early childhood education ba

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (Birth - Age 5)

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UC Online’s Bachelor in Early Childhood Education (ECE) offers a program to round out and enhance educators’ Birth – Age 5 educational experience. This program is designed to build on associate degree competencies to strengthen professionals’ ability to design and implement developmentally appropriate learning environments for children Birth–Age 5.

Whether you are in a preschool, Head Start program, child-care center, family childcare environment, or just interested in getting started in the field, our online program provides the flexibility and accessibility you need.  Our courses give you information and strategies that you can learn today and apply in the classroom tomorrow! This degree does not lead to Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 5 licensure.

Early Childhood Education Program Highlights:

• Start-to-Graduation Support: Every student enrolled online is assigned a dedicated Academic Advisor and also a Student Success Coordinator providing one-on-one support. They are your on-campus partners who can help you manage your time and ensure you’re meeting degree requirements to get you to graduation.
• T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® OHIO Scholarship: Current Ohio early childhood professionals may be eligible to receive financial assistance for the cost of tuition, books, and related education expenses. Visit OCCRRA to apply.
• 100% Online: All coursework is completed online – no campus visits are required!
• Flexible Scheduling: Offering part-time and full-time options, our online program is designed with busy, working professionals in mind.
• Three Start Dates per Year: With courses offered year-round, students are offered the convenience of beginning their degree in Fall, Spring, or Summer.
• Accredited:  The University of Cincinnati and all of its regional campuses are accredited by the  Higher Learning Commission . Additionally, UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice & Human Rights (CECH) is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
• Nationally Ranked: UC Online’s BSEd in Early Childhood Care & Education is currently ranked as the 2nd Best Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education by TheBestSchools.org .

Our Guiding Principles:

• To provide accessible education to early childhood teachers.
• To support teachers, families, staff, administrators, and children they serve.
• To help programs meet state and federal mandates and quality initiatives.
• To help teachers meet educational goals.
• To strengthen workplace learning.
• To create technology-proficient teachers.

Business Scholarship Program

UC Online has partnered with hundreds of companies to offer tuition scholarships to employees, spouses, and dependents.

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Yes. You will need to work with a program advisor to understand what credits will apply and meet the minimum requirement for credit hours completed at the University of Cincinnati.

Programs can be completed full-time or part-time. Many programs are set up to be part-time, with most containing fewer than 10 credit hours in any given semester. We know you have a lot going on, so want to make sure that school can fit into your schedule. Note: There are some exceptions.

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Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education (BAECE)

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BA Degree in Early Childhood Education (BAECE)

National University’s Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education gives you the tools and skills to make an impact in the lives of young learners. Fostering a love of learning in children under the age of eight can set them up for success throughout their entire educational journey. Beyond learning academics, early childhood education focuses on social and emotional development and helps young minds develop a positive outlook on education. Whether you’re looking to advance your career as an early childhood educator or begin in the field, a bachelor’s degree will give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Help Children Build a Strong Foundation for Learning

The BAECE program at NU is based on a conceptual framework of current theory, contemporary perspectives, and sound research findings. You’ll gain the knowledge, skills, practice, reflection, and field experiences needed to become efficient, competent, and an effective professional in the field. You’ll learn to design appropriate learning environments, individual and adaptive curricula, and instructional strategies and techniques to maximize learning outcomes.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

Course Details

Preparation for the major.

• 4 courses; 18 quarter units

Overview of major and theoretical frameworks and perspectives. Focus on gender and cultural impact on biological, physical, cognitive, social, moral, emotional and behavioral aspects of development for effective educational practices.

Focus on the influence of family, school and community on development and education of the young child. Special emphasis on the role of nutrition, positive home and school environments and community resources.

Focus on cultural pluralism and its impact on development and education in regards to teaching and learning strategies. Emphasis on self-examination, reflection, and integration of current processes involved in interactions and relationships in society.

Focus on the eight components for coordinated health for young children in out-of-home care. Health, physical education, health and nutrition services, health promotion for the staff, counseling and psychological services, a safe healthy environment, and family involvement, and community resources and personnel will be addressed. Attention will be directed towards children with special needs and challenging behaviors as well as legal and ethical issues in the field of early childhood.

Requirements for the Major

• 12 courses; 54 quarter units

Focus on local, state and federal statutes and regulations in early education settings. Emphasis on ethical codes of conduct, including analysis of legal and ethical dilemmas and practice.

Prerequisite :  ECE 201; ECE 210; HED 220 and ECE 211

Inquiry into the nature and tasks of early cognition including social, cultural and biological foundations. Attention paid to current research implications for learning theory, individual differences and classroom instruction.

Prerequisite :  ECE 330

Focus is on infants and toddlers in group care settings. Emphasis is on close, caring relationships in the cultural context of the child and family, understanding developmental milestones, the identification of special needs, and current issues of health, safety and nutrition.

Focus on acquisition and developmental aspects of language related to emergent literacy skills. Emphasis on current research regarding language experiences that contributes to literacy acquisitions, including assessment and instruction.

Focus on essential elements of curriculum design including writing of goals, learning outcomes, developmentally appropriate activities, assessment measures and integration of the arts. Alignment with national and state standards stressed.

Focus on identification, design and delivery of developmentally age appropriate experiences that encourage active math, science and technology inquiry. Inquiry related to emerging notions of mathematical and scientific processes is basis for activities along with the inclusion of technology as a strategy.

Focus on play as the primary learning modality for young children. Theoretical basis for play as a means of teaching, role in learning and as a means of assessment emphasized.

Focus on acquiring and enhancing skills in the selection, administration, scoring, interpretation, reporting of screening assessment instruments. Emphasis on designing and implementing curricula based on assessment results.

Exploration of variations in child development and identification of specific disabilities in young children. Inclusive early childhood programs, specific strategies for adaptation and accommodation of the core curriculum to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of children who are at-risk or have special needs are examined.

Focus on observation, identification, description, and assessment of challenging behaviors. Designing and implementing effective teaching and learning strategies to successfully guide these behaviors within a social and cultural context.

Focus on acquiring knowledge through current research and developmental theories to plan responsive environments that strengthen family-school partnerships. Will explore through case studies optimum communication techniques for building and maintaining positive relationships with family members.

Prerequisite :  Satisfactory completion of all core courses with an average grade of “C” (2.0) or better in the core.

Participation in a collaborative field/academic experience to reflect and actively practice material covered in core classes. Field experience must be in approved setting and arranged by student. Grading is S or U only.

Upper-Division Electives

Candidates must choose four (4) elective courses from the following:

Focus on enriching and enhancing young children’s learning through the creative arts. Emphasis on integrating creative experiences within core subjects to create developmentally appropriate experiences.

A survey of literature for young children in preschool through first grade. Emphasis on effective read aloud and story telling strategies for the developing language and listening skills, for developing concepts of print and vocabulary and for fostering a love of reading and early literacy skills.

Focus on authentic informal and formal assessments for infants and toddlers, and the use of case study to develop observation skills leading to the promotion of responsive environments.

Focus on infant and toddler development and the role of the adult in supporting optimal outcomes through routines, curriculum planning, and implementation. Candidates will examine the primary components of quality care and education.

Focus on understanding the value of providing opportunities for infants and toddlers to engage in sensory art exploration as well as experimentation with culturally diverse music and dance. Emphasis is on creating experiences indoors and outdoors focusing on the aesthetic process of experiencing various rhythms, tones, textures and color.

Focus on administration of early childhood programs. Emphasis on working with boards, staff, parents and volunteers. Highlights include hiring, assessing, and supervising staff and volunteers. Attention to designing staff and volunteer professional development programs.

Emphasis on theories, principles and practical methods of leadership and supervision applicable to early childhood settings. Demonstrations of instructional, operational and organizational leadership. Focus on components of human resources related to staff recruitment, development and evaluation.

Focus on financial policies and management of resources in early education settings. Emphasis on accounting fundamentals of preparing, recording and monitoring funds.

Understand the impact of crisis, trauma and abuse on young children’s development. Examine research-based classroom strategies to support and mitigate the impact on young children. Focus on building resilience through collaborative partnerships, community resources and advocacy.

Guidelines on planning, designing and organizing physical learning environments for young children. Understanding, comparing, integrating theoretical frameworks on indoor and outdoor environments.

Degree and Course Requirements

To receive a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree, students must complete at least 180 quarter units as articulated below, 45 of which must be completed in residence at National University, 76.5 of which must be completed at the upper-division level, and the University General Education requirements.

In the absence of transfer credit, additional general electives may be necessary to satisfy total units for the degree. Refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information regarding admission and evaluation.

A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education opens doors in a variety of industries, including preschool education, preschool and daycare administration, recreation, elementary and secondary education and community family service organizations. * Employers in this field are looking for skills in teaching, communications, first aid, leadership, planning, management, operations, research, and customer service.

