An online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education may provide students with the skills and training needed to educate and care for young children. In these four-year programs, students may learn how to prepare children for kindergarten as well as plan the curriculum that targets child development. Coursework within these programs may include general education requirement courses alongside electives and major-specific classes, such as language development, motor activities, and children’s literature.

Online bachelor’s-level program graduates may seek entry-level employment or further their education and enroll in a graduate-level program. Bachelor’s-level graduates may find employment opportunities at daycares, after-school programs, preschools, and elementary schools.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Four years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Master’s / Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 25% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for baccalaureate-level programs in early childhood education may combine general education requirements along with major-specific courses and electives. Students enrolled in these four-year programs may study child brain development, gain leadership skills geared toward early childhood education programs, and promote children’s healthy development. Core early childhood education courses may include the following:

• Child Development
• Nutrition and Health in Children
• Motor Activities
• Children’s Literature
• Language Development
• Early Childhood Curriculum
• Children with Special Needs

Career Options

Graduates of online bachelor’s degree programs in early childhood education may find careers in preschools, after-school programs, daycares, special education classes, elementary schools, and tutoring classes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those in early childhood education may increase by 25% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Preschool Teacher
• Childcare Worker
• Teacher Assistant
• Tutor
• Preschool Director

Continuing Education

Graduates may continue their studies and enroll in a graduate-level program in early childhood education or related field. These upper-level programs may provide students additional training and skills on teaching in a classroom, and students may study child psychology, classroom management, and family engagement. Employers may prefer to hire individuals who have some post secondary education in early childhood education, and those who wish to work in the public school sector may need to hold at least a bachelor’s degree at minimum. Select states and employers may require preschool teachers to have licensure and certification, such as the Child Development Associate (CDA), from the Council for Professional Recognition or the Child Care Professional (CCP) certification from the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook