10 Best Early Childhood Education (ECE) Degrees

In most cases, to become a teacher in early childhood education settings, like preschools, elementary schools, or daycares, you'll need a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. These programs train you in the core competencies you'll need to help young learners flourish.

Hundreds of colleges and universities around the country offer bachelor's in early childhood education. Keep reading to discover some of the best early childhood education degrees for 2025.

Top Early Childhood Education (ECE) Programs in the U.S.

Early childhood education programs are common throughout the U.S. These programs prepare future educators to work with young children in childcare or preschool settings. Below, we've highlighted 10 of the best early childhood education bachelor's degree programs in the U.S.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research university in Tempe, AZ. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education program that covers topics like:

• child development
• classroom and learning environment management
• instructional methods for young children
• social and emotional development in young children

Student teaching experience is required in the final term of the program, and this degree is designed to lead to teacher licensure. A master's in early childhood education is available as well.

2. Clemson University

Clemson University is a public research university in Clemson, SC. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education that includes courses such as:

• Child Growth and Development
• Concepts of Play and Social Development of Infants and Young Children
• Early Childhood Curriculum and Social Studies Methods
• Early Intervention Strategies for Young Children with Special Needs

The program includes multiple hands-on practicum experiences and is designed to lead to early education teacher licensure. The university also offers a combined bachelor's-to-master's degree program that allows you to earn both within five years.

3. Florida International University

Florida International University is a public research university in University Park, FL. It offers a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education that covers topics such as:

• assessment techniques for young children
• child development
• classroom management
• young children with special needs

The program also includes an optional concentration in early childhood development. While the degree itself doesn't lead to licensure, the university also offers a prekindergarten/primary education (age three through grade three) endorsement option.

4. Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington is a public research university in Bloomington, IN. It offers a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education that covers topics like:

• childhood development
• creating inclusive early childhood settings
• early intervention
• family-centered practice

This program leads to dual Indiana state teaching licenses for teaching young children in infant/toddler and preschool settings or K-3rd grade classrooms in elementary schools. It includes multiple hands-on experiences.

5. New York University

New York University is a private research university in New York City. Its Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development offers a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education and early childhood special education that includes courses such as:

• Assessment & Intervention in Special Education
• Integrated Arts in Early Childhood and Childhood Education
• Language and Literacy for Young Children
• Learning Environments, Behavior, and Students with Disabilities

The program includes multiple field experiences in both general early childhood and elementary education settings and special education settings. NYU also offers a master's degree in early childhood education.

6. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida is a public research university in Orlando. It offers a Bachelor of Science in early childhood development and education with two tracks: a pre-kindergarten through K-3 track that leads to certification and an early childhood development track that does not lead to certification.

Students complete field experiences through various partnerships and the on-campus childcare center. UCF also offers a master's degree in early childhood development and education.

7. University of Delaware

The University of Delaware is a public research university in Newark. It offers an early childhood education/early childhood special education program with courses such as:

• Families and Children at Risk
• Inclusive Curriculum: Infants and Toddlers
• Professional Issues in Early Childhood Development and Education
• Supporting Literacy in Early Childhood Education

Education requirements for this program include over 200 hours of supervised, hands-on experience. Master's degrees in early childhood education and special education are also available.

8. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public research university in Champaign. It offers a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education with coursework that covers topics like:

• assessment in early childhood education settings
• infancy and early childhood development
• child language and education
• language literacy for young learners

This degree is offered as both an on-campus and an online program. Those in the online education program will still need to complete student teaching in person, as this is required for teacher certification.

9. University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public research university that stretches across St. Paul and Minneapolis. It offers two tracks: the foundations of education track which focuses on infants through third grade, and the early and elementary education track, which is for preschool through sixth grade.

Teaching field experience is done through the Child Development Laboratory School on campus. The university also offers an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's program for both tracks, allowing students to earn both degrees in just five years.

10. Western Washington University

Western Washington University is a public university in Bellingham. Its school of education offers several early childhood options, including:

• Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education
• Bachelor of Arts in early childhood special education
• Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education and early childhood special education dual endorsement
• Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education, non-certification

The non-certification option is for those who want to work in daycare or HeadStart settings, while the other programs lead to licensure to work as preschool teachers to third-grade teachers. The certification options require hands-on learning experiences.

FAQs About Early Childhood Education Degree Programs

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about early childhood education programs.

Is an Early Childhood Education Degree Worth It?

An early childhood education degree is worth it if you want to work as a licensed teacher in a public school setting. All states require school teachers to hold teacher certification or licensure, and often, a bachelor's degree in education is required to obtain that credential.

An early childhood education degree can also help land you jobs in private preschool, daycare, or childcare settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many of these places require at least an associate degree, but some require more advanced degree types, like a bachelor's degree.

What Is the Best Degree for Early Childhood Education?

The best degree for early childhood education is a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. This degree can help you earn a teaching license to teach young learners in a public school.

When choosing a specific early childhood education degree, consider your career goals. A program that leads to licensure is what you'll need to work as a licensed teacher, but a non-certification program is fine for working in daycare or childcare settings.

Read more: Is and ECE Degree Right for Me?

What Can You Do With an Early Childhood Education Degree?

There are several jobs you can pursue with an early childhood education degree, including:

• daycare, childcare, or HeadStart worker
• early intervention specialist
• early childhood special education teacher
• elementary school teacher
• preschool teacher

Many people with early childhood education degrees also work in non-educational settings, like social work and healthcare.

Earn Your Early Childhood Education Degree Today

If you're interested in making a difference in the lives of young children, check out the featured special education programs on Learn.org. Reach out to individual colleges and universities to request info on their early childhood education programs, admissions requirements, and financial aid options.