Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education: What to Expect
An Associate in Early Childhood Education (ECE) is a two-year degree program that prepares students to work with children from birth to age eight. These programs are designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed for careers in preschool classrooms, childcare centers, Head Start programs, and early learning facilities. Students learn how to support child development in physical, social, emotional, and cognitive domains.
What You’ll Study
A typical Early Childhood Education associate degree includes approximately 60 to 65 credit hours. The curriculum blends general education with specialized coursework in child development, classroom practices, and instructional techniques.
Core Topics Include:
- Child Growth and Development: Study of developmental milestones from infancy to early childhood.
- Curriculum and Lesson Planning: Methods for teaching language, literacy, math, science, and art to young learners.
- Health, Safety, and Nutrition: Practices to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment.
- Guidance and Discipline: Techniques for managing behavior and promoting positive interactions.
- Special Needs Education: Strategies to support children with developmental delays or disabilities.
- Family and Community Partnerships: Tools for working collaboratively with families and support systems.
- Assessment and Observation: Use of tools and documentation to monitor child progress.
Students also complete fieldwork or practicums. Programs typically require 300–480 hours of hands-on experience in licensed childcare settings. Some institutions also integrate portfolio development to help students document their teaching competencies.
Admissions Requirements
To enroll in an ECE associate degree program, applicants typically need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Completion of a school application (online or in-person)
- No standardized test scores required (at many colleges)
- Orientation or an advising session before the first term
Some programs allow transfer credit for students with a valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, reducing time and tuition.
Program Duration and Format
Most associate degree programs take two years to complete with full-time enrollment. Many colleges offer flexible options:
- Fully online or hybrid formats
- Evening and weekend classes for working adults
- Accelerated terms, often 5–8 weeks in length
Schools like Purdue Global and Ashworth College offer online formats designed to support students balancing work and family responsibilities.
Program Costs
Tuition varies by institution and state residency. Here are typical cost ranges:
- Public community colleges: $3,000–$11,000 total for in-state students
- Private online programs: $9,000–$17,000 total
- Cost per credit hour: Ranges from $100 to $400
Many programs offer:
- Financial aid and scholarships
- Transfer credit evaluations
- Payment plans
- Credit for prior learning (such as work experience or certifications)
Example: At Ivy Tech Community College, tuition is approximately $10,703 for 60 credit hours.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of ECE associate degree programs are prepared for roles such as:
- Preschool teacher
- Teacher assistant or aide
- Childcare worker
- Head Start teacher
- Infant and toddler caregiver
- Childcare center director (with experience or additional certification)
The average salary for preschool teachers in the U.S. is around $35,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Roles in childcare management may earn more, particularly with experience or a bachelor’s degree.
Many graduates continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, often transferring all credits toward a four-year degree.
Certifications and Licensing
Depending on the state, graduates may qualify for credentials such as:
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
- Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC)
- State-specific director or teacher credentials
Programs often include coursework that meets training requirements for these credentials. Check local licensing agencies for exact requirements.
Top Schools
The field of early childhood education is vital to the growth and development of young children, and many schools offer specialized programs to help students build the skills necessary for success in this rewarding profession.
From flexible online learning to hands-on, in-person training, these programs equip students to work with children from birth through early school age, preparing them for roles in daycare centers, preschools, and educational leadership.
This section highlights some of the top schools across the country offering diverse pathways in Early Childhood Education, ranging from associate degrees and certificates to bachelor’s programs. Whether you’re looking for a career-focused curriculum or an opportunity to transfer to a four-year institution, these programs provide the knowledge and skills needed to make a lasting impact in the field.
