[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you love working with young children and want to make a career out of it, consider earning a degree in early childhood education. Early childhood education programs help you develop skills like leadership and communication, as well as classroom management, curriculum development, and child advocacy.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can earn an early childhood education degree online and start working in preschools, elementary schools, or related centers to support child development. In this guide, find everything you need to decide if this degree is right for you, including common courses, career paths, and average salaries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability, so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list has been updated for 2025. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is an Early Childhood Education Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An early childhood education degree can lay the groundwork for you to work as a preschool teacher or director at a daycare center. These programs prepare you to educate and care for young children as they undergo rapid cognitive, social, and physical changes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some programs can also prepare you to pursue a teaching certificate. With an additional teaching certificate, this degree can also qualify you to work as an elementary teacher for K-3 students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are benefits to earning your degree in childhood education online. Online bachelor’s degree programs offer the flexibility for you to balance your studies with work or family commitments. With online degrees, you can also access highly ranked programs from any location.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Choosing the Right Online Early Childhood Education Program: 4 Key Factors[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Take your time exploring different online early childhood education degree options. The first school you find might not be the right fit. Many institutions offer online programs, so it can be beneficial to remain discerning.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Program Cost[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In general, public institutions are more affordable than private institutions. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition and fees for public in-state college students was [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d23/tables/dt23_330.20.asp” target=”_blank”]$9,750 for the 2022-2023 academic year[/hen-ui-link]. For private universities, that average was $35,250. At some schools, you can access in-state tuition as an out-of-state online student.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While online tuition prices vary dramatically from school to school, online education degrees cost less, on average, than on-campus degrees, according to the NCES. The average annual tuition costs between online and on-campus education degrees can be found below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Program Length[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To complete your degree more quickly, consider enrolling in a full-time or accelerated program. Online degrees add convenience, allowing you to earn your degree without being tied to a specific location. If you have a busy schedule and prefer a slower pace, a part-time program can offer greater flexibility.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typically, full-time students complete bachelor’s degree programs in four years, while part-time students take six to eight years. With an accelerated degree program, you could enter the workforce faster or pursue a graduate degree more quickly, completing your bachelor’s and master’s in as few as five years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. On-Campus Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most early childhood education programs require in-person practicums or residencies. If you live in a different part of the country from your university, pay close attention to a program’s on-campus requirements. In some cases, you may be able to fulfill these requirements at a local school or childcare center.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Always ensure that your online early childhood education program is accredited. Universities can be accreditated at both the institutional and programmatic levels. Attending an [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]accredited institution[/hen-ui-link] ensures that you can receive federal financial aid and transfer credits between schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The DE and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee accreditation agencies to ensure their integrity. To learn more, check out CHEA’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/regional-accrediting-organizations” target=”_blank”]list of accrediting bodies[/hen-ui-link]. You can also search the database of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to find [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.naeyc.org/accreditation/higher-ed/accredited-programs” target=”_blank”]accredited early childhood education programs[/hen-ui-link]. Other programmatic accreditors for early childhood education include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/teacher-education-accreditation-council” target=”_blank”]Teacher Education Accreditation Council[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://caepnet.org/” target=”_blank”]Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Early Childhood Education Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Early childhood education is a versatile degree and can open the door to various careers. Further, you can choose to earn your teaching credential and work in elementary schools or special education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common careers for people with an early childhood education degree include preschool teacher, childcare worker, preschool and childcare center director, and teacher assistant. This degree could also be the starting point from which to pursue advanced degrees and careers such as curriculum developer or principal.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Early Childhood Education Careers and Salaries[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Careers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (May 2024)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Preschool teachers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm#tab-1″ target=”_blank”]$37,120[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Childcare workers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm” target=”_blank”]$32,050[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Preschool and childcare center directors[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/preschool-and-childcare-center-directors.htm” target=”_blank”]$56,270[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Teacher assistants[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/teacher-assistants.htm” target=”_blank”]$35,240[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Special education teachers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm” target=”_blank”]$64,270[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While curricula will vary based on specialization, a typical curriculum in early childhood education covers topics including special education, classroom organization, and emerging literacy assessment methods. Some common courses are:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Principles of Development in Infancy: This class covers the normal stages of development during the first few months of a child’s life, including methods of recognizing and intervening in developmental problems.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health, Safety, and Nutrition: You’ll learn what children should eat, as well as accident prevention tactics and how to foster a healthy learning environment.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Child and Family Development: In this course, you’ll learn about growth stages, normal development, and delays for children ages 3-6, plus how family development can affect the process.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Relationships in Today’s Families: You’ll explore differences in family dynamics to understand how to best communicate with and motivate young children.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Classroom Experience: Even in an online program, you’ll have the chance to work in classroom settings under lead teachers’ supervision to start gaining familiarity with creating and implementing lesson plans.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the best degree for early childhood education?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best online early childhood education degree depends on your career goals and personal interests. In general, a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education offers excellent preparation for most early childhood education careers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, if you want to pursue leadership or administrative roles, consider earning a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-early-childhood-education/”]master’s degree in childhood education[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What can you do with an early childhood education degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education can help qualify you to work as a preschool teacher, childcare worker, childcare center director, teacher assistant, or a K-3 elementary school teacher.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you prefer behind-the-scenes roles, you could become a curriculum developer, educational consultant, or school counselor. These administrative positions typically require an advanced degree and additional certifications.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long does it take to get a degree in early childhood education?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A typical bachelor’s degree program in early childhood education takes about four years of full-time study to complete. Some online programs may offer accelerated options with shorter degree completion timelines.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is a degree in early childhood education worth it?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In general, early childhood education is not a very lucrative field, but it allows you to perform fulfilling work helping young children. Earning an early childhood education degree can also put you in a better position to ask for raises and promotions than peers without postsecondary education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How much do early childhood educators make?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How much you can make as an early childhood educator depends on your individual career path. At the low end, according to the BLS, the median annual salary for a preschool teacher is $37,120, and childcare workers earn $32,050.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you become a special education teacher, the median annual salary is nearly double that at $64,270. Becoming a preschool director is another higher-paying career option, with a median salary of $56,270. If you want to become a kindergarten or elementary school teacher, the median salary is [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm#tab-1″ target=”_blank”]$62,310[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Where you live will also affect your earning potential. According to the BLS, the states with the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252011.htm#st” target=”_blank”]highest average salaries for preschool teachers[/hen-ui-link] are Colorado, California, New Jersey, and Nebraska.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”333,1470,540″][/hen-ui-article-row]