With this bachelor’s degree from National University, you will be prepared to seek roles in the education field such as:

• Preschool Teachers
• Pre-K Teachers
• Summer Camp Teachers
• Child Care Teachers
• Early Childhood Teachers
• Toddler Teachers
• Infant Teachers
• Head Start Teachers
• Home Day Care Provider/Owner

*SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at  https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/  (Report viewed: April, 2022). DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.

The BA in Early Childhood Education curriculum at NU is very rigorous and empowering, with a unique structure focused on three foundations: play, practice, and policy. Throughout the program, you will work with faculty mentors who are also practicing professionals in the field who are able to provide real-world insights and up-to-date knowledge. This also means they share your passion for bettering the lives of youth through meaningful early education.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on experience, which will prove to be extremely valuable as you pursue a fulfilling career. Upon completion of the program, you’ll have the confidence and ability to make a lasting impact.

Earning you Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education will help you remain competitive in the job market, and many schools and centers today require a bachelor’s degree for consideration. Early childhood education is a critical period for child development and is becoming increasingly important, as it has proven to have positive lasting impact. This is a rewarding career path for individuals who care about children and their future.

With this degree, you’ll be qualified to pursue rewarding careers such as preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher (BA in ECD with ITL needed), childcare center director, preschool director, and many others. You’ll also be primed to earn a solid income.

According to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics , about 124,300 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers open up each year. In May 2021, the median annual wage for elementary school teachers was $61,400, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $99,420. Their kindergarten colleagues earned about the same.*

*SOURCE:  https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm#tab-5

Program Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of National University’s BA in Early Childhood Education program, you will be able to:

• Identify essential concepts, inquiry tools , and structure of content areas and resources for early childhood education
• Develop oral, written, and technological skills for communicating with families and very young children
• Create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for young children
• Use systematic observations, documentation, and other assessment strategies in partnership with families and professionals to positively influence children’s development and learning
• Implement a curriculum that promotes development and learning outcomes for diverse young children
• Demonstrate ethical, legal, and professional standards in early childhood education
• Create positive relationships and supportive interactions with young children

Hear From Our Faculty

Watch this video to hear about the need for passionate, heartfelt, lifelong learners in NU’s Teacher Education Department.

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To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.

Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

To speak with our admissions team, call  (855) 355-6288  or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply  start your application today .

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We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 230,000 alumni worldwide.

“This degree will help me to make an impact in my community by providing me with the appropriate tools, methods, theories, and practices in the Early Childhood Education field to provide my current and future classes with the highest quality of education I can provide them.”

– Lisa Alcantara, Class of 2022

Useful Links

• What is Early Childhood Education
• Why is Early Childhood Education Important?
• Is Being a Teacher Worth It?
• Qualities of a Good Teacher
• Learning Theories: Theories of Learning in Education

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Early Childhood Education Program FAQs

Overall, if you want to have a career that involves teaching and helping young children, an early childhood education degree might be the best choice for you.

ECE units refer to early childhood education units. They are essentially units of measure akin to credits for courses related to early childhood education or early childhood development.

Early childhood education (ECE) focuses on the academic, social, and cognitive skills that develop in children from birth through age 8 according to  NAEYC . Elementary education refers to the primary education that comes after preschool but before middle school (typically kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade.)

Online elementary education degree programs that can prepare you to become a kindergarten teacher are available, though you’ll need to complete a student teaching requirement in person. NU does offer a BA in ECD with ITL, which can prepare candidates to meet the TK requirement as well as obtain the multiple subject credential. Read about online bachelor’s degree programs in elementary education and their typical course requirements.

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Do you qualify for a needs-based scholarship? Learn more about the NU Key Grant Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities to unlock the door to your dreams!

Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.

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Top 20 Online Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education Programs for 2019

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the number of jobs available in early childhood education are projected to grow by 7% between 2014 and 2024. Online early childhood education degree graduates are qualified to enter the field in numerous positions, which include teaching and directing. Early childhood educators play a vital role in society, as they influence our children and help shape their future.

WHAT ARE THE BEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAMS?

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The program requires a total of 124 credit hours to graduate. Students can take most courses asynchronously. Each class lasts approximately 7.5 weeks and the entire program is typically completed in five semesters. During their final semester, students complete an internship where they work with young children. If students already work with children at their current job, this experience can count towards the internship requirement. New students can transfer credit hours from other accredited universities or build upon an associate degree that they earned at CU-Portland.

Students complete a total of 120 credit hours, 69 of which concentrate on ECE-related coursework. Distance learners have the option to take courses asynchronously. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 while finishing all lower-division courses in order to remain in the program. Transferring students may apply credits from other Florida public colleges, including completed associate degrees in ECE.

Distance coursework is delivered asynchronously. Near the end of the program, students complete a semester of student teaching at a local elementary school. During this student teaching experience, pupils have the option to work in a general education classroom or with special needs students. Applicants who are considering this program must have already completed at least 40 hours of college credit, including one field experience course. To apply, students should also have a portfolio of work and a GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Students enrolled in this early childhood education degree online can pursue a K-12 teaching credential or an early childhood education specialist credential. The latter program focuses on preparing students to work with special needs children. To complete this bachelor's in early childhood studies, students must complete at least 40 general educational units, including an overview of the Bible and foundations of Christian thought, in addition to 49 major-related units. Before beginning the program, students must also pass two composition courses.

The ECI program, in conjunction with UNK's general education courses, requires students to finish 120 credit hours. The program's course of study focuses on fostering childhood literacy and math skills. The majority of courses are available online, but there are two in-person components that students must complete to graduate: 100 hours of field experience in a school setting and one semester (16 weeks) of student teaching. However, these requirements can be fulfilled near a student’s home. Other in-person components may be necessary if students seek additional endorsements.

For prospective students without transferable credit, the ECE bachelor's degree takes 120 credits and four years to complete. All courses are offered online and delivered synchronously. In the fourth year, distance learners complete both classroom practicums and student teaching experiences. Students record sessions of the latter for grading and professional development purposes. If a student already works in an educational setting, this experience may fulfill the practicum and/or student teaching requirements.

Distance learners must complete 126 credit hours of coursework, 76 of which are taken in major-related classes. FHSU students interested in the program must complete three foundational courses before applying. Once accepted, students can complete classes asynchronously. To remain in the program, students must earn a “C” or better in every course. The program requires four in-person components: three internships split over different semesters and a semester of student teaching.

Students pursuing this bachelor's in early childhood education must complete a total of 124 units, 55 of which are in major-related coursework. Classes are delivered asynchronously. Near the end of the program, students complete a semester-long practicum working with children in a classroom setting. The program culminates in a capstone course where students put their work, practicum experiences, and research into a portfolio to demonstrate how they integrated faith into early childhood education.

Prospective students who already hold a Montessori credential may apply up to 18 transfer credit hours to their degree. Before beginning the program, students must pass an introduction to early childhood education course. Graduation requires the completion of 120 credits, 61 of which are education-specific coursework. Towards the end of the program, students participate in two semesters of in-person fieldwork at local educational institutions such as daycares or private schools.

To enter the program, prospective students must pass 14 prerequisite courses in education and maintain a 2.5 GPA. Students can take these courses asynchronously. Admission is also dependent on a successful interview with a department advisor or coordinator. Once admitted into the program, students complete 16 core courses and build a solid foundation in modern teaching methods. The program also requires 600 hours of in-person field experiences, including student teaching.

To enter the program, prospective students must have already completed at least six college credits with a 2.75 GPA or better. Students may transfer in up to 60 credit hours from other colleges and universities. The program requires distance learners to finish 124 credit hours. Students can take the majority of classes asynchronously. Near the end of the program, students complete a semester of student teaching at two different grade levels.

Prospective students must have already completed at least 60 general education units with a GPA of 2.4 or higher. Distance learners may transfer general education units from another accredited college or university. All courses are offered in an accelerated, six-week long format. Over three 24-week semester, students take courses synchronously with their cohort group. The majority of students finish the program in 18 months.

To earn their degree, students must complete at least 180 quarter hours. NU allows students to transfer in up to 135 quarter hours of college credit. Most online courses are delivered asynchronously. During the program, students complete both a practicum, where they observe young children, and student teaching. Students who already work with young children may use their professional experience to fulfill these requirements.

Applicants should have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and complete a successful admissions interview. Students take a total of 120 credit hours, and distance courses are delivered asynchronously. Major-related courses revolve around five core themes: teaching phonics, foundations of education, working with reading-disabled students, developmental reading, and using creative arts in ECE.

Students in this 122-credit program can transfer in up to 90 credits from other accredited institutions. Most classes are taught asynchronously, and distance learners can choose to follow an accelerated or traditional semester format. Coursework is accessible through the Blackboard learning management system.