| School Name | Location | Program Overview | Unique/Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broward College | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education with over 480 hours of field experience. Offers flexible evening/weekend classes. | Aligns with Florida’s Core Competencies, financial aid options, designed for working adults. |
| San Joaquin Delta College | Stockton, CA | Comprehensive Early Childhood Education program with multiple certification options including Associate Teacher, Master Teacher, and Site Supervisor. | Offers an AS-T for transfer to California State Universities. Courses based on NAEYC standards. |
| University of Maine | Orono, ME | Concentration in Child Development and Family Relations leading to K-3 certification. Includes student teaching and portfolio development. | Focus on inclusive education and research-based methods. Offers a birth-age 5 endorsement for early childhood professionals. |
| Oakton College | Des Plaines, IL | Early Childhood Education program with stackable credentials and hands-on training. Offers an Associate in Applied Science degree. | Field experience in college-affiliated child education centers. Tailored support for career goals. |
| Gwynedd Mercy University | Gwynedd Valley, PA | Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education with PreK–4 certification and optional Special Education dual certification. | Real-world classroom immersion from the first semester. Certification readiness for public schools in Pennsylvania. |
| Oklahoma State University | Stillwater, OK | Focus on child development with extensive field experiences, preparing for PreK–3 certification or roles in advocacy and nonprofit work. | Offers an accelerated master’s track to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 5 years. Nationally accredited child development lab. |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College | New York, NY | Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education with focus areas in Infant Toddler and Pre-School/Early Elementary. | Strong transfer support to four-year institutions, evening and weekend classes for working adults. |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL | Associate of Science in Early Childhood Management with tracks for education or management. Fully online with financial aid options. | Focus on career-ready skills with Florida Department of Children and Family Staff Credential. Offers transfer options to bachelor’s programs. |
| College of Central Florida | Ocala, FL | Early Childhood Education program with hands-on experience at the on-campus preschool lab. Offers optional certificates in Child Care Center Management. | Affordable tuition for Florida residents, financial aid available, and strong career support systems. |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, IN | Hands-on learning with multiple pathways and stackable credentials in Early Childhood Education. Offers an Associate of Applied Science and transferable degrees. | Online program options, NAEYC-accredited campuses, eligible for Indiana’s NextLevel Jobs initiative for qualifying students. |
Broward College
https://www.broward.edu/academics/education/as-early-childhood-ed/
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Comprehensive Training in Early Childhood Education
Broward College’s Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education prepares students for roles as early childhood teachers or directors, specifically working with children from birth through age five. The program includes over 480 hours of integrated experiential training, blending classroom learning with field experiences in real-world settings. The curriculum emphasizes areas such as health and safety, child development, curriculum design, and family engagement. Courses are aligned with Florida’s Core Competencies for Early Care and Education practitioners, and designed with flexibility in mind, offering evening and weekend classes to accommodate working adults.
Career-Ready Skills and Advancement Opportunities
Graduates will be equipped to supervise early childhood personnel, implement age-appropriate curricula, and manage child care operations. Many students are currently employed in preschool settings and are participating in Florida’s “Steps to Success” Early Learning Career Pathway. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. With a focus on professionalism and hands-on learning, Broward’s program supports career growth in early education and serves as a stepping stone for further academic pursuits. Broward College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
San Joaquin Delta College
https://www.deltacollege.edu/program/early-childhood-education
Stockton, CA
Flexible Learning with Transfer Options and Certifications
San Joaquin Delta College offers a comprehensive Early Childhood Education (ECE) program focused on preparing students to work with children from infancy through middle childhood. Students gain knowledge in child growth, assessment, guidance techniques, health and safety, curriculum planning, and state licensing requirements. The curriculum is based on the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards and aligns with the Child Development Permit Matrix and Curriculum Alignment Project, ensuring strong foundational skills for early childhood professionals.
Certificates and Degrees That Fit Your Goals
Delta College offers several stackable Certificate of Achievement options such as Associate Teacher, Master Teacher, and Site Supervisor, in addition to two degree pathways: an Associate in Arts (AA) and an Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T). The AS-T is specifically designed for students who plan to transfer to a California State University. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in preschool, child care centers, and infant/toddler programs or to continue their education at a four-year institution.
University of Maine
https://umaine.edu/edhd/undergraduate/cdfr/early-childhood-education/
Orono, ME
Professional Preparation for Certification and Diverse Careers
The University of Maine’s Early Childhood Education program is a concentration within the Child Development and Family Relations major. It prepares students to work with children from birth through age 8 and leads to recommendation for K-3 teaching certification along with eligibility for the State’s 081 birth-age 5 endorsement. The program combines theory with hands-on practice through affiliated learning centers and student teaching placements. Students also develop professional portfolios to demonstrate competency in state and national standards.
