Early Childhood Development programs focus on teaching and caring for children during the formative years, from birth to age ten. Students gain a solid foundation in the theory and practice of effective childcare. Coursework covers child growth and development, child psychology, early childhood education, infant and toddler care, caring for children with special needs, child communication, and health, safety, and nutrition.

Early Childhood Development degrees are available at the associate, bachelor, and master's level. A high school diploma is required for all programs. Each degree level qualifies the graduate for broader and more advanced positions in childcare and teaching.

• An associate degree is appropriate for higher level childcare and teaching positions, such as lead teacher in a daycare or preschool, home daycare provider, teacher's aide, or child caseworker's aide.

• A bachelor degree opens doors to elementary teaching positions, and more advanced childcare positions such as daycare director.

• The master's degree offers opportunities for original research in early childhood development, and is an important qualification for leadership, child advocacy, curriculum design, and research careers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts favorable growth in childcare positions through 2014. The median salary for preschool-kindergarten teachers was $42,000 in 2004. Childcare administrators typically earn upwards of $35,000 a year.

Elevated scrutiny of childcare programs and an emphasis on early childhood education has increased demand for qualified child development specialists. The Early Childhood Development degree offers the necessary training to advance in this field.

Online Degrees in Early Childhood

University of Phoenix

With more than 8,000 faculty and staff, University of Phoenix is the largest accredited private university. In its online incarnation, University of Phoenix has distilled its programs into accelerated course programs to help you get the most degree in the least amount of time without breaking your wallet. more

Early Childhood Degrees Offered:

MAEd/Early Childhood Ed.
This is a graduate degree for educators seeking knowledge and expertise in the field of early childhood development and teaching. The curriculum includes instructional strategies, teaching methodologies, assessment techniques, theories of early childhood growth and development, and the impact of family and cultural diversity on early childhood.
MAEd/Special Ed.
This program’s curriculum includes orientation to the exceptional child, foundations and methodologies of mild disabilities, diagnosis and assessment of disabilities, structured English immersion, reading and language arts instruction, inclusion strategies, and collaboration and resource management for the special educator.

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PCDI

What Professional Career Development Institute began by offering just one professional real estate appraisal course in 1987 has grown so large that it is now divided into two divisions: John Madison High School for high school programs and Ashworth College for all its higher and continuing education course offerings. More than 50 career programs are featured at PCDI including everything from jewelry repair to carpentry to sports psychology to writing children's books. more

Early Childhood Degrees Offered:

Early Childhood Education
This program begins with courses in business principles and communications, psychology, and child development. Next you'll receive in-depth, home study instruction in curriculum development for preschoolers and the young child, guidance and discipline procedures, selecting and using children’s literature, literacy development, creative expression and play, health and nutrition, home and school relations, exceptional children, movement and music, cultural diversity, and much more.

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Ashford University

For almost 100 years, Ashford University has been providing the residents of Clinton, Iowa with the training they need to earn their bachelors or masters degrees in a variety of specialties. Over time, Ashford has grown and now has the capability to offer students around the world access to three Bachelors programs and two Masters programs online. more

Early Childhood Degrees Offered:

Organizational Management - Early Childhood Education
The Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management with a concentration in Early Childhood Education focuses its curriculum on the organizational structure that supports the classroom. Through both education and managerial courses, students learn the skills that will qualify them to manage that structure successfully. Though this degree does not qualify graduates for teaching licensure, it does create management professionals with skills vital to the success of early childhood education.

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Penn Foster Schools

Penn Foster Schools, the largest accredited school of independent home study, offers more than 80 distance education career diploma programs. Students enrolled in these programs have the option of studying online, in print, or through a combination of the two. In addition, Penn Foster Schools offers high school diplomas and 22 different associate degrees. more

Early Childhood Degrees Offered:

Early Childhood Education
There are certain skills you need to begin a career in Early Childhood Education. With this program, you can earn your Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education quickly and conveniently. Learn valuable skills with courses such as Fundamentals of Early Childhood Education, English Composition, Computer Literacy, Child Psychology, Language and Literacy Development in Young Children, and Curriculum for Early Childhood Education.

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Fisher College Online

Founded and located in Boston’s historic Back Bay since 1903, Fisher has cultivated a tradition of providing students in the greater Boston area with an affordable, quality, career-focused education. more

Early Childhood Degrees Offered:

Associate in Arts in Early Childhood Education (A.A.)
This program offers excellent preparation for a career in any child-care profession through a program with a broad base of theoretical and practical knowledge. Courses in this program follow the development of the child from birth through the preschool years. The intellectual, emotional, social and physical development of the child are explored, as are the needs experienced by children as they progress through these ages. This degree program is comprised of courses and internship experiences which not only provide a solid academic background for the student, but a thorough preparation for a career as a child care professional. Our program satisfies course requirements for teacher certification by the Massachusetts Office for Child Care Services and competencies for the National Child Development Associate Certificate.
Certificate in Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education certificate program introduces students to a broad base of theoretical and practical knowledge about the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development of children from birth through the preschool years. Students participate in an internship thus gaining valuable first-hand experience. Upon completion of this program, students will meet the requirements for teacher certification by the Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services.

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Most Requested Programs for Education

The booming education and health sector offers many jobs that involve working with children. For more information on online education degrees, review our program listing and decide which path is right for you.

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