[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Do you need the professional credibility an online associate degree in early childhood education can provide? Discover more about earning this degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Overview[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Early childhood educators help shape the next generation of global citizens. These professionals may work in childcare centers, preschools, after-school programs, kindergartens, or other facilities where children live, play, or study.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While some careers in this field require only a high school education, more lucrative professions often demand postsecondary degrees. An online associate degree in early childhood education can launch your career with children or prepare you to advance to a leadership role.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This degree equips students with in-market skills such as differentiated instruction and behavior management strategies. Students also learn child psychology, educational theory, and instructional methodologies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After graduating with this degree, you can transfer into a bachelor’s program in early childhood administration or another major. You might also pursue professional certifications in the field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Choosing an Online Early Childhood Education Associate Degree Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Take your time when selecting where to earn an online associate degree in early childhood education to make sure you find the right program. Many options exist – with a little patience and research, you can find a school that matches your specific needs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If cost is a primary factor in your decision, you may want to start your search with public, in-state programs. These typically offer the most affordable tuition rates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, some distance programs offer the same tuition rate to all online students, regardless of residency status. The list below describes a few other factors worth considering when looking at associate programs.[/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”]Program Cost:[/hen-ui-text] Tuition and fees vary depending on the school and program, as do the number of credits required to graduate and the transfer credits allowed. Online courses may or may not cost the same as on-campus courses. Make sure to compare the per-credit costs for each program that interests you.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Transfer Policies:[/hen-ui-text] If you wish to transfer credits into your associate program or ensure that your degree will transfer to a bachelor’s program at another institution, it is important to look into each school’s transfer policies. Most schools limit the number of transfer credits they accept. Additionally, many two-year college have agreements with four-year colleges, ensuring smooth transfer of associate degree credits.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]School Size and Type:[/hen-ui-text] Class size and the student-to-teacher ratio can vary widely according to the type of school you attend. For example, large universities may rely on larger classes taught by graduate students, while smaller schools may offer smaller class sizes with greater individual attention. Look into the average class sizes of online courses to ensure you will receive the classroom experience you need.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length:[/hen-ui-text] Online programs frequently offer flexible delivery options, including part-time, full-time, and accelerated formats. Most associate degrees take full-time learners two years to complete.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]On-Campus Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] Some online programs do require occasional on-campus meetings, such as orientations or weekend residencies. Make sure that you can travel to campus as needed or select a program that does not require any on-campus commitments.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Associate Programs for Early Childhood Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Programs Ranking Guidelines[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”] Rankings Methodology[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accreditation for Online Early Childhood Education Associate Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colleges often consider accreditation when determining whether they will accept transfer credits, and employers may expect job applicants to hold a degree from an accredited institution.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When exploring online programs, you can look for institutional and programmatic accreditation. Institutions may hold regional or national accreditation. Both the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/” target=”_blank”]Council for Higher Education Accreditation[/hen-ui-link] and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ed.gov/accreditation” target=”_blank”]U.S. Department of Education[/hen-ui-link] coordinate accreditation, recognize accrediting bodies, and maintain lists of accredited schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to institutional accreditation, programs can hold specialized accreditation to demonstrate that they meet standards in the field. Early childhood education programs may hold accreditation from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.naeyc.org/accreditation/early-learning-program-accreditation” target=”_blank”]National Association for the Education of Young Children[/hen-ui-link], while teacher preparation programs may hold [hen-ui-link href=”http://caepnet.org/” target=”_blank”]Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation[/hen-ui-link] accreditation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Courses in an Online Early Childhood Education Associate Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”primary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Introduction to Early Childhood Education”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This course introduces the theoretical and historical foundations of early childhood education. Topics include national, professional, and ethical standards; state regulations; career options; and program types. Students explore methods that can be used to create safe, appropriate, and responsive environments and activities for young children.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Child Development”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This course explores the physical, social-emotional, and cognitive changes that occur in the first five years of life. Students learn to identify the skills young children typically acquire during this time and ways to support growth and optimize developmental outcomes.