Before applying, prospective students must already have earned 12 or more transferable college credits. Once accepted, students develop their skills through fieldwork and two practicum experiences where they work with children who are up to eight years old. Coursework is delivered asynchronously. The program ends with a capstone course where students prove mastery of ECE pedagogy.

MSU accepts transfer credits from other accredited colleges or universities. Once accepted, students must maintain a 2.75 average, with some courses requiring a "B" or higher to receive credit. Although the majority of this program is completed online with asynchronous courses, students must attend some teaching methods classes offered as synchronous, evening courses. Completion of the program meets the requirements for teacher licensure in the state of North Dakota.

GSC is a very transfer-friendly institution; 84% of the students who have pursued this early childhood education degree online entered the program with transferable credits. Distance learners can transfer in up to 90 credit hours towards their diploma. Prospective students can apply to the program in the spring, summer, or fall semesters. Once accepted, students must maintain a “C” average in all courses; this rule also applies to transfer credits.

Students who have already earned an associate degree in early childhood development from another institution can complete this bachelor's program in as few as two years. The program does not meet the requirements for teacher licensure or certification.

How to Choose an Online Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education Program

Students considering earning their early childhood education degree online should consider many factors as they compare various programs, including curriculum content, classroom setting requirements, and how the program supports online students.

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN THIS PROGRAM?

Course content can vary between programs, and students should seek programs that offer courses in subject matter that aligns with their career and individual interests. Core courses cover the various learning styles of children and teaching methodologies that meet a wide range of needs and abilities. It's important to know your intended career path, as online schools for early childhood education focus on different aspects of the field and better prepare students for certain careers.

WILL I GET TO WORK IN A CLASSROOM IF I ATTEND AN ONLINE PROGRAM?

Students who plan to pursue teaching licensure after they complete their accredited online early childhood education degree should verify that the program they wish to attend includes a clinical component, which is required by state licensure commissions. This means that degree candidates are offered opportunities to learn and apply their knowledge in a classroom environment under the supervision of a licensed instructor, who acts as a mentor and oversees the development of their teaching skills.

HOW DOES THIS PROGRAM SUPPORT ONLINE STUDENTS?

Online schools for early childhood education vary in the level of support they provide to online students. Some universities help students secure a classroom student teaching position. Schools often provide mentors and other online resources for distance learners, such as career services and interview preparation. Mentors supply degree candidates with helpful strategies for managing difficult students and balancing the demands of parents with government-mandated curricula.

Accreditation for Early Childhood Education Programs

Accreditation is awarded after a school has passed inspection by an accreditation agency. National accreditation agencies generally accredit vocational, career, and trade schools; it is seen as less prestigious than region accreditation. Regionally accredited graduate schools typically require applicants to have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Regional accreditation means that a school’s program has met the high standards applied by one of the six regional accrediting agencies in the United States. Students may want to look for program accreditation that's awarded by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The NAEYC applies the highest standards in evaluating programs for accreditation to meet state licensure requirements.

Careers for Graduates of this Program

Early childhood education degree online graduates are prepared for many careers. These jobs generally entail hands-on work educating children. Some early childhood education jobs are managerial or administrative in nature, such as a position directing a child care facility. Regardless of your ultimate ambition, students are able to find rewarding work after completing an online early childhood education degree.

Teacher Assistant

Childcare director, preschool director, elementary school teacher, special education teacher, job outlook and salary.

Preschool and child care directors are projected to see substantial job growth in the coming years. A professional in the field of early childhood education should be aware that several factors are at play with regard to salary. This includes the specific career, the setting, and location. Private institutions may offer higher salaries and certain states are going to have higher median salaries do to job demand.

Source: BLS

SALARY GROWTH BY EXPERIENCE

More years of experience within a field will lead to a higher salary. An elementary school teacher with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education will earn significantly more money as they acquire years of experience. The table below shows how this can affect the salary potential for various early childhood education careers.

Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the 10 best online bachelor's in early childhood education programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.

Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Degree Online Pint-Sized Scholars With Big Futures

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Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total

Impact the Next Generation with Liberty’s Non-Licensure BS in Early Childhood Education Interdisciplinary Studies Degree

A lot happens in a child’s development both before and during their early years of elementary school. With new concepts constantly being introduced to them, children under the age of 8 have a lot of growing to do! You can have a hand in providing the love, support, and encouragement these young ones need to embrace learning and get the best start they can.

Giving children a solid foundation for their academic journey can lead to better lives and opportunities for them down the road. The young students you work with today could be tomorrow’s world changers. By earning an early childhood education degree online, you can learn how to transform the lives of the children in your care.

Liberty’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Early Childhood Education Interdisciplinary Studies is an excellent option if you want to work in Christian school, private school, or homeschool settings or in childcare facilities and churches. You could also pursue a career as a paraprofessional educator in a public school. If you decide later on down the road to pursue licensure, this early childhood education online degree can provide a solid foundation for pursuing a licensure-track Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) .

Please note: Liberty’s BS in Early Childhood Education Interdisciplinary Studies is a non-licensure degree. This program is designed to prepare students for non-licensed teaching/education roles and to offer a solid foundation for pursuing a licensure program at a later time. If you are interested in teaching licensure at the bachelor’s level, please see our Bachelor of Education program.

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Why Choose Liberty’s Online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Interdisciplinary Studies?

If going for your bachelor’s degree seems overwhelming, or you’re wondering how long it takes to earn a degree in early childhood education, let us help. With 8 start dates per year and no set login times, you’ll have the freedom to complete your early childhood education online bachelor’s degree on your schedule.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ). Our programs have met rigorous academic standards and accreditation requirements, so you can be confident that you’re receiving an education of the highest quality.

Our bachelor’s degree in early childhood education online is taught by seasoned faculty who care about your success. Drawing on their years of real-world experience, they can help equip you to lead with excellence and integrity in the field of education. Their encouragement can help fuel your heart for teaching, reminding you how important your work is for eternity.

In addition to offering award-winning academics and industry-leading faculty, we’ve designed our degrees to give you as many opportunities as possible to grow and learn practical skills. Our online early childhood education bachelor’s degree includes an optional field experience course that can be completed at an approved location near you. This course can help give you an additional confidence boost as you apply your studies to a live classroom setting.

What Will You Study in Our Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Online Program?

Liberty’s bachelor’s degree in early childhood education focuses on current issues and trends in education. You can also learn about the elements of instruction and the important psychological milestones of early childhood development. We know that you are passionate about teaching children – so are we! Let us help you discover the best instructional strategies for both you and your students.

At Liberty, you can earn a degree focused on child development as well as education theories and practices. This can help you better tailor an educational experience to the specific needs of your young students.

We know that lectures and online assignments can only teach you so much – hands-on experience is important as well. That’s why our online bachelor’s in early childhood education degree includes an optional field experience capstone course, which can help you put your skills to the test in a live classroom.

Potential Career Opportunities

Some of the positions you can pursue with a non-licensure bachelor’s in early childhood education include:

• Early childhood center director
• Kindergarten/elementary school teacher*
• Paraprofessional educator in a public school
• Preschool teacher*
• Teacher within a faith-based organization or private school

*The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education does not lead to teacher licensure. However, this program may be a good fit for students who do not need state teaching licensure to teach at a private school or in other non-licensure settings.

Featured Courses

• EDUC 210 – Early Childhood Education Fundamentals
• EDUC 215 – Wellness in the Early Childhood Setting
• PSYC 210 – Developmental Psychology
• PSYC 221 – Psychology of Childhood

Degree Information

• This program falls under the School of Education .
• View the Undergraduate Education Course Guides (login required) .
• This online early childhood education degree can help prepare you for Liberty’s licensure-track Master of Arts in Teaching .
• Please note: This is a non-licensure program.

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

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Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

To continue our mission of providing affordable education,  electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!

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Admission Information for the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Students may be allowed to enroll in up to 12 credit hours with Liberty with the submission of our High School Self-Certification Form (login required – you will first need to claim your Liberty Account ) .
• Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form .

Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

*Official high school transcript requirement may be waived with college transcripts from an accredited college/university showing at least 12 earned credit hours with an acceptable GPA.

Note: A 2.0 or above cumulative GPA is required for admission in good standing.

Transcript Policies

High school transcript policy.

Applicants may submit a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of a final official high school transcript in order to enroll in up to 12 credit hours at Liberty University.

• Applicants may submit a college transcript showing 12 or more credits from an accredited institution and a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of high school transcripts.

Students must submit official high school transcripts, or official college transcripts showing at least 12 credit hours earned with an acceptable grade point average (GPA) from an accredited institution, in order to register for additional courses.

The official high school transcript, GED requirement, and High School Self-Certification Form can be waived if the applicant has earned an associate degree or higher.

Final transcripts must reflect all coursework and final grades received for grades 9-12, a graduation date, and an overall GPA. (Mailed transcripts must be in a sealed and unopened envelope.)

Unofficial College Transcript Policy

Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:

• Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
• Cumulative GPA
• A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
• Degree and date conferred (if applicable)

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Military Transfers

If you have military-only transfer credits (completed basic training and enlistment), you must request an official military transcript. Please go to the Military Transfer Credit webpage to request your military transcript.

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, you may be required to have your international transcripts reviewed. Information regarding the transcript evaluation process for international students can be found by visiting NACES .

Admissions Office Contact Information

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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course) *
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
• Potential college credit for military training

*Not applicable to certificates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs can you get with a non-licensure bachelor of early childhood education online.

When you think of education professionals, maybe you picture licensed teachers working in public schools. Licensed educators certainly play a vital role in training up the next generation of students, but the field of early childhood education is so much more vast than that – and many jobs are open to applicants without a teaching license!

With this non-licensure early childhood degree online, you can pursue a variety of roles in early childhood centers, churches, and homeschool settings. You could even go on to teach in a private school or work as a paraprofessional in a public school. Partner with us and earn a degree that gets you where you need to go.

Can you earn an early childhood education degree online?

Yes! At Liberty, we believe you should be able to pursue your academic goals without putting your life on hold. That’s why our bachelor’s degree in early childhood education is available 100% online. You’ll have the flexibility to stay invested in your job, family, and community while getting the training you need to launch your career.

If you decide to take the optional field experience course as part of your Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, you can complete the necessary hours at an approved location near you. That way, you can gain valuable hands-on training without having to leave your area.

Can you teach elementary school with a degree in early childhood education?

Early childhood education typically applies to children from birth through age 8. Thus, with a BS in Early Childhood Education degree online, you could become qualified to teach in a non-licensure capacity through the 3rd grade! Be sure to research the application requirements for any jobs you’re interested in to verify what type of education is needed.

What is the benefit of earning a non-licensure early childhood education degree?

Since many teaching jobs in public schools require state licensure, you may be wondering what advantage there is to pursuing a non-licensure bachelor of early childhood education. Typically, a licensure-track degree (e.g., a Bachelor of Education ) will require a certain amount of practicums, student teaching placements, and gate courses to ensure you meet all competencies for licensure. These things are critical if you want to become a licensed teacher – but there are many education roles you can pursue without licensure.

If you’re confident that you don’t need licensure at this time (e.g., if you’re looking to teach in a private school), the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education provides a strong foundation in learning theory and instructional practice without requiring extensive field placements or other requirements associated with state licensure. Many non-licensure roles will still require a certain level of formal education, and this bachelor’s degree can help provide the training you need to pursue your career goals without requiring you to commit to student teaching placements and practicum hours.

What do you study in an online early childhood education degree?

Our early childhood education bachelor’s degree online can help you gain a solid foundation in a variety of subjects, such as biology, history, mathematics, geometry, and communication. This well-rounded base of courses can help ensure that you’re ready to guide students through a variety of subject-specific activities from pre-K through 3rd grade.

You’ll also dive into essential areas of education like learning theory, classroom management, instructional practice, and educational philosophy. Lastly, you’ll look specifically at the fundamentals of early childhood education, with an emphasis on the psychological development and learning needs of young children.

What topics are covered in an early childhood education degree?

Some of the topics you’ll study in this early childhood bachelor’s degree include:

• Approaches to teaching reading, including phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and language development
• Basic theories and principles of child growth and development
• Best practices for teaching mathematics
• How family relationships, development, and content knowledge affect early childhood education
• How to develop a personal philosophy and apply it to teaching, lesson plan design, and delivery
• Learning theories and styles
• Methods for classroom management
• The promotion of wellness in early childhood education through good nutrition and safety for young children

Will this program provide any hands-on experience?

You have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with an optional field experience capstone.

Does this program allow for transfer credit?

You can transfer in up to 75% of your total credits to Liberty’s online bachelor’s in early childhood education.

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Best Early Childhood Education Degrees Online

Are you ready to discover your college program?

An online early childhood education degree prepares enrollees to work with young children. Find out how to earn this credential and choose the right program.

Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Overview

People who love working with young children typically pursue early childhood education degrees to qualify for work as preschool teachers, preschool or childcare directors, and assistant teachers. Common workplaces include daycare centers, preschools, elementary schools, and early childhood centers.

Early childhood education programs develop skills in classroom management, curriculum development, and child advocacy. Students can also gain leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Some online early childhood education programs include teacher licensure, while others do not.

A typical curriculum in early childhood education covers topics like child development, diversity in education, individualized learning, and support for dual language learners. Students may also learn about special education, classroom organization, and emerging literacy assessment methods.

The Best Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Programs

The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS — see sources section for more details.

The University of Washington

• Campus + Online
• In-State $10,629
• Out-of-state $37,998
• Retention Rate 93%
• Acceptance Rate 56%
• Students Enrolled 48,149
• Institution Type Public
• Percent Online Enrollment 11%
• Accreditation Yes

Western Governors University

• In-State $6,380
• Out-of-state $6,380
• Retention Rate 75%
• Acceptance Rate 0%
• Students Enrolled 147,866
• Institution Type Private
• Percent Online Enrollment 0%

Florida International University

• In-State $4,721
• Out-of-state $16,529
• Retention Rate 91%
• Acceptance Rate 58%
• Students Enrolled 58,836
• Percent Online Enrollment 86%

Central Methodist University

• In-State $5,950
• Out-of-state $5,950
• Retention Rate 67%
• Acceptance Rate 100%
• Students Enrolled 3,429
• Percent Online Enrollment 59%

Grand Canyon University

• In-State $16,424
• Out-of-state $16,424
• Retention Rate 74%
• Acceptance Rate 81%
• Students Enrolled 103,427
• Percent Online Enrollment 92%

Mayville State University

• In-State $6,025
• Out-of-state $9,038
• Retention Rate 63%
• Acceptance Rate 53%
• Students Enrolled 1,168
• Percent Online Enrollment 68%

Aspen University

• In-State $4,545
• Out-of-state $4,545
• Retention Rate 61%
• Students Enrolled 9,563
• Percent Online Enrollment 100%

Florida State College at Jacksonville

• In-State $2,095
• Out-of-state $7,947
• Retention Rate 0%
• Students Enrolled 22,344
• Percent Online Enrollment 89%

National University

• In-State $13,320
• Out-of-state $13,320
• Retention Rate 45%
• Acceptance Rate 89%
• Students Enrolled 18,070
• Percent Online Enrollment 44%

Walden University

• In-State $10,139
• Out-of-state $10,139
• Retention Rate 33%
• Students Enrolled 49,695

University of Phoenix

• In-State $9,552
• Out-of-state $9,552
• Retention Rate 42%
• Students Enrolled 89,763

Charter Oak State College

• In-State $7,656
• Out-of-state $10,056
• Retention Rate 50%
• Students Enrolled 1,634

Northwestern College

• In-State $32,700
• Out-of-state $32,700
• Retention Rate 79%
• Acceptance Rate 74%
• Students Enrolled 1,496
• Percent Online Enrollment 46%

Liberty University

• In-State $14,791
• Out-of-state $14,791
• Retention Rate 81%
• Acceptance Rate 50%
• Students Enrolled 93,349
• Percent Online Enrollment 93%

Colorado Christian University

• In-State $24,160
• Out-of-state $24,160
• Retention Rate 82%
• Students Enrolled 7,839
• Percent Online Enrollment 57%

Northwest Florida State College

• In-State $2,496
• Students Enrolled 5,004
• Percent Online Enrollment 78%

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

• In-State $4,422
• Out-of-state $19,581
• Acceptance Rate 88%
• Students Enrolled 19,764
• Percent Online Enrollment 94%

Indiana Wesleyan University

• In-State $8,871
• Out-of-state $8,871
• Students Enrolled 10,944

Eastern Oregon University

• In-State $7,830
• Out-of-state $20,520
• Retention Rate 70%
• Acceptance Rate 94%
• Students Enrolled 2,853

The University of Montana Western

• In-State $4,523
• Out-of-state $15,913
• Retention Rate 73%
• Acceptance Rate 52%
• Students Enrolled 1,334
• Percent Online Enrollment 74%

Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Programs Ranking Guidelines

We selected the below accredited online early childhood education programs based on quality, types of courses offered, faculty, rankings, awards, and reputation, including the schools reputation for providing quality online degrees.

Featured Online Education Degrees

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The Advantages of Studying Early Childhood Education Online

While graduates with associate degrees can pursue early childhood education employment, a bachelor’s-level education can provide additional benefits. Bachelor’s degree-holders can work as lead preschool teachers, preschool directors, and elementary teachers for K-3 students. Individuals with associate degrees can only work in lower-level education jobs, like assistant preschool teachers.

