Early childhood educators don’t read stories, make pasta-noodle necklaces and play games with children just for fun – those activities are crucial to the development of a young child’s language, motor and social skills.
Jobs for preschool teachers are expected to grow by 7 percent between 2014 and 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects. And though a degree isn’t necessarily required for such positions, an online bachelor’s in early childhood education can boost a teacher’s prospects for employment and salary.
An online early childhood education bachelor’s degree teaches professionals how to prepare children for kindergarten. Early childhood educators use play and other activities to teach basic reading, writing and math concepts and to assess a child’s emotional development. Professionals may work in a variety of educational environments, like child care centers, preschools and public schools.
An online bachelor’s degree program in early childhood education offers flexibility for students who are also working professionals. Web-based programs typically follow the same rigorous curricula as brick-and-mortar options, leading to similar advancement opportunities for graduates. The online format is also ideal for students who must tackle additional commitments – such as child or family care – on top of their work and class schedules.
What grades can you teach with a bachelor’s in early childhood education?
Early childhood education generally refers to education for children through preschool, while elementary school education starts in kindergarten or first grade. However, a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education can enable a teacher to work up to the second- and third-grade levels.
How long does it take to earn a bachelor's in early childhood education online?
Earning an early childhood education degree online typically requires 120 to 135 credits. Most full-time students complete their program in four years.
Many online early childhood education programs function as a bachelor’s degree completion program, where incoming students are required to have an associate degree or equivalent experience in early childhood education. Preschool teachers with associate degrees are good candidates for these programs.
Degree completion options typically require substantially less time than standard programs, with some schools allowing students to complete their degree in as little as 16 months.
How much does an online bachelor's in early childhood education cost?
The cost of an early childhood education degree online depends on several factors. State residency is an important consideration, since many colleges and universities charge higher tuition for out-of-state students. However, some schools charge flat tuition for online students regardless of state residency. Technology fees are another key factor; these fees often apply to online students but not their brick-and-mortar counterparts.
Per-credit costs for an online early childhood education degree typically range from $250 to $500. Students should expect to pay $30,000 to $60,000 in total tuition.
Choosing an accredited early childhood education degree online program
Accreditation status is one of the most important considerations for prospective students. Colleges and universities in the U.S. receive accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; the accreditation process involves an extensive review of a school's educational programs and student services.
A school's accreditation impacts course credit transferability, as well as student eligibility for federal financial aid, so students should ensure the school offering the early childhood education bachelor's degree online has earned national or regional accreditation.
Online coursework
Through courses based in theory and practical knowledge, students learn how to promote child development and introduce children to reading, writing, science and other subjects. Classes on learning through play illustrate creative recreation as a teaching tool. Music courses show how the power of rhyme and rhythm can strengthen children’s learning potential.
Classes focused on atypical students prepare a teacher for handling disabled and developmentally delayed students in a sensitive and effective manner. All of these core courses help students understand that how children internalize information is just as important as the information itself.
Field experience
Though students can complete much of an early childhood education online degree from home, most programs require some in-person fieldwork with children. This can involve tasks like observation and analysis, classroom management and adjusting teaching methods for individual student needs. Typically, students must complete 12 to 21 credit hours of fieldwork as part of program requirements.
Professional Associations in Early Childhood Education
Professional organizations give educators the chance to share techniques and learned experiences in an organized setting. Often, these groups also provide members with resources like newsletters and networking opportunities.
Association for Childhood Education International: ACEI provides its members with information about the latest developments in early childhood education and offers awards, grants and scholarships.
Council for Exceptional Children: CEC is an organization dedicated to the education of children with special needs. The organization maintains a blog on policy issues in special education and features 18 divisions for various areas of educational interest.
National Association for the Education of Young Children: NAEYC works to integrate practice, policy and research to improve early childhood education across the country. Members have access to a variety of resources that keep them up to date on trends and issues in the field, including various periodicals and a library of manuals for educators.
Job Outlook
According to the BLS, there is an increasing demand for early childhood educators. Parents are choosing to enroll their children in programs at a younger age to reap more benefits of intellectual and social development.
Additionally, the number of children enrolling in kindergarten and elementary school programs is expected to increase, pointing to more job openings for educators.
What can you do with a degree in early childhood education?
Students don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education to become preschool teachers, though the degree does make candidates for this position more marketable.
Public schools generally require preschool teachers to have an early childhood education degree. The federal government values the credential as well. At least 50 percent of preschool teachers in publicly funded Head Start programs were required to have a bachelor’s degree by 2013.
Child care workers: Child care workers provide full- or part-time care for children. Some may also work to prepare children for public school through private tutoring.
Preschool and child care center directors: Directors are responsible for managing staff and services at child care centers. This position typically requires a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Preschool teachers: Preschool teachers work with children before kindergarten, using developmentally appropriate techniques to teach them math, science and reading. Some states require a college degree or certification for employment as a preschool teacher.
Teacher assistants: These assistants help teachers handle classroom work and facilitate access to education for children. Teacher assistants can work in public or private schools, and these positions typically require at least some college experience.
How much do early childhood education graduates make?
Though entry-level positions in early childhood education are not known for high salaries and may not require a bachelor’s degree, further education fosters potential for growth within the industry. Management positions typically require a bachelor's degree or above along with at least a few years of experience in child care or a related field.