Online Colleges for Early Childhood Education

12 July 2023

Early childhood education is a critical field that lays the foundation for a child’s lifelong learning and development. As technology continues to shape the education landscape, online colleges have emerged as a flexible and convenient option for aspiring educators in the United States. In this article, we will explore the benefits of pursuing early childhood education programs through online colleges, highlighting some of the top institutions in the country.

Benefits of pursuing early childhood education programs through online colleges

  1. Flexibility and Convenience:

One of the key advantages of online colleges for early childhood education is the flexibility they offer. Many individuals interested in pursuing a career in this field may already have personal or professional commitments that make attending traditional, on-campus classes challenging. With online programs, students have the freedom to create their own study schedule, allowing them to balance their education with other responsibilities.

  1. Diverse Course Offerings:

Online colleges specializing in early childhood education provide a wide range of course offerings that cover various aspects of the field. From child development and psychology to curriculum design and assessment techniques, students can gain a comprehensive understanding of the theories and practices necessary to become effective early childhood educators. Additionally, some programs may offer specialized courses in areas such as special needs education or bilingual instruction.

  1. Experienced Faculty:

Contrary to common misconceptions, online colleges employ highly qualified and experienced faculty members who are dedicated to delivering a quality education. These educators bring their expertise and real-world insights into the virtual classroom, engaging students through interactive discussions, multimedia presentations, and collaborative projects. Through their guidance, students can develop the necessary skills and knowledge required to excel in the field.

  1. Hands-on Training and Field Experience:

While online programs offer the flexibility of remote learning, they also recognize the importance of hands-on training and practical experience in the field of early childhood education. Many reputable online colleges collaborate with local schools, childcare centers, and community organizations to provide students with opportunities for fieldwork and internships. These practical experiences allow students to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings, fostering their professional growth.

  1. Affordability and Cost Savings:

Online education often proves to be a more cost-effective option compared to traditional, on-campus programs. With online colleges, students can save on commuting costs, accommodation expenses, and other associated expenses, making education more accessible and affordable. Moreover, some institutions may offer scholarships, grants, or tuition assistance programs specifically tailored for early childhood education students.

Top Online Colleges for Early Childhood Education in the USA:

Here, you can find some of the best Online Colleges for Early Childhood Education in the USA:

University of Cincinnati Online:

The University of Cincinnati offers an online Bachelor’s degree program in Early Childhood Education. The program focuses on child development, curriculum design, and inclusive teaching practices.

UC Online’s Bachelor in Early Childhood Education (ECE) offers a program to round out and enhance educators’ Birth – Age 5 educational experience. This program is designed to build on associate degree competencies to strengthen professionals’ ability to design and implement developmentally appropriate learning environments for children Birth–Age 5.

Whether you are in a preschool, Head Start program, child-care center, family childcare environment, or just interested in getting started in the field, our online program provides the flexibility and accessibility you need.  Our courses give you information and strategies that you can learn today and apply in the classroom tomorrow! This degree does not lead to Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 5 licensure.

Admission Requirements

Admission into the University of Cincinnati’s Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education (Birth – Age 5) online program is open to all students with a high school diploma or GED and the desire to succeed in college.

Prerequisites

  • Students with no previous college experience: High School diploma or a GED.
  • Students with previous college experience: from a two-year institution, a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (recommended). Students not meeting the minimum GPA requirement may request a review by the Program Coordinator for admission after submitting the application form.

Admission Materials

  • Application Form
  • Official transcript(s) from every college or university you have attended besides the University of Cincinnati. Learn More and Apply.

Liberty University Online:

Class Type: 100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer Credits: Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total

Accreditation: Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

Summary:

A lot happens in a child’s development both before and during their early years of elementary school. With new concepts constantly being introduced to them, children under the age of 8 have a lot of growing to do! You can have a hand in providing the love, support, and encouragement these young ones need to embrace learning and get the best start they can.

Giving children a solid foundation for their academic journey can lead to better lives and opportunities for them down the road. The young students you work with today could be tomorrow’s world changers. By earning an early childhood education degree online, you can learn how to transform the lives of the children in your care.

Liberty’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Early Childhood Education Interdisciplinary Studies is a great option if you want to work in Christian school, private school, or homeschool settings or in childcare facilities and churches. You could also pursue a career as a paraprofessional educator in a public school. If you decide later on down the road to pursue licensure, this early childhood education online degree can provide a solid foundation for pursuing a licensure-track Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Learn More and Apply.

University North Dakota Online:

UND’s Early Childhood Education degree is fully online. You never have to come to campus. Online courses are offered in both asynchronous and synchronous formats.

Early Childhood Education Degree Requirements

Complete these required courses for a Early Childhood Education degree.

Required 120 credits (36 of which must be numbered 300 or above and 30 which must be from UND). Please see an Early Childhood academic adviser for the most accurate program planning.

I. Essential Studies Graduation Requirements (see University ES listing).

II. EHD General Graduation Requirements.

Learn More and Apply.

Ball State University Online:

Delivery: 100% Online

Major Credits: 90

Secure your future with an online bachelor’s degree in family and child: early childhood education. Our degree can give you a distinct advantage within a variety of early childhood settings that do not require a teaching license. Except for the infant and toddler minor, select any minor to complete this degree, including early intervention, applied behavior analysis, autism spectrum disorder, exceptional needs: early childhood special education, psychology of human development, and more. Your studies will prepare you for a workplace where Head Start and pre-K teachers are required to hold advanced degrees, as this degree focuses on ages birth through age five. (NOTE: This program is sometimes referred to as the “completer program” and was revised for Fall 2021 and beyond.)

Plus, the program is offered entirely online to meet the needs of child care professionals working full time. The flexible, asynchronous format allows you to complete your assignments on your time, just as long as you hit weekly deadlines. Courses are taught by early childhood faculty within Ball State’s nationally recognized Teachers College, the same professors who teach our on-campus classes. Students must transfer in an associate’s degree in early childhood education from Ivy Tech (or equivalent) to complete this as a fully online program. It can also be completed by taking courses on campus. Learn More and Apply.

Purdue University Online:

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS MAJOR

Location: Department of Human Development and Family Science

The early childhood education and exceptional needs (ECEEN) major is designed for students who enjoy working with young children and young children with disabilities. ECEEN students develop skills for teaching both typically developing children and children with developmental disabilities and their families. In the major, you’ll complete a program that prepares you to apply for dual Indiana teaching licensure in Early Childhood Generalist and Early Childhood Exceptional Needs (birth-grade 3). Through the degree and licensure program, you are prepared to work in early intervention programs, prekindergarten classrooms in schools and community programs and early childhood (grades K-3) regular and special education classrooms in public or private schools.

You’ll receive hands-on experience at the Ben and Maxine Miller Child Development Laboratory School as well as in community schools and other early childhood programs. The major also requires the completion of a semester as a student teacher in a child development center or a public or private school.

You may also choose to participate in one of the Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) interdisciplinary programs in gerontology, applied behavior analysis or public health. Learn More and Apply.

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