Top 10 Community Colleges With Early Childhood Education Programs

Working with children from birth through early elementary school can be incredibly rewarding. Teachers have the opportunity to make a difference in a child's life. An early childhood education (ECE) degree can provide the right background to work in this field.

There are many community colleges that offer early childhood education degrees, many of which allow graduates to transfer into a bachelor's degree program. Below, we have collected 10 of the best early childhood education degrees.

Do Community Colleges Offer Early Childhood Education Programs?

Many colleges offer early childhood education degree programs with both online and on-campus options. Depending on the school, students can choose to pursue an Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Arts (AA), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. These degree programs often partner with local schools and childcare facilities to provide hands-on learning experience in local communities.

What Type of Early Childhood Education Training Can I Get at a Community College?

Coursework usually focuses on the study of child psychology, child development, and the process of creating an age-appropriate curriculum. Students learn how to help the child grow emotionally, physically, and cognitively.

Some programs offer specialized coursework. Below are common degree options.

• Associate of Arts: This is the most common ECE degree and has a stronger focus on the humanities. Students in this program may be eligible to transfer.
• Associate of Science: These programs may have a more technical focus and are also often designed for transfer students.
• Associate of Applied Science: An AAS degree prepares students to enter the workforce directly after graduation. It may involve more hands-on work.

10 Best Community Colleges for Early Childhood Education Programs

Many community colleges offer early childhood education programs, but some of the most promising are discussed below. These programs offer low tuition rates and great transfer opportunities.

1. Clovis Community College

Clovis students have access to the school's child development center, giving them hands-on experiences and observational opportunities that supplement their studies. The program supports diverse learning styles and is highly collaborative. It is further accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Students will take courses covering child development, health, safety, nutrition, and emergent literacy.

• Estimated tuition cost: $46 per unit
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

2. Sacramento City College

Sacramento's education program prioritizes academic preparation, workforce development, and leadership. The school offers Associate of Arts and Associate of Science-transfer degrees, as well as certificate programs and transfer opportunities.

Associate students can choose from three optional programs: early childhood education administration, foundation, or teaching. Each program takes about two years to complete.

• Estimated tuition cost: $46 per unit
• Accreditation: ACCJC WASC

3. San Jose City College

Students at San Jose will study the latest theories and research on child development as they prepare to act as advocates for young children. This program is NAEYC certified and offers an AS or AS-transfer degree.

Graduates will be prepared to use theories and strategies to build a nurturing learning environment that allows children to learn through play. They will support the child's growing identity and learning goals, and work together with families and the community.

• Estimated tuition cost: $46 per unit
• Accreditation: ACCJC WASC

4. Seminole State College of Florida

Seminole State offers small classes of 30 or fewer students, as well as both online and in-person options. The program highlights the historical, philosophical, political, and theoretical aspects of early childhood education.

Students will learn to support all aspects of a child's growth, including emotional, physical, cognitive, and developmental needs. Many grads seamlessly transfer to bachelor's programs at Seminole State or the University of Central Florida.

• Estimated tuition cost: $79.78 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

5. Hudson County Community College

Earn your Associate of Arts in early childhood education online at Hudson County. This program prepares students to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete their bachelor's degree and earn a New Jersey teaching license.

Hudson's state-of-the-art early childhood laboratory provides students with hands-on learning experiences, preparing them to create a supportive environment for young learners.

• Estimated tuition cost: $171 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

6. Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech's curriculum focuses on hands-on learning experiences and the unique needs of infants, toddlers, and young children. Students will learn about child development and healthy adult-child relationships, creating appropriate learning environments, and caring for children holistically. Through service-learning opportunities, students will gain real-world experience in their local community.

• Estimated tuition cost: $178.38 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

7. Northern Virginia Community College

Northern Virginia's ECE program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs. Students in the two-year AAS program will study behavior and psychology, art, math, science, language, and statistical reasoning.

The program is designed for both students new to teaching and those with prior work experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $195.36 per credit hour
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Minnesota State College Southeast

Minnesota State's education program can be completed 100% online, but students must complete an in-person field experience. Students use what they've learned and build their experience working with children from birth to age eight in the community.

Graduates will be ready to work together with families and the community, design outcome-based learning experiences, and be able to make ethical, professional decisions regarding the child's educational needs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $197.18 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Borough of Manhattan Community College

Students at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) will take a mix of liberal arts classes and specialized classes in child care and early childhood education. There are two available specializations: infant/toddler and preschool/early elementary. Evening and weekend classes are available, and BMCC has partnered with several four-year schools to make transferring simple and easy.

• Estimated tuition cost: $210 per credit hour
• Accreditation: MCSHE

10. Urban College of Boston

Urban College of Boston offers flexible online courses perfect for working professionals. The 60-credit program includes courses in observing, recording, and assessing, as well as child growth and development and curriculum. Graduates will be prepared to start work as childcare workers, preschool managers, or early childhood teachers. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

• Estimated tuition cost: $317 per credit hour
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

How We Rank Schools

Nearly every community college offers an early childhood program, but we only wanted to include the best. We followed the criteria below when compiling our list.

• Accreditation: All of our schools are accredited, and many programs are further accredited by the NAEYC, ensuring a top-quality education.
• Affordability: Cost is key, so we only included schools with low tuition rates and financial aid options.
• Program reputation: All of our schools are led by expert, experienced faculty, and many partner with local colleges and universities.

FAQs About Community College Early Childhood Education Programs

An early childhood education degree opens up many exciting career possibilities, but it's normal to still have questions. Below, we will look into costs, program options, and paying tuition.

How Much Does an Early Childhood Education Degree Cost at a Community College?

Costs depend on the school you go to and any financial aid you may be eligible for. Community colleges often offer the lowest tuition rates to state or county residents, so take a look at the schools in your neighborhood. Of our schools, those in California offer the lowest tuition rate for residents.

Is It Hard To Get a Degree in Early Childhood Education?

An early childhood education program is not inherently challenging, but students do need a particular set of skills to succeed. First, they should be patient and compassionate enough to work with very young children. They should also be passionate about child development, have strong communication skills, and be organized.

What College Has the Best Early Childhood Education Program?

Many colleges offer great early childhood education programs, but to narrow it down, you can look for schools that are accredited. However, great programs are further accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. High-quality programs also often partner with respected colleges or universities.

Is It Worth Getting a Degree in Early Childhood?

Early childhood careers often have low pay rates. But working with very young children can be incredibly rewarding for the right person. The joy of doing what you love and making a difference in the community is enough to offset low pay rates for many. Plus, financial aid, scholarships, and low tuition rates make your degree more affordable.

What Is the Highest Paying Job in Early Childhood?

Those with an associate degree in early childhood education often become preschool teachers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that, on average, preschool teachers earn $37,120 per year. Earning your bachelor's degree paves the way for higher-paying roles, such as a preschool and childcare center director.

Discover More Early Childhood Education Degrees

If you are ready to break out the crayons and discover ways to learn through play, then a degree in early childhood education could be perfect for you. More education degree programs are featured on Learn.org. Reach out to one that interests you today.