700+ programs across 9 career paths
Free to search — no cost, no obligation
Financial Aid may be available for those who qualify
An early childhood education degree prepares you to teach and care for children from infancy through kindergarten, one of the most in demand specializations in teaching. DegreeFlex can match you with accredited early childhood education degree programs at every level.
An early childhood education degree, sometimes called an early childhood development degree online, covers how young children learn, grow, and develop socially and emotionally. Coursework blends child development theory with hands-on classroom teaching methods.
Early childhood education degree graduates most commonly move into preschool teaching roles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, preschool teachers earned a median annual wage of $38,140 as of May 2025, with about 583,200 people employed in the role. Employment is projected to grow 4% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations, with about 66,700 openings projected each year.
A few of the accredited schools you could be matched with.
Kaplan has offered specialized, flexible degree programs to students around the globe. Our mission is to empower a diverse student body for academic, personal, and professional success.
Don’t just go back to school — come back and move forward with Purdue Global, Purdue’s online university for working adults.
For decades, CU Online has helped students build rewarding careers. With personalized support from day one to graduation, you’ll stay on track to reach your goals.
Kaplan has offered specialized, flexible degree programs to students around the globe. Our mission is to empower a diverse student body for academic, personal, and professional success.
Kaplan has offered specialized, flexible degree programs to students around the globe. Our mission is to empower a diverse student body for academic, personal, and professional success.
Don’t just go back to school — come back and move forward with Purdue Global, Purdue’s online university for working adults.
For decades, CU Online has helped students build rewarding careers. With personalized support from day one to graduation, you’ll stay on track to reach your goals.
Pay is on the lower end compared to other teaching specializations
Bachelor’s degree and state certification typically required for public schools
Bachelor’s degree and state certification typically required for public schools
Classroom settings can be noisy and high energy throughout the day
Entry-level teaching assistant and childcare roles
The typical minimum requirement for lead preschool and pre-K teaching roles
Curriculum leadership, coaching, or specialized early intervention roles
Research, academic, or early childhood policy careers
An early childhood education associate degree online can qualify you for teaching assistant or childcare roles, and often serves as a foundation for continuing on to a bachelor’s degree.
Graduates commonly find roles as preschool assistants, childcare center staff, and daycare lead teachers, with opportunities to advance further with a bachelor’s degree.
They overlap significantly. A child development degree tends to focus more on developmental theory and psychology, while early childhood education programs place more emphasis on classroom teaching methods.
Requirements vary by role and state. Childcare assistant roles may only require a certificate, while lead teacher roles in public pre-K programs typically require at least a bachelor’s degree and state certification.
A master’s degree can open doors to curriculum leadership, coaching, or early intervention specialist roles, though a bachelor’s degree is enough to begin teaching in most settings.
Answer a few quick questions and see accredited early childhood education programs matched to you, free with no obligation.