Earning a master’s in early childhood education can deliver even more opportunities, such as roles in advanced fields like curriculum development or principalship. Graduates can also qualify for college professor employment to teach early childhood education.

For most early childhood education careers, a bachelor’s degree will suffice. If you’re undecided about pursuing a higher degree, consider the potential salaries of careers in early childhood education.

Featured Early Childhood Education Programs

Which online early education degree program is right for me.

Take your time when exploring your options for earning an online degree in early childhood education. The first school you find might not be the right choice for you. Many institutions offer online programs, so it can be beneficial to remain discerning and selective.

Schools may charge discounted tuition to in-state learners. For example, Texas residents can often save money by enrolling in Texas-based schools . Some online programs offer flat-rate tuition to all enrollees, regardless of location.

Early Childhood Education Careers and Outlook

Early childhood education is a versatile degree and can open the door to various careers. Some early childhood education degree-holders earn teaching credentials and work in elementary schools or special education.

Common careers for students who earn an online early childhood education degree include preschool teacher, childcare worker, preschool and childcare center director, and teacher assistant.

This data represents a small sampling of the careers available to early childhood education graduates. Explore some of the best online programs in early childhood education below.

Featured Online Special Education Degrees

Accreditation for online early childhood education degrees.

Always ensure that your online master’s in early childhood education is accredited. Accreditation occurs at the institutional and programmatic levels. Institutional accreditation indicates that the school has undergone a voluntary evaluation of its student resources, outcomes, and curriculums.

Attending an accredited institution ensures that you can receive federal financial aid and transfer credits between schools. Programmatic accreditation focuses on departments and programs within schools and usually serves as a secondary accreditation. The primary accreditors for early childhood education programs are the Teacher Education Accreditation Council and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation .

The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee accreditation agencies to ensure their integrity. To learn more, check out CHEA’s list of accrediting bodies for private, state, and community colleges.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Program?

• Principles of Development in Infancy: In this class, students learn the normal stages of development over the first few months of a child’s life. This course also covers methods of recognizing and intervening in developmental problems that may begin during infancy.
• Health, Safety, and Nutrition: Enrollees learn about what children should eat, how to prevent dangerous accidents, and how to foster a healthy learning environment. When adults meet children’s physical needs, kids can focus on learning and developing.
• Child and Family Development: Children grow and change significantly from ages 3-6. In this course, students learn children’s stages of growth and how family development can affect the process. Enrollees explore normal characteristics for each early childhood stage, allowing them to identify children who may have developmental delays.
• Relationships in Today’s Families: No two family units have the same dynamics, and learning about the differences can help educators understand how to best communicate with and motivate young children. Unfortunately, some children come from broken homes, and teachers must be sensitive to a child’s home life.
• Classroom Experience: Online early childhood education programs require real-world classroom experience. In this class, students work in classroom settings under lead teachers’ supervision. Enrollees develop familiarity with creating and implementing lesson plans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s Degrees

What is the best degree for early childhood education.

The best online early childhood education degree depends on your career goals and personal interests. In general, a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education offers excellent preparation for most early childhood education careers. However, you can consider a master’s degree if you want to pursue leadership or administrative roles.

What is the difference between a BS and a BA in early childhood education?

Both types of bachelor’s degrees usually require the same number of credits and prepare students to pursue careers in the early childhood education field. However, a BS usually requires more math and science classes, while a BA focuses on the arts and humanities.

How long does it take to get a degree in early childhood education?

A typical bachelor’s degree in early childhood education takes about four years for full-time students to complete. Some online programs may offer accelerated options with shorter degree completion timelines. Associate and master’s degrees usually take about two years of full-time enrollment.

Is a degree in early childhood education worth it?

In general, early childhood education is not a very lucrative field, but professionals perform fulfilling work helping young children. Earning an early childhood education degree can put you in a better position to ask for raises and promotions than peers without formal education.

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Earning A Bachelor’s Degree In Early Childhood Education: Everything You Need To Know

Updated: Jun 20, 2023, 11:01am

Do you want to harness the transformative power of early childhood education (ECE) and lay the foundation for children’s future success? If so, earning a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education can be a stepping stone to a rewarding career in this field. This article discusses what earning a bachelor’s in early childhood education entails, including standard admission requirements, common coursework and different career options you can explore.

The early years of a child’s life are a time of boundless curiosity, rapid growth and significant milestones. Early childhood educators and caregivers are a guiding force––navigating the way for our youngest learners to uncover the treasures of self-discovery and knowledge acquisition. These professionals play an integral role in nurturing young minds, fostering creativity and igniting an enduring love for learning during pivotal developmental years.

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What Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education?

A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education is an undergraduate degree that prepares students for rewarding careers as teachers, mentors, administrators, advocates and caregivers for children between birth and eight years of age. A bachelor’s in early childhood education typically comprises 120 credits divided between general education and major-specific coursework and takes around four years of full-time study to complete.

Degree programs in this field typically cover topics such as child psychology, teaching methodologies, curriculum development, classroom management and assessment techniques. Many early childhood education bachelor’s programs include a fieldwork or practicum component, allowing learners to gain relevant hands-on experience under the supervision of a professional.

Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education

Admission requirements for a bachelor’s in early childhood education vary by program. Some common admission criteria for this degree program often include:

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent
• Official high school and postsecondary transcripts
• A minimum grade point average
• SAT or ACT scores

It’s essential to research the specific admission requirements of each school or program you wish to enroll in, as they can vary significantly.

Common Courses in a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education

A bachelor’s in early childhood education typically includes courses that cover foundational theories and practices, child development, teaching methodologies, curriculum design and methods for evaluating students’ progress. Below are just a few courses you might find in an early childhood education bachelor’s program. However, each program offers its own unique curriculum

Early Childhood Development

Early childhood development courses introduce foundational child development theories, concepts, principles and research. Learners examine the socio-emotional, language, cognitive and physical development of children up to around eight years of age, discuss learning opportunities to support these areas of growth and examine how culturally and developmentally appropriate learning experiences promote early brain development.

This course may also address basic nutrition, health, safety, and trauma and resiliency principles.

Family, School and Community

A family, school and community course focuses on developing and maintaining strong connections with families and guardians, professionals, and community stakeholders and involving them in a child’s education. Students explore different approaches to advocacy, family engagement, and resource development and management.

Early Literacy, Language and Communication

Early literacy, language and communication courses examine the communication methods of children between birth and eight years of age, focusing on language and literacy fundamentals and the development of communication skills. Students explore age- and developmentally-appropriate practices to design and implement strategies that promote language, literacy and communication development in early learning environments, along with how to gauge how students perform.

Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education

In courses on curriculum and instruction in early childhood education, students learn how to create developmentally appropriate classroom layouts, lesson plans, instructional materials, activities and educational play.

Accreditation for Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education

Enrolling in an accredited early childhood education program is vital. Accreditation ensures a program meets established quality education standards and is eligible for licensing or certification requirements. Accreditation also evaluates programs based on faculty qualifications, student support services and field experience.

Regional accrediting agencies for early childhood education programs offered by colleges and universities include the Higher Learning Commission, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education?

Graduates with a bachelor’s in early childhood education can pursue various career paths in the public and private sectors. The below salary data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Preschool Teacher

Median Annual Salary: $35,330 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree Job Overview: Preschool teachers play a fundamental role in the early education, development and care of young children, who are typically between the ages of two and five. These professionals design and implement age-appropriate curricula that promote cognitive, social and emotional growth. They also engage children in hands-on and interactive activities that facilitate learning, stimulate creativity, and encourage problem-solving and positive peer interaction.

Family, Child and School Social Worker

Median Annual Salary: $50,820 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree Job Overview: Family, child and school social workers support and assist children and their families within educational settings. These professionals assess students’ social, emotional and psychological needs, develop personalized intervention plans and connect families with the appropriate resources to promote children’s well-being.

Family, child and school social workers collaborate with teachers, administrators and parents to enhance students’ success and address any barriers to learning.

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Median Annual Salary: $61,820 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree Job Overview: Early childhood special education teachers provide specialized instruction and support to children with special needs or disabilities. These professionals develop individualized education plans, create developmentally appropriate lessons and activities that address students’ specific educational, social and emotional needs, and conduct ongoing assessments.

School Counselor

Median Annual Salary: $60,140 Minimum Required Education: Master’s degree in counseling Job Overview: School counselors promote students’ academic, social and emotional well-being. These professionals offer individual and group therapy sessions, collaborate with teachers to identify and address learning challenges, help children explore their interests, provide crisis intervention, and work with parents and guardians to help them understand and support a student’s emotional and educational needs.

School counselors often collaborate with teachers, administrators and other staff members to provide a comprehensive support system for their students.

