Easiest Early Childhood Education (ECE) Degrees

A bachelor's degree in early childhood education is ideal for those interested in a career teaching young children. Many career paths benefit from this degree, such as:

• preschool teacher
• kindergarten teacher
• early intervention specialist
• childcare center director

An education career requires teaching professionals to have a deeper understanding of early childhood development and the education of young children. Seek out learning experiences from an easy education degree to improve your student teaching skills and knowledge.

What Makes an Early Childhood Education Degree Easy?

There are no ''easy'' early childhood education degree programs because a rigorous curriculum is required to prepare future educators to teach younger generations. Several factors may make some degrees more manageable to complete than others, including:

• flexible scheduling
• simplified admissions process
• part-time study options
• transfer credits

Ensure you research whether an institution offers a supportive learning environment and user-friendly technology. Earning an ECE associate degree online or participating in an accelerated program can help you complete your degree quickly and affordably.

Easiest Early Childhood Education Degree Programs

The online programs listed below offer aspiring teachers the chance to reach their career goals through hands-on field experiences and early learning education courses. This list highlights online degrees, but the institutions may also provide in-person and on-campus programs.

Fill out the FAFSA online application form to see what financial aid you qualify for. In addition, verify the in-state and out-of-state tuition rates for your selected school.

Here are some of the easiest online early childhood education degree programs.

1. University of Florida

The University of Florida's online Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education uses a transdisciplinary approach to teacher education. The College of Education offers this program and provides early childhood education teaching credentials.

Students may utilize transfer credits, but they must come from an institution with accreditation from a respected accreditor, such as the Higher Learning Commission. Speak to an admissions advisor for more information. Students should expect to take courses such as:

• Social-Emotional Learning and Behavior Support in Early Childhood
• Human Growth and Development
• Families, Diversity, and Multicultural Considerations in Early Childhood
• Introduction to Educational Measurement and Evaluation

2. National University

National University's Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education emphasizes the social and emotional aspects of child development. This non-licensure program gives students the skills to support young learners as they embark on their educational journeys.

The university is military-friendly and offers a need-based Key Grant Scholarship. Contact a representative with the school's financial aid office for more information. Online courses here include:

• Designing Emergent Curriculum
• Health, Nutrition, and Safety
• Children With Special Needs
• Partnering With Families

3. Pacific Oaks College

Pacific Oaks College's online Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education provides learners with foundational knowledge on teaching methodologies and skills. You will learn how to create a nurturing educational environment for children.

Students can take advantage of the Credit for Learning From Experience program, allowing them to transfer up to 24 credits for their fieldwork experience. This program can help speed up the time it takes to complete your degree. Courses here include:

• Cognitive Development: How Children Learn
• Child, Family, and Community Partnerships in Early Childhood Education
• Creating Inclusive Environments
• The Creative Arts in Early Childhood Education

4. Eastern University

Eastern University's Bachelor of Science in early childhood education prepares future educators to teach in various early learning and elementary school settings. After completing all degree requirements, students can obtain teaching licensure for pre-K through fourth grade.

This certificate program includes affordable and free textbooks integrated into the online coursework, eliminating the need to purchase them separately. Working individuals should consider this degree as you can study at your own pace. Courses here consist of:

• Education Psychology with Field Experience
• Teaching English as a Second Language
• Teaching Social Studies
• Introduction to Special Education

5. Florida International University

Florida International University offers a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education through the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education. Students will learn about cognitive, language, and social elements of child development. You will also explore early education theories and practices.

A personal success coach and 24/7 technology with real-time instructor feedback are available to support your higher education. You can also connect and collaborate with other students to help each other succeed. Some of the courses here comprise:

• Teaching Students with Exceptionalities in Inclusive Settings
• Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis of the Young Child
• Play and Development of Social Competence
• Early Social and Emotional Development

6. Winona State University

Winona State University designed its online early childhood education program for students with an associate degree who want to earn a bachelor's. You can choose between a fully online or hybrid format where you attend three synchronous Saturday classes per semester.

For associate degree holders, this is ideal because you only have to complete four semesters and student teaching experiences. This online major leads to an early childhood education license to teach students from birth to grade three. Coursework here includes:

• Infant Toddler Curriculum and Methods
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• Foundations of Literacy, Early Childhood
• Preschool and Kindergarten Curriculum & Methodology

7. Chaminade University of Honolulu

Chaminade University of Honolulu offers a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education through the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. This program teaches aspiring early childhood educators about diverse students and learning environments.

Upon enrollment, the institution automatically considers incoming undergraduate students for merit-based scholarships. Some of the courses here include:

• Language Arts: Curriculum & Methods
• Math Curriculum and Methods
• Leadership and Guidance in Education
• Child Development

8. Oakland City University

Oakland City University's Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education teaches students about special education, programming for children, and implementing appropriate curricula for young learners.

This non-licensure track prepares students to become leaders in childcare facilities. Learners can access tutoring through the Center for Career & Calling in the Student Life Center. Coursework here consists of:

• Collaboration and Consultation in Special Education
• Health, Safety, and Nutrition
• Developmental Psychology
• Language Arts Methods

9. Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College's online Bachelor of Science in early childhood education provides students with essential pedagogical knowledge to be effective teachers. You must maintain a grade of C or higher in all courses and complete field experiences to graduate.

Charter Oak accepts most transfer credits and awards college credit for prior learning. Students should expect to take courses such as:

• Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Programs
• Diversity and Ethics in Early Care and Education
• Health, Safety, and Nutrition
• Introduction to Early Childhood Education

10. University of Northern Colorado

University of Northern Colorado's Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education leads to initial teaching licensure for children up to eighth grade. Learners will connect theory and practical information through coursework and field experiences.

There is a flat per-credit-hour tuition rate, and support services for students are available, such as an admissions coach. The university also offers a student health insurance plan to all degree-seeking students enrolled online or on campus. Courses here include:

• Development and Education of Infants and Toddlers
• Creative Expression and Play in Early Childhood
• Guidance Strategies and Trauma-Informed Practices for Children
• Diverse Early Language and Literacy

Find an Early Childhood Education Degree Program Today

Earning an early childhood education degree is the initial step toward a rewarding and lucrative career. Learn about obtaining teacher certification and essential skills. Contact one of the featured institutions on Learn.org for more information.