In this ranking, we explore the following top 10 online associate’s degree in early childhood education programs:
- #1. Pamlico Community College
- #2. Tallahassee Community College
- #3. Richmond Community College
- #4. Stanly Community College
- #5. Great Basin College
- #6. Haywood Community College
- #7. Surry Community College
- #8. Bay Mills Community College
- #9. Shoreline Community College
- #10. Aspen University
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Tuition Points:
- Under $4,000—1 point
- Under $3,500—2 points
- Under $3,000—3 points
- Under $2,500—4 points
- Under $2,000—5 points
Customization Options
- Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-Time, Accelerated, Degree Completion, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option
- Content Customizations (e.g. Minors, Concentrations, Specializations, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option (5-point cap)
Wow Factor
- 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us
Ranking the Top 10 Online Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Programs
To compile the following ranking of top online early childhood education associates degree programs, our editors evaluated 33 schools offering this program via a distance education option. In applying the rating and ranking methodology above, we used data from College Navigator as well as from each school’s website.
#10 –Aspen University
Online Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education
Website
Points: 2
The online associate’s early childhood education program from Aspen University is a comprehensive, 60-credit offering comprised of 20 courses. Enrolled students will take core liberal arts courses as well as major-specific courses like Professionalism and Growth in the Early Childhood Field, Skills for Early Childhood Teachers, Cultural and Linguistic Diversity, and Problem-Solving in Early Childhood Education. Students will also take two proctored exams throughout the duration of the program. Graduates of this online associate’s degree in early childhood education are prepared for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential from the Council for Professional Recognition.
In-State Tuition: $4,200
#9 –Shoreline Community College
Early Childhood Education Associate’s Degree Online
Website
Points: 2
The online associate’s degree for early childhood education majors from Shoreline Community College is a unique Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences (AAAS) program. The 90-credit hour curriculum for the program is mostly prescribed and includes titles such as Environments for Young Children, Child Mistreatment & Advocacy, Language and Literacy Development, and The Exceptional Child. An internship is also required prior to graduation. Graduates of this online associate’s in early childhood education program are eligible for employment in preschools, child care centers, and after-school programs.
In-State Tuition: $3,735
#8 –Bay Mills Community College
Early Childhood Education Associates Degree Online
Website
Points: 3
Bay Mills Community College’s online associate’s degree early childhood education program is a 2-year option designed to prepare students to provide educational services for children from birth to age five, especially in Native American communities. Course titles comprising the curriculum for this program include Child Development, Native American Awareness, Developing Family Partnerships, and Social and Emotional Needs of Children. Students will also choose from a list of approved electives. A classroom practicum is also required for this online associate’s early childhood education option.
In-State Tuition: $3,040
#7 –Surry Community College
Early Childhood Education Associates Degree Online
Website
Points: 3
Surry Community College offers a comprehensive 67-credit hour online associate’s degree early childhood education program. The curriculum consists of courses such as Child, Family, and Communication; Creative Activities for Young Children; Curriculum Planning; and Foundations of Education. A practicum experience provides students with practical experience in real-world settings. Online associate’s in early childhood education graduates are qualified to work in a variety of educational settings such as preschools, recreational centers, Head Start programs, and private schools, for instance.
In-State Tuition: $2,540
#6 –Haywood Community College
Early Childhood Education Associates Degree Online
Website
Points: 3
Haywood Community College offers a fully online associate’s degree for early childhood education program from its Department of Health and Human Services. The program prepares students to work in various educational environments and to work with children birth to age eight. The curriculum for the program is mostly prescribed and features courses such as Becoming a Professional in Early Childhood Education; Infants, Toddlers & Twos; Children With Exceptionalities; and School-Age Development and Programs.
In-State Tuition: $2,538
#5 –Great Basin College
Early Childhood Education Associates Degree Online
Website
Points: 4
The online associate’s degree for early childhood education program from Great Basin College is a 60-credit hour option offered through the school’s Web Campus. Core requirements for the program include course titles such as Principles of Child Guidance, Early Language and Literacy Development, and The Exceptional Child. Students will also take early childhood emphasis classes like Diversity in Children, Lifespan Human Development, and Professionalism in Early Childhood Care and Education. A preschool practicum/field experience is also required. Graduates of this online associate’s in early childhood education program are qualified for employment as teachers, teacher assistants, and directors for child care centers and preschools.
