course in education management in early childhood development

Early Childhood Education Administration

Learn the skills needed to take on Site Supervisor or Director roles in education programs serving children from birth to age five. Format: Online

This program is perfect for...

• Educators preparing for Site Supervisor or Director roles in programs for children from birth to age five
• Educators interested in meeting the academic requirements for California Title 5 and Title 22 regulations, and California Child Development Administrative Permits
• Individuals who want to start a child care center or advance to a director position
• Professionals seeking to be highly respected, creative and dynamic ECE leaders

What you can learn.

• Discover ways to create optimal learning environments in which children, parents and teachers function as a team in the educational process
• Explore the logistical and philosophical details of planning and implementing appropriate care and education at child care centers
• Learn about licensing, permits and regulations for the state of California
• Organize staff for effective communication and interpersonal relationships
• Examine criteria for selecting and evaluating personnel

Become an ECE Director

Qualified administrators in early childhood education are vital for creating key growth experiences for children and staff. The UCLA Extension Early Childhood Education Administration Certificate program will support you in the process of becoming a mentor and leader with vision, in addition to providing vital skills such as supervision, budgeting, licensing, curriculum implementation and family inclusion.

The program requires four core courses and one elective, for a total of 15 quarter units (10 semester units) that cover supervision and administration – from running a program and meeting licensing requirements to creating and leading a dynamic team. The curriculum includes mission statements, handbook guides and teacher qualifications, as well as the practical aspects of supporting the development of both young children and professional staff. Electives are designed to provide specialized instruction for administrators, such as knowing about and preventing legal liabilities. 

This certificate is offered 100% online. 

Upon completion of this certificate program, students will have the specialized content courses and knowledge to work as a director in a private child care facility (CA Title 22). To work in a public child care facility (CA Title 5), students can apply for a CTC Child Development permit at the site supervisor or director level, which requires these courses. Check the CTC website for permit qualifications. 

Before starting the program, I was not very confident that I could take this leap in my career. However, after completing two of the four core classes, I know I made a great decision. I gained knowledge and more importantly, confidence. The instructors have been generous and available when I needed help or had questions.

Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.

Students must complete 4 required courses and 1 elective course. 

What is the Early Childhood Education Administration Certificate? 

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Administration Certificate is designed for the individual seeking employment as a Site Supervisor, Director or Administrator of a preschool or childcare center. The ECE Administration Certificate meets the preparation coursework requirements for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) Site Supervisor and Program Director Child Development Permits and the specialization and supervision courses for the Master Teacher Permit. 

What are the requirements to apply?

Professional-level English language proficiency is required in the following areas: listening and note-taking; reading comprehension and vocabulary; written expression and oral presentation. Spanish proficiency is required for the courses offered in Spanish. 

What requirements do I need to fulfill the ECE Administration Certificate?

The ECE Administration Certificate program consists of four mandatory core courses and one elective course (total of 15 quarter units, or 10 semester units). The recommended elective course for the ECE Administration program is EDUC X 440.2 ECE Educator Liability Fundamentals: How to Protect Children and Safeguard Your Career. However, completion of another offered elective course will also count towards certificate completion requirements. A grade of C or better must be earned in all courses for a candidate to receive the certificate. Electives taken for another certificate may not be used for a second certificate. 

Once I receive my Early Childhood Education Administration Certificate, am I qualified to be a master teacher, administrator, site supervisor or director of any Early Childhood School in California?

The ECE Administration Certifcate fulfills the specialized, subject-matter course requirements for California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) Child Development Site Supervisor and Director Permits, in addition to the general education and experience pre-requisites for these permits.  These permits allow you to hold an administration position in Title 22 (private facility) and Title 5 (public facility) licensed facilities. Please visit the CCTC web site for information regarding permit requirements www.ctc.ca.gov . 

What are the requirements to teach in Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?

Multiple Subjects' Credential holders with 24 semester/36 quarter units in Early Childhood Education (ECE) are qualified to teach in Transitional Kindergarten (TK). Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers with a teacher-level permit and a baccalaureate are allowed to teach in TK under an emergency waiver for one year. They can continue teaching in TK after that if they are enrolled in a credential program, either Pk-3rd or Multiple Subjects. If they enroll in a Multiple Subjects' credential, they must earn, or have, 24 semester units of ECE. Both our ECE Associate Teacher Certificate and our Lead Teacher Advance Courses Certificate combined offer the required 24 semester units (36 quarter units).

Can I transfer units from another institution to UCLA Extension's Certificate Program?

You can transfer up to 6 quarter units or 4 semester units from another institution only if the academic units were completed from an accredited school with a grade of B or better. In addition, courses must have been  completed within the past five years to be approved as comparable to courses offered by UCLA Extension.  If you have taken courses which you think might be applicable to our program at other institutions please contact us for more information. 