Diverse Pathways Beyond the Classroom
Courses emphasize inclusive education, curriculum integration, and family engagement. Students receive instruction grounded in research and innovative teaching methods through lab experiences at the Katherine Miles Durst Child Development Learning Center. Graduates pursue careers not only in public and private schools but also in museums, recreation, early intervention, publishing, and community programs that support children and families.
Oakton College
https://www.oakton.edu/academics/list-of-programs/early-childhood-education.php
Des Plaines, IL
Hands-On Learning and Stackable Credentials
Oakton College’s Early Childhood Education program offers practical, hands-on training in college-affiliated child education centers for those seeking to work with children from infancy through early school age. Students can pursue a variety of stackable certificates or complete an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Early Childhood Education. The curriculum includes foundational coursework, field experience, and guidance toward credentials aligned with Illinois Gateways to Opportunity and INCCRRA standards.
Career Growth with Transfer Opportunities
Graduates are well-positioned for careers in Head Start, child care centers, and public schools. The A.A.S. degree is fully transferable to both public and private universities in Illinois for students interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Faculty and advisors provide tailored support to ensure students meet their career and educational goals in a nurturing, practical learning environment.
Gwynedd Mercy University
https://www.gmercyu.edu/academics/learn/what-is-early-childhood-education
Gwynedd Valley, PA
In-Demand Bachelor’s Degree with Classroom Experience
At Gwynedd Mercy University, students can earn a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education in four years, supported by real-world classroom experience starting in the very first semester. The program includes PreK–4 certification and an optional dual certification in Special Education (PreK–12). The curriculum emphasizes both cognitive and social development and equips students with the teaching strategies necessary for success in diverse learning environments.
Certification and Career Readiness
In Pennsylvania, public school early childhood teachers must hold a bachelor’s degree and pass three Pearson certification modules. GMercyU ensures its students are well-prepared through extensive classroom immersion across eight semesters and supportive faculty mentoring. Graduates pursue roles as preschool and elementary teachers, special educators, or directors, and are positioned for success in both private and public education settings.
Oklahoma State University
https://go.okstate.edu/undergraduate-academics/majors/early-childhood-education.html
Stillwater, OK
Innovative Teaching and Accelerated Learning Paths
Oklahoma State University’s Early Childhood Education program focuses on nurturing the academic and social development of children from birth through third grade. The program is rooted in child development milestones and emphasizes relationship-building, play-based learning, and developmentally appropriate practices. Students benefit from extensive field experiences and practice real-world teaching techniques in the university’s nationally accredited child development lab.
Multiple Career and Degree Options
The program prepares students to become certified PreK–3 teachers in Oklahoma or to pursue roles in early childhood advocacy, nonprofit work, and community education. OSU also offers an accelerated master’s track, allowing students to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years. Graduates leave with strong confidence and competence to support children and families in a variety of professional environments.
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)
https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/academics/departments/teacher-education/child-care-early-childhood-education/
New York, NY
Flexible Degree with Strong Transfer Support
BMCC offers an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Child Care/Early Childhood Education with two focus areas: Infant Toddler and Pre-School/Early Elementary. The curriculum blends liberal arts education with specialized courses in early childhood development, preparing students to work as assistant teachers in daycare, Head Start, nursery, and elementary programs. BMCC also provides strong articulation agreements to help students seamlessly transfer to four-year institutions.
Evening and Weekend Class Options for Working Adults
BMCC’s program can be completed through evening and weekend classes, making it ideal for working professionals. In addition to academic training, students benefit from career coaching, internship opportunities, and access to the Career Express and Center for Career Development. These resources empower students to explore professional options and build real-world experience in preparation for a successful transition into the field or a bachelor’s program.
Florida State College at Jacksonville
https://www.fscj.edu/academics/programs/as/2203
Jacksonville, FL
Career-Focused, Flexible Associate Degree in Early Childhood Management
Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) offers a 60-credit Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Early Childhood Management designed for students aiming to work in child development centers or as family home child care providers. The program blends theoretical learning with practical skills in child growth, curriculum development, cultural sensitivity, and health and safety. It also allows students to choose an education or management track, depending on their career goals. Delivered fully online and eligible for financial aid, the program is well-suited for working adults and provides credit transfer options for certain students with prior coursework in child care assisting or supervision.