Childcare Center Director

Median Annual Salary: $47,310 Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree Job Overview: Preschool and childcare center directors oversee the development and implementation of curricula that promote children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development, manage budgets, oversee administrative tasks, and hire, train and supervise teachers and staff members.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education

What degree is best for early childhood education.

A bachelor’s in early childhood education provides a solid foundation for careers in ECE and prepares students to work with children between birth and around eight years of age in various educational settings. Other degree options include a master’s or doctorate degree in ECE.

What is the difference between a BA and a BS in early childhood education?

A bachelor of arts (BA) in early childhood education typically has a broader liberal arts focus, whereas a bachelor of science (BS) in ECE focuses on the more technical and scientific aspects of ECE, such as research methods, statistics and natural sciences.

What is the highest-paying job in early childhood education?

Early childhood instructional specialists often rank as the highest-paying roles in early childhood education. According to BLS, the median annual salary for training and development specialists in educational services is $63,080. Director-level positions and ECE professors are also among the top earners in this field.

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Online Bachelor of Arts in Early Care & Education

Degree details.

• Location: Online
• Time of Day: Flexible
• Part Time 3 years
• Full Time 2 years

Next Start Date

September 2024

About this Degree

Note: This program was previously titled Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood & Family Studies. 

Learn how to create inclusive and thriving learning environments for young children, families and communities through interdisciplinary coursework and practice-based learning rooted in equity and diversity. With this affordable and flexible online program, you can continue to live and work in your community while earning your bachelor’s degree. Already working or volunteering with children in an early-learning setting? You can complete the community-based learning experience at your current job. Scholarships are available.

For more information, see the UW College of Education Online Bachelor of Arts in Early Care & Education website.

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Online Early Childhood Education Bachelor’s Degree

Students in the bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education (ECE) degree program will build a solid foundation in teaching methodologies and skills needed to create nurturing educational environments for children.

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B.a. in early childhood education degree online.

Our online B.A. in Early Childhood Education (ECE)  program helps students achieve their degree with the flexibility to complete coursework on their schedule while balancing work or other commitments. The early childhood education online degree is  available for these students who need greater flexibility.

Learning experiences throughout the online early childhood education degree program curriculum are characterized by inquiry, self-reflection, collaboration with others, and problem-solving. Students pursuing their bachelor’s degree in ECE will learn to acknowledge the influences on child development and learning.

Pacific Oaks encourages students to accelerate progress toward undergraduate degree completion by taking advantage of our Credit for Learning from Experience program. This program allows up to 24 credits for experience gained in the workplace.

Online B.A. Early Childhood Education Specializations & Credentials

• Online B.A. Early Childhood Education, STEAM Specialization
• Online B.A. Early Childhood Education, Trauma Specialization
• Online B.A. Early Childhood Education, Dual California Teaching Credential
• Online B.A. Early Childhood Education, Preliminary Multiple Subject California Teaching Credential

Frequently Asked Questions About the B.A. in Early Childhood Education

Q: Is the Online Early Childhood Education degree 100% online? 

A: Yes! All classes in the Early Childhood Education program are taken online. Any student who needs flexibility to complete their ECE degree would benefit from taking online classes.

Q: Are there any test score requirements for the bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education ?

A: There are a few instances when students may be required to take an exam. 

• Students entering the ECE program with 40 or more transfer credits at the time of admission must successfully complete the CBEST (California Basic Education Skills Test) or meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). They must also show proof of registration for the CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers): Multiple Subjects exam.
• Students entering the ECE program without 40 transfer credits at the time of admission who wish to pursue the B.A. in Early Childhood Education degree online with the Elementary Education and/or Special Education concentration must pass the CBEST or meet the BSR by the conclusion of 40 GE credits to progress into a credential track program.

Q: How long does it take to complete an Early Childhood Education online degree ?

A: The online ECE degree requires 121 credits for completion. 

B.A. in Early Childhood Education Online Degree Sample Courses

Foundations of ece and current issues in the education of young children.

The early childhood education online course explores the relationship between psychological theory and practice in education. It provides an overview of the application of fundamental principles of psychology to the teaching and learning process of children. The course covers topics such as theories of cognitive development, motivation, and classroom instruction.

Creating Inclusive Environments

This ECE course explores values, policies, and practices that support the right of every infant and young child (and their family) to participate in a broad range of activities and contexts. Students will be introduced to issues of power and privilege; theories and models of cultural diversity; and educational policy related to issues of access and equity. The focus of the course is to integrate knowledge of various cultural frameworks into the development of inclusive learning environments that provide access to early childhood education in a diverse society.

The Creative Arts in Early Childhood Education

Through activity-based instruction, this online class for early childhood education course introduces students to creative experiences designed to help early childhood educators develop curriculum in art, music, and movement. Students will also study the physical and motor development of young children.

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Applicants must provide proof of the qualifying conferral of high school graduation (or the equivalent) or proof of successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester credits at a regionally accredited post-secondary institution. Proof of qualifying academic history must be provided in one of the following ways:

• Official high school transcript recognized by the U.S. Department of Education showing an earned high school diploma, 2.0 or higher GPA, and date of graduation. If transcripts are not immediately available, a copy of a high school diploma can be submitted with a contingency that original transcripts will be on file prior to the fifth day  of the term/semester of entry. Financial aid will not be disbursed until the compliant documentation is received.
• Official college transcript with 24 credits of transferable credits with a grade of C or better
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• Official General Educational Development (GED) diploma. A copy of the student’s GED certificate, or unofficial GED score issued by the state, can be submitted with a contingency that the official GED document will be on file prior to the fifth day of the term/semester of entry. Financial aid will not be disbursed until the compliant documentation is received.
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• Official High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) document
• Official documentation showing a passing score on a state-authorized exam that the state recognizes as equivalent to high school graduation

Applicants with a cumulative high school or undergraduate GPA below 2.0, applicants without three years of significant professional or life experience, or with less than 24 transferable college credits are required to submit additional documentation:

• One letter of support from someone (a non-relative) familiar with your ability to be successful in this program
• What life and professional experience do you possess that would enable you to be successful in the Pacific Oaks classroom? Please focus on the application of your experience to the course.
• Why is it important for you to study this discipline at a school that emphasizes social justice, cultural humility,  and respect for every individual? Please refer to the mission and vision statement for Pacific Oaks College.

Additional Requirements for students interested in pursuing Elementary Education and/or Special Education concentrations:

For students entering with 40 or more transfer credits at the time of admission:

• Successfully complete California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) or meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR)
• Proof of registration for the California Subject Examinations for Teachers: Multiple Subjects (CSET) exams

For students entering with fewer than 40 transfer credits at the time of admission:

Progression to a Credential Program Requirement:

Students who wish to pursue the B.A. in Early Childhood Education degree with the Elementary Education and/or Special Education concentration must pass the CBEST or meet the BSR by the conclusion of 40 General Education (GE) credits to progress into a credential track program.  Students who pass the CBEST or meet the BSR, must also show verification of registration for the CSET exams. For more information on teacher credentialing, please see the Credentials Office page under the resource section of the Pacific Oaks’ website.

If a student does not pass the CBEST or meet the BSR by the conclusion of the 40 GE credits, they may progress in the B.A. degree program and attempt the CBEST or BSR until they have successfully passed. At the time a student has successfully passed the CBEST or BSR, they may request a program transfer by completing the program transfer form found on the registrar’s office webpage.

Passing CBEST or meeting the BSR is the first step to enter a credential track program.  To progress through a credential program and earn a California teaching credential, students will need to meet additional exam and California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) requirements beyond successful completion of coursework. Please note: Prior coursework will be evaluated as part of the admissions process.

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Early Childhood Education BA

This is the programme information for 2024 entry.

If you require details of this year's programme, Early Childhood Education BA (2025), click here

Early childhood education, from a global perspective, emphasises children’s rights, social justice, and early childhood policy and practice. Led by world-leading experts at the IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, this interdisciplinary programme supports students in developing knowledge and skills to address societal inequalities and tackle global challenges at the local, national, and international levels.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, application deadline, ucas course code.

• Entry requirements

Contextual offer information

Contextual offer, uk applicants qualifications.

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Pass in Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction, 12 credits at Merit and 3 credits at Pass, all from Level 3 units.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) or BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF - teaching from 2016) with Distinction, Distinction, Distinction.

D3,M1,M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects

ABB at Advanced Highers (or AB at Advanced Higher and BBB at Higher).

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A levels at grades ABB.

International applications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

Access and widening participation

Undergraduate preparatory certificates.

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc .

• English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education .

Course overview

The Early Childhood Education BA is the undergraduate flagship programme of the Department of Learning and Leadership, where you will learn from world-leading experts in Early Years, Primary Education, Leadership and Education Policy. Our students have the exciting opportunity to work with like-minded colleagues at the heart of London’s most thriving and stimulating global education community.

