy with practical applications, experience, and skills. It also focuses on providing students with field experience, assisting them toward obtaining licensure in Ohio.

Location

Mount Vernon, Ohio

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Scholarships, loans, federal TEACH grants, state grants

What’s unique about the program

Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s online degree program ranks high in terms of affordability, accessibility of online resources, and academic quality. Through the Early Childhood Generalist Endorsement, graduates are able to earn a teaching license.

Grand Canyon University

online bachelor of childhood education

Grand Canyon University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree program with a curriculum that primarily focuses on teaching students from 0 years old to 3rd grade. Topics and courses focus on teaching strategies, instructional strategies, and assessment strategies.

The online degree aims to enrich each student’s capacity to evaluate and meet the needs of young children to guarantee constant development and effectively recognize their learning potential.

Location

Phoenix, Arizona

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Servant Scholars Program, President’s Scholarship, Provost’s Scholarship, Dean’s Scholarship, Faculty Scholarship, Transfer College Major Scholarship, student loans

What’s unique about the program

The online degree program of Grand Canyon University has a generous transfer policy: a minimum of 90 credits is accepted. Students in this Early Childhood Education program also have the opportunity to earn an initial teacher licensure.

Post University

online bachelor of childhood education

A for-profit, private university, Post University provides an online Bachelor of Science in Child Studies completion degree program. The early childhood program allows students to acquire knowledge and training on important concepts, approaches, and skills in early childhood education for progressive advancement to prepare them for childhood education careers.

Location

Waterbury, Connecticut

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Scholarships, private student loans, grants

What’s unique about the program

What sets Post University’s online Bachelor of Science in Child Studies program apart from others is its rigid practicum and extensive Capstone field placement. As a result, students gain more experience in early childhood education and care.

Purdue University Global

online bachelor of childhood education

Purdue University Global (formerly Kaplan University) holds a world-class legacy of providing a solid foundation for knowledge and training for working adults who wish to pursue a career in Childhood Education. The university features an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development degree program that focuses on ethics, health and nutrition, lesson planning, and child growth and development.

Location

West Lafayette, Indiana

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Loans, scholarships, grants

What’s unique about the program

Online students at Purdue University Global learn more advanced strategies and approaches in Early Childhood Education through competent faculty members. The university prioritizes active-duty members of the military and offers them affordable tuition and flexible online coursework.

Western Governors University

online bachelor of childhood education

Western Governors University features an online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree program. It is designed to train students with or without an associate degree or certification in pursuing careers relating to the field.

The skills of pre-service students are further improved in order to efficiently deal with the progressive learning of young children from birth to pre-school to 3rd grade, including children with special needs.

Location

Salt Lake City, Utah

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Scholarships, federal grants, student loans, self-pay, TEACH grant

What’s unique about the program

Western Governors University is regarded as the first school to offer an online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree program that is NCATE-accredited.

Park University

online bachelor of childhood education

Park University is a non-profit academic institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Education Studies specializing in Early Childhood Education Teaching Young Children. The degree program caters to aspiring administrators, educational advocates, and teachers who wish to pursue careers in early education.

The curriculum focuses on documentation and evaluation of teaching concepts and tools, efficient teaching methodologies, proper guidance, professionalism, and strategies for the enhancement of family and community relationships.

Location

Parkville, Missouri

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

Scholarships, loans, grants, work-study programs

What’s unique about the program

Park University students can choose internships to be “prepared for all early education environments through diverse placements in rural, suburban, and urban settings.”

The University of West Alabama

University of West Alabama

The online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Development offered at the University of West Alabama contributes to children’s mental and physical well-being. Various topics will be covered, including literature, technology, special needs, and education.

With one of the state’s most affordable institutions, you can earn your degree completely online. This is perfect for you if you want to complete a bachelor’s program online with flexible schedules.

You want to land a career in positions such as child care provider, child care center director, program administrator, and preschool teacher.

Location

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

What’s Unique About The Program

University of Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin - Stout

Choosing an Early Childhood Education (ECE) major at UW-Stout will allow you to become a certified Wisconsin teacher from birth to third grade. You will obtain your Wisconsin teaching certificate through the Early Childhood Education major at UW-Stout.

During your journey to become an early childhood educator, their tenured faculty will support you with their experience.  In preparation for student teaching, you will gain hands-on experience working with children near you.

Location

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

What’s Unique About The Program

Regent University

Regent University

You can make a difference in the care and well-being of children with Regent’s Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. They offer a Christian-based program that teaches both education and business operations so that you can provide excellent childcare at an affordable price.

This program provides training in caring for and educating infants and young children rooted in a Christian worldview. In addition to teaching young learners, the ECE program also provides students with business skills. You’ll be able to develop diverse skills as you enroll in this program.

For instance, you’ll learn how to manage billing, scheduling, and other professional aspects necessary for success in a challenging environment.

Location

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

What’s Unique About The Program

University of Washington

University of Washington - College of Education

This bachelor’s degree is perfect for you if you are passionate about growing and advocating for the next generation. At the University of Washington, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Early Care & Education online. With this innovative online program, theoretical knowledge and skills are put into practice and can be applied at work every day.

In this program, students will learn from one of the nation’s top schools of education, UW College of Education. Instructors and students discuss how the program enhances childhood development during early childhood education. 

Two degree pathways are available through the University of Washington’s early education program. In the core pathway, you will understand care, development, and health-related to early childhood education for ages birth through eight.

The Teaching and Learning Pathways offers the same courses as the Core Pathway but adds additional coursework for preschool teachers, directors, coaches, and mentors. Graduate studies and leadership are also laid out in this course.

Location

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

What’s Unique About The Program

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University Online

This online program offers innovative and engaging education courses to provide students with the most current and evidence-based practices. If you plan on teaching in another state, you can apply for reciprocity once you have obtained your Mississippi teaching license.

The online program will provide you with the convenience and flexibility you need to complete your student-teaching experience in your community.

Students studying elementary education online at MSU will learn the fundamentals of teaching children from preschool to sixth grade. Middle school concentrations are also available if you wish.

Location

Accreditation

Program Features

Course Options

Admissions

Financial Aid

What’s Unique About The Program

What specific areas of discipline are covered Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education?

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific areas of discipline are covered by a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education?

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education programs includes courses and topics relating to assessment and observation methods, classroom participation and management approaches, curriculum development, interpersonal communication, the establishment of effective family and community relationships, learning through play, literacy skills, language development, and growth and development models.

What can I do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education besides teaching?

Elementary school teachers have other career options available. A Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Education graduate can pursue careers as a/an:

Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Education is offered online by various higher education institutions in the country. As with brick-and-mortar colleges and universities, online programs focus on the psychological, mental, emotional, and social growth and development of young children from birth until the 3rd grade.

The online bachelor’s in early childhood degree programs possess licensure or a non-licensure track.

How much does a career from an online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education make?

Preschool teachers earn about $35,330 per year, as disclosed by federal data. However, if you wish to teach kindergarten to elementary pupils, you should expect to earn a median salary of $61,620 yearly. But if you don’t prefer teaching and want to be a childcare administrator or staff, you can expect a salary averaging $57,610 per year.  

How much do students pay for an online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education?

Bachelor’s degrees in ECE vary in cost depending on various factors. While it’s true that online tuition fees are priced lower than face-to-face classes and programs, there are other expenses that you need to include in the computation. You should consider your learning resources, books, and lab fees.

A quality online education costs around $5,000 per year, while a state university costs you $14,000 yearly. This will depend on the college or university you plan to enroll in. Also note that the costs of a bachelor’s degree can, however, be partially offset by scholarships and grants.

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