Pathways to Leadership, Transfer, and State Certification
Graduates can pursue roles as teachers of children under age three, VPK instructors, child care center directors, or family home care operators. The A.S. degree fulfills the Florida Department of Children and Family (DCF) Staff Credential requirement and can be applied toward FSCJ’s Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education or transferred to other Florida state or private colleges. Learning outcomes include proficiency in child development domains, curriculum design, assessment strategies, and the creation of healthy, supportive learning environments for young children.
College of Central Florida
https://www.cf.edu/academics/areas-of-study/teacher-education/early-childhood-education/
Ocala, FL
Affordable Training with Real-World Childcare Experience
The Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education program at the College of Central Florida combines theory and practice through classroom instruction and hands-on experience at the on-campus preschool lab. Designed to prepare students for roles in early childhood education, the curriculum includes opportunities to earn optional college credit certificates in Child Care Center Management and Childhood Development Early Intervention. The program emphasizes developmentally appropriate teaching techniques and supportive learning environments for young children.
Low-Cost Education with Strong Support Systems
With tuition at just $112.92 per credit hour for Florida residents, CF ranks in the top 1% nationally for affordability. More than 87% of students receive financial aid, and over $2 million in scholarships are awarded annually. This two-year, 60-credit program prepares students for immediate employment in child care or continued education in the early childhood field, ensuring both academic growth and professional readiness.
Ivy Tech Community College
https://www.ivytech.edu/programs/all-academic-programs/school-of-arts-sciences-education/education-early-childhood/
Indianapolis, IN 4608
Hands-On Learning with Multiple Pathways and Credentials
Ivy Tech’s Early Childhood Education program offers an immersive, hands-on curriculum where students develop skills by engaging with children in real-world settings such as on-campus labs and community centers. The program focuses on child development, family engagement, and effective teaching strategies. Students can choose from a variety of stackable credentials, including the Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Science (AS) for transfer, and multiple technical and short-term certificates.
Affordable and Flexible with Transfer and Leadership Tracks
The associate degrees (60 credits over four semesters) cost approximately $10,703, with options to complete 100% online. Ivy Tech supports both career-ready and transfer-oriented students, and many programs are eligible for Indiana’s NextLevel Jobs initiative, which may cover tuition for qualifying students. Graduates can pursue careers in child care, preschool teaching, classroom support, or center administration—and programs at several campuses are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
How Long to Pay It Off?
To understand how long it might take to pay off your student loan for an Early Childhood Education associate degree, let’s assume the average tuition cost is around $12,000, which can vary based on location and school type.
The average starting salary for a graduate in Early Childhood Education is typically about $32,000 per year.
Here’s a breakdown of how long it would take to pay off the student loan if you dedicated 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of your starting salary to loan repayment:
- 5% of Starting Salary:
5% of $32,000 = $1,600 per year
Loan repayment: $12,000 / $1,600 = 7.5 years - 10% of Starting Salary:
10% of $32,000 = $3,200 per year
Loan repayment: $12,000 / $3,200 = 3.75 years - 15% of Starting Salary:
15% of $32,000 = $4,800 per year
Loan repayment: $12,000 / $4,800 = 2.5 years - 20% of Starting Salary:
20% of $32,000 = $6,400 per year
Loan repayment: $12,000 / $6,400 = 1.875 years
As you can see, the more of your starting salary you allocate to loan repayment, the faster you can pay off your debt. If you dedicate 20% of your salary, you could pay off your student loan in under two years, while dedicating 5% would extend the repayment period to 7.5 years.
It’s important to remember that these calculations are based on the assumption that you won’t face any interest accumulation or additional costs. However, these figures provide a useful guideline to help you understand how loan repayment can vary based on how much you contribute each year. Adjusting the percentage of your income dedicated to loan payments is a practical way to take control of your financial future while working toward your career goals in early childhood education.