Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Programs 2023
Writer
Writer
Editor
Writer & Reviewer
Writer
Writer
Editor
Writer & Reviewer
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
- Early childhood education (ECE) is formal and informal learning for children under five.
- An associate degree in ECE is an entrypoint for many teaching and childcare professions.
- Online associate degrees in ECE require two years of full-time study.
- According to Payscale, professionals with an associate degree in early childhood education earn between $41,000 and $48,000 on average.
Early childhood education (ECE) is any type of education children receive before they reach five years of age. ECE settings include preschools, childcare facilities, and homes. ECE educators include preschool teachers, daycare workers, teacher assistants, and nannies.
People who want to become a preschool teacher or teacher assistant may need to complete an associate degree in ECE. Preschool teachers need at least a two-year degree to enter the profession, which is growing at a much faster rate than average. Teacher assistants at schools or daycare centers also commonly hold at least associate degrees.
This guide talks about ECE fields that require associate degrees, as well as discussing the best online degree programs, coursework, costs, and completion times.
What Do You Learn in an Early Childhood Education Associate Program?
Two-year programs in early childhood education typically issue Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), or Associate of Science (AS) degrees. Some programs may be designed for students who want to enter the field after graduation. Others prepare students for transfer to four-year baccalaureate programs.
In these associate degree programs, aspiring educators learn effective instructional strategies through coursework in curriculum development and the principles and practices of teaching young children. They also discover strategies for working with diverse learners via courses in special education, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and language and literacy development.
Other common course topics include:
- Child development
- Behavior management
- Safety in early childhood settings
- Health and nutrition
Students must also complete general education and elective courses. Some programs require students to fulfill practicum or internship requirements, as well.
Related Associate Programs for You
Why Should You Get an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education?
You may have specific reasons for wanting to get an associate degree in early childhood education, like having a passion for working with kids. In general, the degree allows you to:
- Be a Qualified Teacher: An early childhood education program trains you to become a skillful, kind, and understanding teacher who can meet the specific needs of young children.
- Be a Positive Influence: Early learning professionals have a unique opportunity to support a child in their formative years, helping them grow and setting them up for future success.
- Help Progress Your Career: An associate degree is a solid starting point for a career in early learning and for advancing your education. You'll get a jump start on a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and high-paying roles like preschool or daycare center director.
Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Browse programs Discover matches Request info
Pitt Community College
Winterville, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $76
Out of State | $268
Credits to Graduate
66
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
PCC’s online program in early childhood education emphasizes child development, child guidance, early childhood curriculum, and early childhood administration. After you graduate, you'll be ready to pursue careers in headstart programs, recreational programs, and public and private schools.
PCC's early childhood education degree prepares you to work with young children in an educational setting. You can also transfer to a bachelor’s in education degree program. You must submit a high school diploma or a GED to apply.
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Fennimore, WI - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $76
Out of State | $268
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
SWTC’s associate degree in early childhood education focuses on putting theory into practice. You can pursue careers in education as a paraprofessional, head start lead teacher, preschool teacher, and autism therapy assistant.
The early childhood education program at SWTC prepares you to work with children up to eight years old. To apply, you must submit Accuplacer or ACT scores, a high school GPA, previous college transcripts, or an SWTC assessment.
Pima Community College
Tucson, AZ - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Online | Self-Paced Classes or Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $89
Out of State | $220.50
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
The associate degree in early childhood studies at PCC focuses on curriculum, guidance, and development for young learners. After earning your degree in early childhood education, you can become a teacher’s aide, lead teacher, or director of a preschool center.
The program at PCC also provides pathways to transfer to a university. You must meet general admissions requirements and obtain a Level One fingerprint clearance card.
Montgomery College
Troy, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $341.80
Out of State | $467.80
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Montgomery College offers two associate in early childhood education degrees: an associate of arts in early childhood education and special education and an associate of applied science in early childhood education technology. Both programs focus on preparing you to work in a variety of educational settings with children 0-8 years old. Montgomery College's programs have flexible semester options.
For admission, you must submit a high school diploma, GED scores, or GPA. SAT scores are not required for admission but may be used for course placement.
Southwestern Oregon Community College
Coos Bay, OR - 2 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $105
Out of State | $105
Credits to Graduate
98
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Southwestern's associate degree in early childhood education and family studies focuses on observing, assessing, and supporting young children and their families to promote strong child development.
The early childhood education program at SOCC meets all of the requirements for an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) degree, providing a direct pathway to a bachelor’s program. You must complete the college’s placement process as well as meet general admissions requirements.
NHTI-Concord's Community College
Concord, NH - 2 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $215
Out of State | $490
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | New England Commission on Higher Education
NHTI's early childhood education curriculum focuses on child growth and development. You'll focus on earning hands-on experience in NHTI's program, working alongside skilled professionals. The program aims to get you ready to work with young children by teaching you how to connect with kids, design curriculums, and assess learning.
You can enter the teaching field upon graduation. To apply to NHTI's program, you must submit a high school diploma or a GED.
