10 Early Childhood Education Courses 2025
Courses in early childhood education can help you develop core competencies for working with young children or focus on specific areas of child development.
Early childhood education, or ECE, usually refers to the education of very young children, typically from infancy up to 3rd grade. Depending on the setting, you may or may not need a degree to work with children this young. However, taking online courses in early childhood education can help further your career.
Many colleges, universities, and educational centers offer early childhood education courses — many even offer free online ECE courses. Keep reading to discover some high-quality early childhood education courses for 2025.
The Best Early Childhood Education Courses
Whether you want to get an overview of early childhood education or focus on a specific topic, there are several places that offer in-person or online early childhood courses. We've highlighted some top courses below.
1. Early Childhood Curriculum Planning and Assessment
Empire State University, a public State University of New York (SUNY) school, offers the online Early Childhood Curriculum Planning and Assessment course. It allows students to explore the early childhood curriculum focusing on environmental design.
The program covers evidence-based teaching practices, learning environments, and assessment tools. Students can earn four college credits for this program.
2. Infant and Toddler Development in the Family
Arizona State University is a public research university in Tempe, AZ. It offers the Infant and Toddler Development in the Family course online for everyone, even if you aren't planning to complete a degree.
This program covers infant-toddler child development. Students will finish the course understanding the biological, cognitive, emotional, and social development of very young children and the influences of family and the environment.
3. Concepts of Play and Social Development of Infants and Young Children
Clemson University is a public research university in Clemson, SC. It offers the Concepts of Play and Social Development of Infants and Young Children as part of its on-campus bachelor's degree in early childhood education, though non-degree-seeking students can take courses as well.
This program focuses on early learning and behavior with a focus on the role of play in influencing cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and language development. Students can earn three credit hours for this program.
4. Integrating Children's Literature into Classroom Instruction
New York University is a private research university in New York City. It allows non-degree students to take courses, including the Integrating Children's Literature into Classroom Instruction course.
This course focuses on the importance of children's literature and how to choose the right reading materials for specific age groups and needs. It's worth three credit hours.
5. Introduction to Early Childhood
The SUNY system also offers the Introduction to Early Childhood course through the online learning platform Coursera. It's part of the Home-Based Child Care Specialization, a certificate program for early childhood professionals who want to launch a family child care or home-based child care center.
This program includes six modules, including:
- Foundations for Early Childhood
- Observation and Assessment of Children
- Guiding Children's Behavior
- Inclusion and Diversity
6. Child Life: Psychosocial Care of Children in Health Settings
The University of Central Florida is a public research university in Orlando. It offers the Child Life: Psychosocial Care of Children in Health Settings course.
This course is for those who want to work with school-age children, youth, and their families in hospitals and pediatric clinical settings. It's worth three credit hours.
7. UD Montessori Teacher Residency
The University of Delaware, a public university in Newark, DE, offers the Montessori Teacher Residency course for childcare providers or preschool teachers who want to work in Montessori settings.
This two-year residency combines seminars, coaching, field experience, and customized programming. It's primarily meant for the professional development of current teachers and childcare workers.
8. Understanding Inclusion
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers the Understanding Inclusion series online through Canva. It covers the concept of inclusion as it relates to early childhood and the importance of inclusion for children with special needs.
The program is for families and those working with families who have children from birth to age 5. It helps these individuals navigate special education and early intervention settings.
9. Ethics and Professionalism in Applied Child and Adolescent Development
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities offers the Ethics and Professionalism in Applied Child and Adolescent Development course. It covers the ethical principles and issues relevant to human services and early childhood settings.
Students will cover considerations about professionals and researchers in the field, and unique issues in early childhood education programs. Learners can earn three credit hours for this program.
10. Child Abuse and Neglect
Western Washington University is a public university in Bellingham, WA. It offers a Child Abuse and Neglect course worth four college credits.
This course covers identification and reporting of young children where abuse and neglect are suspected, and the potential issues involved. It also covers how child maltreatment and neglect affect child growth.
FAQs About Early Childhood Education Courses
Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about early childhood education courses.
Do I Need To Earn My Bachelor's Degree To Work in Early Childhood Education?
A bachelor's degree isn't always required to work in the early childhood education field. Many preschools, childcare centers, and HeadStart programs will hire those with just a high school diploma or an associate degree, like an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in early childhood education.
However, if you want to work as a preschool teacher or higher in a public school, you must have a teaching credential from the state. Licensure requirements vary by state but usually include at least a bachelor's in early childhood education and hands-on learning experiences or practicums in early childhood education settings.
What Are the Benefits of Taking an Early Childhood Education Course?
There are several benefits to taking an early childhood education course. First, these courses can help you gain core competencies in the early childhood education field; these include assessment, child development, classroom management, learning strategies, and more.
Additionally, if you aren't able to go to college full-time, taking early childhood education courses that offer college credit can help you work toward a degree program, like a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in early childhood education.
What Are the Core Subjects Covered in Early Childhood Education Courses?
The core subjects covered in early childhood education courses can vary; some courses cover multiple facets of early childhood education, while others focus on specific topics. You'll often find early childhood education courses covering:
- classroom management
- child development
- curriculum development and planning
- early childhood assessment
- early intervention
- technology in educational settings
Earn Your Degree Today
If you're ready to work with young learners, check out the early childhood education degrees featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual colleges to request info, such as admissions requirements, coursework, and partnerships for student teaching.