Can I transfer UCLA Extension's units to other institutions? 

UCLA Extension academic credit is accepted at most colleges and universities. Each institution of higher education has its own policies for transferring credits, specifically around how many credits they will accept and whether they are accepted as core or elective courses. It is up to the institution where you are planning to transfer your completed courses to determine acceptability of your units. Education courses classified under course numbers X 100 to X 299 are undergaduate credits and numbers X 300 to X 399 are post-graduate, professional credit-bearing courses in the field of education. 

How do I obtain a CCTC Child Development permit?

You must apply directly to the CCTC for a Child Development Permit. For further information on the application process and requirements for the various Child Development Permits, contact the CCTC toll-free at (888) 921-2682 or visit the CCTC website at www.ctc.ca.gov . 

Does UCLA Education Extension provide a job placement or career counseling service for its Certificate holders?

UCLA Extension has a Career Services office for job search support and career counseling. Students are encouraged to seek out organizations that provide job listings, such as The California ECE Registry and the California Association for the Education of Young Children (CAAEYC).  

Estimated Cost Breakdown

All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.

Application & Candidacy Fee

Estimated program tuition, estimated program textbook/materials.

*The Application & Candidacy Fee establishes your candidacy in the program for a period of time covering normal progress toward completion and may allow you to access a variety of program benefits.

Internships Available

Approved for International Visa

VA Benefit Eligible

Federal Financial Aid

The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our  Financial Aid page.

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Early Childhood Development: Global Strategies for Interventions

Give children a strong start.

Harvard and UNICEF have partnered to deliver a course that examines best practices in child and family policies, advocacy, financing, and pathways to scale.

What You'll Learn

How can we ensure that we don’t fail the next generation of children? What investments do we need to make an impact? What implementation decisions do we need to make for program success?

An estimated 250 million children in low- and middle-income countries risk not meeting their development potential in the first five years of life—leading to lifelong impacts on health, learning, behavior, and overall adult productivity. During this critical time, strategic interventions can ensure children have a strong foundation to lead healthy, productive lives as engaged citizens.

There is an urgent need to increase access to high-quality early childhood development intervention programs on national and global scales. While the science behind the importance of early development and funding for these programs has increased globally, policy development, research, and implementation best practices have not been widely adopted. As the COVID-19 virus disrupts health, nutrition, childcare, and education services, and stretches social and child protection systems to their limits, children and families least able to cope are being hit hardest with inequities in childhood development widening. Evidence-based policies that support families and young children are needed now more than ever. This course examines best practices in child and family policies, advocacy, financing, and pathways to scale—showing you how to generate an innovative, scalable intervention strategy that supports early childhood development.

The course begins with a review of basic early childhood development concepts and successful implementation programs around the world. We learn why some programs succeed where others do less well and what strategies are key for enabling widespread adaptation of quality programming. For those working around the world in early childhood development programs, this course allows you to reflect and evaluate your own organization by reviewing real-world case successes, as well as a new global perspective from other learners. You will complete the course with new plans and ideas ready to implement within your program.

Successful implementation requires partnerships across implementation and research in real-world contexts. Together, Harvard University and UNICEF will bring global experience from communities to policy makers, evidence and experts from around the world. Aisha Yousafzai (Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health) and Pia Britto (UNICEF) will introduce you to real-world experts in programs, policy and research including Dr. Marquita Davis, Deputy Director of Early Learning at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation speaking about Head Start; Dr. Christine Powell from the Caribbean Institute for Health Research at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica speaking about Reach Up; Sumitra Mishra, Executive Director of Mobile Creches speaking about Mobile Creches; Sabrina Habib, the Co-Founder and Chief Exploration Officer at Kidogo speaking about Kidogo; Ayah Younis, Writer and Illustrator in Jordan from Ahlan Simsim; Marie Louise Samuels, Former Director Early Childhood Development in the Department of Basic Education in South Africa speaking about Grade R, and Claudia Andrea Zamora Reszczynski, Specialist in the National Team of Chile Crece Contigo at the Ministry of Social Development and Family of Chile speaking about Chile Crece Contigo.

Expert affiliations are listed for identification purposes only.

The course will be delivered via edX and connect learners around the world. 