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $76
Out of State | $268
Credits to Graduate
71
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
FTCC early childhood associate curriculum focuses on preparing you to work in a variety of educational settings from infancy to middle childhood. FTCC's program allows you to focus your studies on the care and guidance of children while fostering their cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Admissions requirements include a high school diploma or taking a placement test equivalent.
Minnesota State College Southeast
Winona, MN - 2 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $189.18
Out of State | $189.18
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
MSC Southeast’s early childhood AAS program prepares you to work with children in a variety of settings. In MSC Southeast's associate program, you can complete your coursework online, supplemented by local field experiences. You'll also develop a professional portfolio to demonstrate your understanding of the material.
You must submit a high school transcript to apply. To determine course placement, you may submit SAT scores and high school GPA or take the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment.
Richmond Community College
Hamlet, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $76
Out of State | $268
Credits to Graduate
65
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Richmond Community College’s online associate degree in early childhood education combines theory with experience working with young children. The early childhood education program at RichmondCC covers child growth and development, care and guidance of children, and communication skills.
This degree prepares you to work with children up to middle elementary age. You must submit official high school or previous college transcripts to apply.
Surry Community College
Dobson, NC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $76
Out of State | $268
Credits to Graduate
18
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Surry Community College’s associate degree in early childhood education focuses on combining educational theory with hands-on practice in the classroom. You can find opportunities in child development and child care programs, preschools, public and private schools, and recreational centers.
The program at SCC also prepares you to work with children up to middle childhood. You must meet general admissions requirements and submit a high school transcript.
Discover Similar Degree Programs
How Long Does an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education Take?
Many associate degrees in early childhood education consist of around 60 credits. Full-time students take about 15 credits per semester and earn their degree in two years. Most part-time students complete this degree in 3-4 years. But if you're taking self-paced, asynchronous courses, program length can vary widely.
Depending on the institution, you may be able to reduce the program length by transferring previously earned credits or by earning college credit through relevant employment.
How Much Does an Online Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education Education Cost?
An online associate degree in education costs about $3,900 per year, according to 2021 National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data. The good news is that the cost varies per institution, and online degrees cut commuting costs that in-person associate degrees may carry.
Your return on investment for your college education is something to keep in mind, too. To help you pay for school, you can apply for education scholarships to reduce the cost of your tuition and fees.
Total Average Net Cost of a Two-Year College (2021-2022)
Public Institution
$3,564
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$18,480
What Can You Do With an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education?
An early childhood education associate degree provides the skills and knowledge you need to work with kids in and out of the classroom. You could teach kids in a preschool, look after kids in daycare, or assist teachers in the classroom.
In most of these roles, you'll balance supervising children and organizing activities to entertain them or teach them basic concepts.
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Preschool Teacher | $30,210* |
| Teacher's Assistant | $29,360* |
| Daycare Worker | $31,649** |
| Nanny | $36,191** |
| Special Education Aide | $23,777** |
How Much Money Will You Make With an Associate in Early Childhood Education?
Average Base Salary: $48,000
Early Childhood Education, AAS
Average Base Salary: $41,000
Source: Payscale (as of June 2023)
Beyond the Associate Degree
Though an associate degree is sufficient for some preschool teaching jobs, many states require these pre-kindergarten educators to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. For instance, 50% of all teachers in Head Start, a federal program for children from low-income families, must hold bachelor’s degrees or higher. Preschool teachers at public schools, as well as preschool and daycare center directors, often need to hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
Some states also require preschool teachers to hold Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials. The Council for Professional Recognition, the organization that issues the credential, describes it as the "most widely recognized credential in early childhood education." The credentialing process requires several steps and must be completed every three years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Associate Degrees in Early Childhood Education
Can I be a preschool teacher with an associate degree?
Though preschool teachers at public schools often must hold bachelor’s degrees, some private schools may only require an associate degree. Additionally, center-based Head Start preschool teachers and assistant teachers can be hired with an associate degree.
Is a CDA the same as an associate degree?
The Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential is not the same as an associate degree. To acquire a CDA, candidates must graduate high school, finish 120 hours of professional education, and complete 480 hours of work with children. Then, they take an exam and complete a verification visit with a CDA® Professional Development Specialist. CDAs must be renewed every three years.
Are early childhood educators in demand?
The BLS projects a 15% increase in preschool teacher jobs from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than average. The 63,100 preschool teacher job openings expected each year will be driven by educators leaving the profession or retiring.
What is the highest-paying job in early childhood education?
Preschool or childcare center directors earn the highest salaries in early childhood education. According to the BLS, they earned a median annual salary of $47,310 in May 2021. Top-paid directors can earn up to $78,350 per year. However, you likely need at least a bachelor's degree to become one.
What qualities should an early childhood educator have?
The BLS says that preschool teachers should have strong communication skills, creativity, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, patience, and physical stamina. These qualities help educators support student development, as well as connecting with colleagues and parents. Teacher assistants should possess communication skills, interpersonal skills, patience, and resourcefulness (BLS).