Throughout the programme, you will be introduced to early childhood education as a field of formal and informal education for children from birth up to the age of eight. You will learn about early childhood as an educational, social, cultural, economic, anthropological, biological, psychological, political, and historical phenomenon concerned with social justice and children's rights.

With a varied curricular offer, this programme includes practice-based modules designed to provide you with ‘real-life’ experiences to develop creative, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

The departmental areas of expertise in leadership, literacies, global policies, and early years teaching will support you in developing technical and subject-specific abilities essential for future work and leadership across the early years sector and beyond.

What this course will give you

Your knowledge and experience are at the forefront of the programme’s priorities, providing a supportive, welcoming, and collaborative environment for your learning. This will enable you to thrive in your studies and to develop your confidence as a future professional and critical thinker prepared to work and lead in diverse areas, including education, NGOs, and the private, public, and governmental policy sectors.

This programme provides the foundational knowledge essential for future learning if you wish to continue your studies within the postgraduate programmes offered in the department and beyond, which include our international MA programmes in Early Years Education, Primary Education and Educational Leadership.

Although this degree does not lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), upon completion of studies, we offer interested students an interview to apply for the Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) and the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Primary (Early Years Foundation Stage/Key Stage 1 - EYFS KS1) programmes.

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

In this programme, you will have opportunities to explore educational practice, analyse research, and review policy intentions and actions in the early years field at both individual and societal levels.

The first year of your studies explores the understandings that underpin the programme. This year emphasises the significance of theory and pedagogy while observing international definitions and perspectives of early childhood education. The second year deepens your knowledge by focusing on policy developments addressing constructions and deconstructions of early childhood education from global perspectives. The third and final year supports your understanding of leadership and professionalisation and includes a research project within early childhood education to explore techniques of analysis and enquiry.

Every year, you will critically examine tensions and knowledge of global and local interpretations of childhood(s) while undertaking practice-based modules to engage with professional values and develop leadership skills, including problem-solving, teamwork and decision-making.

Year 1 compulsory modules:

Global childhoods: her/histories, cultures, and societies

This module introduces constructions and deconstructions of early childhood education as a social, cultural, economic, anthropological, biological, psychological, political, and historical phenomenon. Students will consider possibilities of interpreting early childhood education as a right of the child, a concept, a process, a business, and a field of study while analysing international definitions, perspectives and understandings at individual, national and global levels. The module will provide opportunities for interrogating and deciphering meanings and ambiguities of early childhood education considering intersectionalities of gender, ‘race’, socioeconomic status/class, and socio-cultural backgrounds alongside ensuing taken-for-granted assumptions. The module aims to open critical spaces for deepening understandings of early childhood education that underpin the programme.

Practice-Based Community Learning I

There is wide use of informal, formal and mixed pedagogies within various disciplines and learning environments. This module will introduce students to early childhood education theories, policies, and practices of pedagogy within diverse sectors. This module provides students with practice-based opportunities to learn from, visit, and observe, pedagogical action in formal, informal or mixed pedagogical spaces (e.g., school classrooms, nursery setting, libraries, museums, art galleries, hospitals, NGOs). Students will engage with a major thematic element from one of the core modules, Global Childhoods or Theoretical Perspectives on Children’s Learning and Development, observe this in the setting, and write a critical report synthesising the observations along with a survey of relevant academic literature. Students will informally present these findings to the setting in order to give them an outsider’s perspective of their institution.

Theoretical perspectives of children's learning and development

This module is an introduction to theoretical perspectives of how children learn and develop from birth through to eight years. By introducing students to diverse historical and contemporary perspectives about children’s learning and development, this module aims to provide students with an in-depth and systematic knowledge of competing views and their unique implications for early childhood education. Topics will include but are not limited to - historical perspectives of learning and development, sociological perspectives, psychological perspectives, social justice perspectives, children’s rights perspectives, the construction of knowledge, behaviourism, global perspectives, and relationships between theory and practice.

Year 2 compulsory modules:

Children with special rights: Transdisciplinary approaches to inclusion in early childhood education

This module will discuss diverse images of the child within contextual understandings of children's potentialities for learning and development. It will focus on all children as subjects of rights, beyond diagnosis, while considering the purpose of inclusive educational environments in welcoming and supporting children with diverse abilities and their families. Students will explore knowledge about children with special rights as provisional, subjective, complex, transdisciplinary, and transformative through time and experiences. The pluralities of views offered by various professionals, policies, and research, will be considered to understand the diversities of learning, developing, feeling, expressing and experiencing the world.

Global perspectives: early childhood education for sustainability

This module will discuss education for sustainable development in early childhood from a global perspective. It will examine the knowledge and skills necessary to consider children and early childhood professionals as agents of change and transformation, committed problem-solvers and critical thinkers to create healthily, just and sustainable ways of living and experiencing the world. Students will explore the rights, responsibilities and actions from individual, political and professional positions by considering the historical contexts, complexities, and challenges of early childhood education for sustainability (including the sustainable development agenda and impact on countries in the global North and South). The module will focus on international movements for sustainable approaches which contribute to future sustainable and enabling societies and their impact in early childhood education policy, research, and practice.

Practice-Based Community Learning II

This module builds upon the foundations of Level 4 and allows the students to crystalise theoretical knowledge through practice.  This practice-based module connects with the content of the compulsory module, Voice and choice: social justice, children’s rights and democratic early childhood pedagogies.  Students will critically reflect on each unit in the core module, connect with relevant academic literature, and present the results in a reflective diary for assessment.  Students will informally present their reflective diary to the setting, in order to give an outsider’s perspective on the setting.

Research Methods in early childhood education

This module provides a broad introduction to research methods in early childhood education.  Students will critically examine diverse methodologies, both historic and contemporary, in global early childhood contexts.  There will be a particular focus on ethics and the rights of the child. Units in the module will interrogate links between theoretical perspectives about childhood, learning and education and methodologies used to investigate early childhood education.

Voice and choice: social justice, children's rights and democratic early childhood pedagogies

This module is concerned with social justice within the lives of children, parents and early childhood professionals. It challenges the grand narratives which prevail in the early childhood education field, by drawing on critical, post-colonial, feminist, and post-modern theories to understand the complexities of diversity within this education sector. Students will deconstruct theories, policies, everyday practices and pedagogies to provide a chance to capture complexities of life, question, and critically rethink traditional frames, experiences, and cemented beliefs in ECE. The module debates multiple discourses and critical reconceptualisations, including children's rights and democratic early childhood pedagogies.

Year 3 compulsory modules:

Practice-Based Community Learning III

This module allows students to gain significant responsibility in a practical setting. Students, along with the chosen setting, will choose one relevant area of early childhood education to investigate independently. Students will negotiate a topic of investigation with the setting and their tutor and produce a fieldwork report. This fieldwork report amalgamates the content learned in the module and throughout the undergraduate programme, relevant literature, and the small-scale research undertaken during the practice-based work.

The assessment also reflects the interests of the setting, which may request certain topics of investigation from the student, in order to improve the setting’s own practice. In addition, students will submit, as appendices, an updated CV and careers statement, in order to reflect their time in the setting.

Research Project

The Research Project module is a culmination of learning on the BA Early Childhood Education programme.  Students will select a topic or area of specialism and conduct a small-scale research project on this topic with guidance from a supervisor. The project can include the collection of empirical data, or can be a desk study (literature review).

Compulsory modules

Optional modules, your learning.

You will learn from various interactive lectures, small group seminars, synchronous and asynchronous online activities, practice-based experiences in educational settings, collaborative tasks, critical reading of academic literature, and research projects. Contact hours vary and depend on your optional module choices. You will also engage in independent study (e.g., by studying key topics and required readings in preparation for the debates in the programme).

Typical contact hours vary between 8-12 hours a week, depending on the year of study and module choice and include lectures, seminars, practice-based activities and e-learning activities. Students will also display a level of independent study (25-30 hours per week), for example, by engaging with key topics and required readings in preparation for the discussions promoted in the programme.

Assessments include essays, group and individual presentations, podcasts, reflective diaries, posters, creative products, portfolios, reports, and research projects. These methods enable opportunities to learn and produce public-facing documents about early childhood education while developing communication skills valuable to diverse career settings (such as writing and expressing ideas to different audiences).

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

The foundation of your career

The distinctive international and social justice focus of this BA provides diverse possibilities for employability in early childhood education and beyond. The rich curricular offer includes research-informed and practice-based modules that will prepare you for working in various sectors, including education, International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) and the public and governmental policy sector.

Employability

The Early Childhood Education programme fosters critical and creative thinkers. It promotes the development of generic and transferable aptitudes valuable for whatever career destination you wish to pursue. These skills include designing, analysing and interpreting policy documents, planning and examining research, presenting projects, writing reports and understanding early years practice.