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Health and Wellness”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This course emphasizes the health-related aspects of child development and age-appropriate behavior management techniques. Future caregivers learn to identify potential challenges children in their care may face. They also develop strategies to provide appropriate care, communicate with families, and promote wellness.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Exceptional Children”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In this course, students explore ways to work with parents and other professionals to care for children with special needs, including those with physical/cognitive disabilities and gifted/talented children. Topics include methods for modifying the physical environment to ensure inclusion and strategies for adapting activities and instruction.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Language and Literacy”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This course provides an overview of normal language development in young children. Students explore strategies to facilitate language development, identify appropriate children’s literature and its purpose, and present literature to young children in engaging ways.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Early Childhood Education Careers and Outlook[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many early childhood education majors may see themselves teaching preschool, leading a daycare, or serving as a teacher’s assistant in a kindergarten classroom. An associate degree may be the ticket to qualifying for one or more of these jobs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In fact, early childhood education can get you started in a variety of careers. However, the selection of careers listed in the table below offers a representative sample of what you can expect from this major after graduation.[/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”]Early Childhood Education Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Wage (2023)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Early Childhood Education Career”]Preschool Teachers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage (2023)”]$35,330[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Early Childhood Education Career”]Teacher Assistants[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage (2023)”]$30,920[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Early Childhood Education Career”]Childcare Worker[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage (2023)”]$28,520[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Early Childhood Education Career”]Recreation Worker[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage (2023)”]$31,680[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Early Childhood Education Career”]Social and Human Service Assistants[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Wage (2023)”]$38,520[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like many professional fields, early childhood education typically rewards advanced degrees with higher salaries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Educational Paths for Early Childhood Education Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After earning an online associate degree in early childhood education, you may decide to continue your education by earning a bachelor’s degree. Some schools require their employees to hold at least a bachelor’s degree, especially if they want to teach kindergarten or higher grades.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates with a bachelor’s degree can also pursue some leadership positions, increasing their salary potential and allowing workers to gain access to benefits like employer-paid healthcare. The three degrees below rare potential educational pathways aspiring teachers can follow.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The upper-level courses in a bachelor’s in early childhood education program go into greater depth than associate-level courses. These programs may prepare you to earn teacher licensure in your home state, qualifying you to work in a public elementary school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education with a Montessori Education Concentration[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Montessori method revolutionized the education of young children by focusing on a child’s natural curiosity and emotional development. Montessori teachers receive specialized training during their teacher education programs, qualifying them for both traditional and Montessori classroom settings.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s in Physical Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A child’s physical development proves just as important as their intellectual and emotional development. Physical education programs may satisfy the requirements for teacher licensure in your home state, opening the door to more career opportunities and a higher salary.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Early Childhood Education Associate 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 early childhood degree depends on your career goals. An associate degree qualifies you to teach preschool or serve as a teacher’s assistant. If you want to teach elementary education, however, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in the field. Professionals who plan to serve as principals, counselors, or instructional leaders may need a master’s degree or higher.[/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″]An associate degree in early childhood education typically takes two years. A bachelor’s degree usually requires four years although students with AP, CLEP, early college, or other transfer credits may finish in less time. An online associate degree in early childhood education, if largely asynchronous, could be a program you complete in less than two years depending on your other obligations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is an associate degree in Early Childhood Education worth it?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average two-year public institution charges $4,000 for tuition and fees per year according to data from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cua” target=”_blank”]National Center for Education Statistics[/hen-ui-link]. In August 2023, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Associate%27s_Degree%2C_Early_Childhood_Education/Salary” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], people with an associate degree in early childhood education earned an average of $14.05 per hour. Is that return on investment worth it to achieve your personal and professional goals?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the difference between a CDA and an associate degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and an associate degree in early childhood education are both educational pathways, but they differ in terms of their scope, depth, and purpose. A CDA requires specific educational and professional experience, which each state determines separately. An associate degree requires two years of academic coursework in general education and the major field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]