In-State Tuition: $2,910
#4 –Stanly Community College
Early Childhood Education Associates Degree Online
Website
Points: 4
Stanly Community College’s online associate’s degree early childhood education program trains students to work with young children from infancy to middle school. Courses include Introduction to Early Childhood Education; Health, Safety, and Nutrition; Child Guidance; and Child Development I and II. An Early Childhood Introductory Practicum is also required for successful completion of the program. This online associate’s degree for early childhood education offering is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
In-State Tuition: $2,661
#3 –Richmond Community College
Associates in Early Childhood Education Online
Website
Points: 5
Richmond Community College’s online associate’s in early childhood education program prepares students to work in a variety of educational settings with children from birth to age eight. After fulfilling a general education requirement, enrolled students will take major courses such as Language and Literacy Experiences, Classroom Management and Instruction, School-Age Program Administration, and Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education. A work-based learning seminar is also required prior to graduation. RCC’s online associate’s early childhood education students can take courses entirely online or via a hybrid format.
In-State Tuition: $2,510
#2 –Tallahassee Community College
Online Associate of Science in Early Childhood Development, Education and Management
Website
Points: 6
Tallahassee Community College offers an online associate’s early childhood education program from its Division of Behavioral, Social Sciences, and Education. This 60-credit hour program features courses such as Education of the Young Child; Home, School, and Community in Early Childhood Education; Management of a Childcare Center; and Cognitive Experiences for Young Children. Students who complete the program are prepared for the Florida Child Care Professional Credential and the Director’s Credential. Those students who want to continue their education in a bachelor’s program may also be eligible for the T.E.A.C.H. AS to BS Scholarship program. Tallahassee Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award this online associate’s degree in early childhood education.
In-State Tuition: $2,026
#1 –Pamlico Community College
Associates in Early Childhood Education Online
Website
Points: 6
Pamlico Community College offers a 66-68-credit hour online associate’s in early childhood education program that provides students with preparation for entry-level careers in early childhood education as well as a foundation for baccalaureate study in the field. Enrolled students will explore topics such as communication with parents, physical/nutritional needs of children, and the care and guidance of children. Specific course titles include Child, Family & Community; Children with Exceptionalities; Curriculum Planning; and Educational Technology. An Early Childhood Capstone Practicum is also required for this online associate’s early childhood education program.
In-State Tuition: $1,867
Frequently-Asked Questions About Online Associate’s in Early Childhood Education Programs
Q: How long does it take to earn an online associate’s degree early childhood education?
A: The amount of time it takes to complete an online associate’s in early childhood education will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the nature of the program itself as well as whether you choose to complete your coursework on a part-time or full-time basis. Having said that, associate’s degrees typically take two years to finish on average.
Q: Can I complete an online associate’s early childhood education degree entirely online?
A: Whether or not you can complete your degree online will depend on the specific online associate’s degree early childhood education program you choose to pursue. In many cases, all of the coursework required for the program will be completed online, but students may need to complete a practicum experience in person. These practicums can often be arranged at a location of your choice, however.
Q: What types of jobs can I qualify for with an online associate’s degree for early childhood education?
A: Online associate’s early childhood education degree programs can prepare students for employment positions in various education settings involving very young children. Graduates of these programs may find work as teaching assistants, childcare workers, preschool teachers, daycare directors, and more.
Q: How much can I earn with an online associate’s in early childhood education?
A: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average child care worker makes about $10 an hour. With an online associate’s early childhood education credential, however, you could join the ranks of the most qualified child care professionals who make more than $15 per hour. Childcare directors are the highest paid employees in the field, making an average annual salary of approximately $45,000.
Other Colleges Offering an Online Associate’s in Early Childhood Education
Liberty University
Online Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Sullivan University
Online Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education
American Military University
Online Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Care and Education
Ashford University
Online Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Ohio State University
Online Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Development and Education
Western Kentucky University
Online Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
Post University
Online Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education
Clarion University
Online Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Online Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education
University of Cincinnati
Online Associate’s in Early Childhood Education
University of Alaska- Fairbanks
Online Associate’s in Early Childhood Education
Shasta Bible College and Graduate School
Online Associate’s in Early Childhood Education
Indiana Wesleyan University
Online AS in Early Childhood Education
Granite State College
Online AS in Early Childhood Education
Northampton College
Online Associates in Early Childhood Education
Dawson Community College
Online Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education
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