10 Online Early Childhood Education Certificates

Early childhood educators work with children from infancy up until about 3rd grade. They can work in various settings, including preschools and childcare centers.

Earning a certificate in early childhood education can help you land a job in the field. Online early childhood education degree and certificate programs are available to help you earn credential at your own pace. Keep reading to discover the top online early childhood education certificates.

The Best Online Early Childhood Education Certificates

Several colleges and universities across the U.S. offer undergraduate and graduate certificates online to help you meet the requirements for early childhood education. We've highlighted ten of these programs below.

Learn more: What Is an ECE Certificate?

1. Ball State University

Ball State University is a public research university in Muncie, IN. It offers several online learning programs for those wanting to study early childhood education.

These programs include:

• Infant and Toddler Specialist Undergraduate Certificate: a specialized credential for those working with children from birth through age 3
• Early Childhood Education Master Teacher Graduate Certificate: prepares teachers to become master teachers who can mentor early childhood professionals
• Early Childhood Program Administration Graduate Certificate: provides the credential that early childhood education program administrators need
• Early Childhood Special Education License Addition: provides coursework to meet the requirements for an add-on license in early childhood special education

2. Concordia University St. Paul

Concordia University, St. Paul, is a private university in Saint Paul, MN. It offers an undergraduate certificate in early childhood education with four courses:

• Introduction to Early Childhood Education
• Children's Play and Learning
• Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Early Childhood Education
• Growth and Development of Children

The university also offers a graduate certificate in early childhood education. This certificate requires 15 credit hours, which can also go toward the master's degree in early childhood education.

3. Fisher College

Fisher College is a private college in Boston. It offers an undergraduate certificate in early childhood education with an in-depth dive into working with young children, including those with special needs.

The program is designed to meet early childhood education licensure requirements. Students can also transfer credits from this program into the college's associate degree in early childhood education.

4. Great Basin College

Great Basin College is a public college in Elko, NV. It offers an online undergraduate certificate in early childhood education with an optional emphasis on infants and toddlers.

This program requires 18 credits and covers topics, such as child development and early childhood curriculums. It also requires a three-credit hands-on practicum experience that must be done in person.

5. National University

National University is a private university in San Diego, CA. It offers an early childhood foundations undergraduate certificate online. The eight-course program covers topics like:

• child development
• ethical and legal issues
• health, nutrition, and safety
• trauma-informed practice

Additionally, National University offers undergraduate early childhood education certificates in curriculum connections, STEAM integration, and social advocacy, as well as a certificate in fostering early childhood education leaders.

6. Portland State University

Portland State University is a public research university in Portland, OR. It offers an online early childhood certificate for undergraduate and graduate students.

The certificate requires 12 credit hours, which can later be used toward a bachelor's degree or master's degree program at PSU. An online certificate in infant/toddler mental health is also available.

7. University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a public research university in Fairbanks, AK. It offers an online early childhood education undergraduate certificate that helps students develop meaningful approaches to teaching and working with children and their families.

Those with a child development associate credential can receive transfer credits for this program. These credits can also be transferred into the university's associate early childhood education degree.

8. University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university in Los Angeles. It offers an early childhood education certificate that leads to an associate teacher permit in California.

There are no prerequisites for enrollment. The program requires four total courses, offered in both English and Spanish.

9. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a public research university in Grand Forks, ND. It offers an online graduate certificate in early childhood education that requires three courses:

• Social Emotional Learning Guidance
• Play in Development and Early Childhood Education
• Curricular Foundations in Early Childhood Education

The program takes about a year of full-time study to finish. Students can use these credits toward the university's graduate program in early childhood education.

10. West Virginia University

West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, WV. It offers an online undergraduate certificate in early childhood education that provides students with knowledge of the social, emotional, cognitive, language, motor, and physical development of young children.

The university also offers an online infant/toddler undergraduate certificate. This certificate prepares teaching professionals to work with babies and toddlers in preschools, daycare centers, community centers, healthcare settings, nonprofits, or social service agencies.

FAQs About Early Childhood Education Courses

Online early childhood education courses can help professionals develop skills to work with young children. Below, we've answered frequently asked questions about online courses for early childhood education.

How Can I Become Certified To Work in a Childcare Facility?

The requirements to work in a childcare facility vary by state; it also varies based on the type of learning environment, such as daycare, family child care, preschool, and Head Start programs. Some states do not require certification at all. Check to see what the requirements are in your state.

Is an Undergraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Development Worth It?

If you want to work with young children but can't pursue a full degree, an undergraduate certificate could be a great option. These programs provide the core competencies you need to work in childcare centers or preschools.

Typically, an undergraduate certificate isn't enough to become certified as a preschool teacher. However, you may be able to transfer credits from your certificate into a degree program later on.

How Do I Know If Earning an Early Childhood Education Certificate Online Is Right for Me?

Online learning can be a convenient, flexible way to earn a degree, but it's not for everyone. If you struggle to stick to a routine or have trouble learning virtually, an on-campus program may be a better option.

Complete Your Early Childhood Education Certificate Program Today

If you're interested in pursuing higher education to teach young children, explore the accredited programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to schools to request info about specific programs, including admissions requirements, financial aid, and program options.