10 Online Colleges for Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is a rapidly growing field that provides individuals with advanced skills in child growth and development. Aspiring early childhood educators often seek bachelor’s degrees to work in various positions such as daycare program coordinators, preschool directors, preschool teachers, youth counselors, and elementary school teachers. With the rise of technology and the need for flexible learning options, many colleges and universities now offer comprehensive, accredited online programs in early childhood education. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 online colleges for early childhood education, their unique features, affordability, and the quality of their programs.

1. Ball State University

Bachelor’s in Family and Child: Early Childhood Education

Located in Muncie, Indiana, Ball State University is a reputable four-year institution with a student population of 20,319 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and its ECE program is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Ball State’s accredited online early childhood education degree program aligns with the standards outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Designed for early childhood educators with an associate degree in ECE, Ball State’s online Bachelor’s in Family and Child: Early Childhood Education is a 90-credit hour degree completion program offered 100% online. Students can choose from a variety of minors such as early intervention, applied behavior analysis, autism spectrum disorder, exceptional needs: early childhood special education, and psychology of human development. The flexible, asynchronous format allows students to complete coursework on their schedule, with weekly deadlines to help balance their studies with other obligations. Financial aid opportunities, including the TEACH Scholarship, are available to eligible students.

2. Grand Canyon University

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education Degree

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private, for-profit institution with a student population of 103,072 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1. GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers one of the best online schools for early childhood education. Their online Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education program entails 120 credit hours of study, with course components that include child psychology, early literacy development, and educating the exceptional learner.

GCU provides some of the best financial aid options, such as the Servant Scholars Program, President’s Scholarship, Provost’s Scholarship, Dean’s Scholarship, Faculty Scholarship, and Transfer College Major Scholarships. Graduates of GCU’s program are well-prepared to work as elementary and early childhood education teachers.

3. Post University

Bachelor of Science in Child Studies

Post University is a private, for-profit institution with a student population of 14,055 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1. The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and offers an online Bachelor’s of Science in Child Studies Degree. The program consists of 120 credit hours of study, featuring courses such as educational psychology, emergent literacy, and creative activities.

Students pursuing this online degree program may transfer up to 90 credit hours from an accredited college or university, making it a flexible and convenient option for those seeking to complete their degree in early childhood education.

4. Indiana Wesleyan University

Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

Indiana Wesleyan University, located in Marion, Indiana, is a private non-profit institution serving 10,008 students with a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its early childhood education bachelor’s degree program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Offering an online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Indiana Wesleyan University provides three start dates throughout the year, allowing students to begin the program when it is most convenient for them. Coursework can be completed around students’ schedules as there are no set log in times. Multiple field experiences throughout the year give students the opportunity to practice their skills in real-world settings. Diverse course offerings, such as child growth and Development, instructional tools for the teaching of reading, and educational psychology for early learners, keep students engaged with relevant content.

5. Liberty University

Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education Online

Liberty University is a private, not-for-profit institution located in Lynchburg, Virginia. With over 94,000 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, Liberty is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Their ECE program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Liberty University offers an online Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education-Interdisciplinary Studies Degree program, which includes 120 credit hours of study. Students can complete their degree in three and a half years, with eight start dates each year to accommodate their schedules. All students complete a 90-hour practicum, and experience in the field of teaching may be substituted for this online degree program’s credit hours. Featured courses include early childhood education fundamentals, wellness in the early childhood setting, developmental psychology, and psychology of childhood.

6. Vanguard University of Southern California

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education

The Vanguard University of Southern California, located in Costa Mesa, California, is a small, private, non-profit institution affiliated with the Assemblies of God. The university has a student population of 2,268 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. Vanguard is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is considered one of the best online schools for early childhood education.

Vanguard University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education in a fully online format. Students can choose between five- or seven-week courses that integrate faith and learning. Concentrations are available in