• Fees and funding

Fees for this course

The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2024/25 academic year. The UK fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2024/25 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website .

Additional costs

Some modules may incur additional expenses not covered by the tuition fees, for example, materials, books, printing, photocopying, or costs related to carrying out fieldwork (we suggest that you budget around £75 a year for these general costs).

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for practice-based modules. If so, there will be an extra cost (approximately £45).

A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages . If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

• Funding your studies

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Your application

We use predicted grades, references and personal statements to assess your suitability for the programme. Alongside academic abilities, you should demonstrate an interest in the early years education field, including areas such as children’s learning and development, social justice and children’s rights, international perspectives in education policy, curriculum development, and pedagogy. In some circumstances, we may ask for additional information (for example, samples of written work). We reserve the right to interview applicants. Mature applicants with non-standard academic backgrounds but with the equivalent of two years of full-time pedagogical experience working in early childhood education environments will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application .

Got questions? Get in touch

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[email protected]

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• Compendium of Promising Practices

What you need to know about early childhood care and education

Why is early childhood care and education so important.

Early childhood care and education (ECCE), covering the period from birth to 8 years old, is crucial because it leverages a time of significant brain development in children. Quality ECCE can set the foundation for good health, nutrition, learning success, social-emotional development, and economic productivity throughout life. 

Despite these benefits, ECCE often receives low priority in education policies and investment and may exclude marginalized groups. Much of ECCE is privately provided, adding to its vulnerability. Extending education rights to include early childhood care can significantly impact developmental outcomes for children. Evidence suggests that legal provisions for compulsory pre-primary education can boost early development. 

However, there's no international framework that currently enshrines these rights, which limits global progress. Quality improvement in ECCE can be driven by better training for caregivers, more robust community engagement, and improved infrastructure, such as better water and sanitation services in early learning settings. Additionally, extending family-friendly policies like parental leave and childcare benefits can significantly enhance early learning environments.

What is the global situation for ECCE?

Meeting SDG 4, which aims for inclusive and quality education for all, requires integrating ECCE. The Transforming Education Summit highlighted this integration to address the equity and relevance crises in education. Significant challenges include fragmented ECCE policies and services, insufficient funding, and a lack of comprehensive data. 

Extending the right to education to include ECCE could greatly enhance early learning, yet no international legal framework currently ensures this right. Addressing these issues is critical for supporting foundational learning and ensuring equitable access to quality early education, essential for preparing children for primary education and beyond. This effort aligns with the objectives of the Tashkent Declaration to transform and improve global ECCE practices.

Disparities and Financing in ECCE

Disparities in child development begin early and are pronounced among disadvantaged groups. Approximately 30% of children worldwide are not on track developmentally, with those from poorer households and rural areas facing significant challenges. In contrast, 78% of children in wealthier households are developmentally on track compared to only 55% in the poorest ones. These children often lack access to early stimulation and educational resources, with only a fraction having books or playthings at home. ECCE is crucial for developing foundational skills necessary for lifelong learning. 

However, it faces significant challenges including underfunding, lack of cohesive policies, and insufficient data. There is a pressing need to improve access and quality of ECCE to ensure that children are ready for primary education by 2030. Despite calls for increased funding, actual investment in ECCE remains low, with global median spending on pre-primary education at just 0.4% of GDP. Closing this financing gap is critical, especially considering that the required investment to meet pre-primary education goals by 2030 is estimated at USD 354 billion for low and middle-income countries.

What is the basis for UNESCO’s approach to this work? 

UNESCO regards ECCE as a fundamental and integral part of the education system and a solid foundation on which to build lifelong education, lives, and careers. All of its work in this area is aligned with target 4.2 of Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ‘By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.’ To further advance this target, UNESCO established a  Global Partnership Strategy to bridge the gap and ensure that quality ECCE, early primary school years, and family education are available for all children. 

UNESCO’s work is based on the idea that ‘Learning begins at birth,’ introduced in the World Declaration on Education for All  Jomtien declaration . As inscribed in the  Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), young children have the right not only to survive but to thrive and develop to their fullest potential. In 2000 the international community at the  World Education Forum (Dakar 2000) committed itself to ‘expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.’ Ten years later, UNESCO’s  World Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education (Moscow 2010) warned that the EFA Goal on ECCE was ‘at great risk of not being achieved by 2015 unless urgent and resolute action is taken’ and highlighted ECCE as a social, human, and economic development imperative. 

With only six years left to achieve  Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on inclusive and quality education, the world remains significantly off-track. Millions of children are falling behind in their developmental milestones and many lack access to pre-school education, putting their future learning opportunities at risk. Addressing these educational deficits is crucial to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. 

A significant step forward to addressing these needs was taken with the adoption of The  Tashkent Declaration for Early Childhood Care and Education , the outcome of the World Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education ( WCECCE ), held in November 2022. As the first high-level intergovernmental event in the field of education to be organized after the Transforming Education Summit (TES), the conference served as a platform for diverse stakeholders to discuss experiences, challenges, practices and innovations.  UNESCO’s member states have pledged to invest at least 10% of their total education spending on pre-primary education. The discussion focused on achieving SDG target 4.2. The conference propelled efforts to nurture foundational skills for socialization, well-being, and lifelong learning, recognizing that inequalities in learning and development start early in life. 

To further support these goals, one of the commitments of the Tashkent Declaration is the first Global Report on Early Childhood Care and Education , jointly prepared by UNESCO and UNICEF, with the support of GPE, ILO, OECD, WHO, and The LEGO Foundation. Building on new findings on the key issues facing ECCE, the report provides recommendations to governments and the international community to promote an integrated ECCE ecosystem that better supports children and families.

How does UNESCO work to promote ECCE? 

UNESCO collaborates with governments and other key stakeholders concerned with the care and education of young children from birth until primary school entry. Its ECCE activities focus on promoting holistic and quality pre-primary education for all children over the age of 3, ensuring the use of developmentally appropriate pedagogies and emphasizing the links with primary education as well as early childhood health, nutrition and social services.  

Concretely it works with Member States at national, regional and international levels by influencing policies and practices through evidence-based advocacy, knowledge generation and sharing, partnership-building, capacity-building and technical assistance. These include work in teacher development through projects like STEPP (The Survey of Teachers in Pre-Primary Education), parenting education and family literacy, and measurement and monitoring. 

UNESCO promotes the integration of an ECCE component in countries’ education sector plans to address the needs of different age groups and includes the marginalized. Partnerships that involve working with health, nutrition and social sectors as well as civil society and private sector actors help widen the reach to children.  

UNESCO regards ECCE as a fundamental part of the education system and a solid foundation for building lifelong education, lives, and careers. Its work in this area aligns with SDG target 4.2, which aims to ensure that all children have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education by 2030. UNESCO promotes the integration of ECCE in countries’ education sector plans, addressing the needs of various age groups, including marginalized populations.

Key recommendations to ensure a robust foundation for children's rights in ECCE include promoting ECCE for school readiness, prioritizing vulnerable children, supporting parents and caregivers, valuing ECCE personnel, investing in data, leveraging research, increasing investments by governments, enhancing international efforts and partnerships, and expanding the right to education through a legally binding international framework. By implementing these recommendations, stakeholders can address the comprehensive needs of young children globally, setting a foundation for better educational outcomes and lifelong benefits.

What are the recommendations highlighted in the global report on ECCE?

• Promote ECCE for school readiness: Countries must develop early learning opportunities that include a strong focus on foundational skills such as emerging literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills to better support educational outcomes.
• Prioritize Vulnerable Children: Extend access to quality early childhood care and education, particularly to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.
• Support Parents and Caregivers: Governments must take a whole of-society approach and include parental support programmes and family-friendly policies to improve children’s early learning experiences.
• Value ECCE Personnel: Governments must invest more in recruiting and training ECCE personnel to have the skillsets for creating safe, healthy, and stimulating early learning environments.
• Invest in Data: The international community must develop new indicators and mechanisms to better support and monitor the development of the ECCE sector, particularly for children younger than 3.
• Leverage Research: Governments must adopt a multidisciplinary and scientific understanding of learning and development to improve the relevance and quality of ECCE curriculum and pedagogy.
• Increase Investments by Goverments: Governments are called on to allocate at least 10% of national education budgets to pre-primary education.
• Enhance International Efforts and Partnership: The international community must establish a global initiative or alliance to better work together for children from (before) birth to 8 years. Leverage ECCE through the  Global Partnership Strategy (GPS).
• Expand the right to education: The creation of a legally binding international framework establishing the right to ECCE is needed to articulate states’ obligations, promote accountability and monitoring, as well as ensure minimum resource allocation for ECCE. By implementing these recommendations, stakeholders can effectively address the comprehensive needs of young children globally, setting a foundation for better educational outcomes and lifelong benefits.

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• Early childhood education

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