[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job prospects in the field of early and elementary education are excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm”]projects a 3% rise in employment for preschool teachers[/hen-ui-link] between 2022 and 2032.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Schools[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Associate in Elementary Education Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choice”]Choosing an Online Associate in Elementary Education Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-article-card title=”50 Best Online Colleges & Universities” href=”/rankings/online-colleges/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] Online associate degrees in elementary education include general education requirements in subjects such as math, science, literature, and history. These courses not only fulfill undergraduate degree requirements, they also give elementary teachers the basic subject matter knowledge needed to create lessons and activities for young children. Also, elementary education programs typically require introductory courses in professional education and educational psychology. These courses help teachers understand their role in the classroom and how young children learn and behave, given their developmental stage.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-to-expect”]What Else Can I Expect From an Online Associate in Elementary Education Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”curriculum”]Curriculum for an Online Associate in Elementary Education Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-link href=”#top/”]Return to the top[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”careers”]Careers with an Online Associate in Elementary Education Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm”]Preschool Teacher:[/hen-ui-link] 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.[hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median Annual Salary: $35,330[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Projected Growth Rate: 3%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/teacher-assistants.htm”]Teacher Assistant:[/hen-ui-link] 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.[hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median Annual Salary: $30,920[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Projected Growth Rate: 0%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm”]Childcare Worker:[/hen-ui-link] 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. [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median Annual Salary: $28,520[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Projected Growth Rate: -2%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”#top/”]Return to the top[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”paths”]Educational Paths for Online Elementary Education Associate Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm”]elementary school teachers[/hen-ui-link] earn twice as much as teacher’s aides.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Bachelor’s in Elementary Education: [/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education: [/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Bachelor’s in Special Education: [/hen-ui-text] 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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-link href=”#top/”]Return to the top[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]