Your Instructor

Dr. Yousafzai is an Associate Professor of Global Health, Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Her research interests are the development and integration of interventions that promote early child development in existing health services, and implementation research on scaling-up early childhood interventions. She has extensive experience in evaluating early childhood interventions in south Asia, east Africa, and in central and east Europe. One of Dr. Yousafzai’s most significant studies is the Pakistan Early Child Development Scale-Up (PEDS) trial, a cluster randomized controlled trial evaluating responsive stimulation and nutrition interventions to strengthen early child development and growth outcomes. Dr. Yousafzai has written extensively about early childhood interventions in low- and middle-income countries including recent articles in Annals of the New York Academy of Science, Annual Review of Psychology, Lancet, Lancet Global Health, and Pediatrics. She also serves on a number of Advisory Groups on early child development for international organizations including co-Chair for the Intervention Taskforce of the Early Childhood Development Action Network-ECDAN and an advisor on Home Visiting for the UNICEF CEECIS regional office.

Ways to take this course

When you enroll in this course, you will have the option of pursuing a Verified Certificate or Auditing the Course.

A Verified Certificate costs $149 and provides unlimited access to full course materials, activities, tests, and forums. At the end of the course, learners who earn a passing grade can receive a certificate. 

Alternatively, learners can Audit the course for free and have access to select course material, activities, tests, and forums.  Please note that this track does not offer a certificate for learners who earn a passing grade.

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Early Childhood Education Online Certificate Programs

THE INDUSTRY LEADER FOR ONLINE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

CCEI’s certificate programs are an excellent opportunity for educators to expand their knowledge and skills. Our programs are designed to help teachers stay current in their field, meet state licensing requirements, and enhance their effectiveness in the classroom. Our online format allows you to learn at your own pace, on your own schedule, and from anywhere with internet access.

CCEI’s certificate programs cover a wide range of topics in early childhood education. Our courses are research-based and developed by experts in their field designed to be both informative and engaging. In addition, our programs are affordable.

Earning a certificate from CCEI can help you advance your career and give you the tools you need to be a successful educator. At CCEI, we are committed to providing quality professional development opportunities for teachers. We are confident that our programs will meet your needs.   Don’t miss this chance to invest in your professional development and take your teaching to the next level. Learn more about our certificate programs and register today.

To view all CCEI Certificate Program offerings, please review our extensive Certificate Programs Catalog  here .

Online Child Care Certificate Programs & CDA Courses

Click on a course to view the details and requirements

• Instructor-Supported CDA Family Child Care Certificate
• Instructor-Supported CDA Infant-Toddler Certificate
• Instructor-Supported CDA Preschool Certificate
• El certificado de cuidado infantil familiar de CDA apoyado por un instructor
• El certificado de bebé-niño de CDA apoyado por el instructor
• El certificado preescolar CDA apoyado por un instructor
• Self-Study CDA Family Child Care Certificate
• Self-Study CDA Infant-Toddler Certificate
• Self-Study CDA Preschool Certificate
• Programa de Autoaprendizaje y Certificación CDA para Bebés y Párvulos
• Programa de Autoaprendizaje y Certificación CDA para Preescolares
• Programa de Autoaprendizaje y Certificación CDA para Hogares de Cuidado Infantil Familiar
• CDA Credential Renewal Certificate – Infant-Toddler
• CDA Credential Renewal Certificate – Preschool
• CDA Credential Renewal Certificate – Family Child Care
• CDA Credential Renewal Certificate – Infant-Toddler – Spanish
• CDA Credential Renewal Certificate – Preschool – Spanish
• CDA Credential Renewal Certificate – Family Child Care – Spanish
• Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC)
• Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) – Spanish
• Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) School-Age Certificate
• Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) Renewal Certificate
• Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) Renewal Certificate – Spanish
• Infant-Toddler Certificate

Administrator Programs

• Director’s Certificate
• Director’s Certificate Renewal
• Florida Director’s Certificate Renewal
• Georgia Director’s Certificate
• Texas Director’s Credential
• Texas Director’s Credential Renewal

Professional Development Certificate Programs

• Basic Center Management Certificate
• Basic Principles of Child Development
• Budgeting and Risk Management Certificate
• CCDBG Health & Safety Training for ECE Professionals in Nevada
• Child Care Orientation Certificate
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills Certificate
• Diversity and Multiculturalism Certificate
• Georgia Health and Safety Orientation Certificate – 10 Hours
• Health and Hygiene Certificate
• Infant-Toddler Orientation Certificate
• Mandated Reporter Certificate
• Oklahoma Health and Safety Pre-Service Certificate
• Positive Guidance Certificate
• Special Needs and Inclusive Education Certificate
• Staff Leadership Certificate

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Early Childhood Education: Supervision and Administration

Shaping the ECE classroom environment

certificate Description

Head up your own ece center.

Running your own child care center or serving as a site supervisor for our youngest learners requires the vision of an entrepreneur, the skills of a manager, and the heart of a teacher.

In the Early Childhood Education: Supervision and Administration program, you'll learn best practices for recruiting, teacher training, and staff management while working toward your state child development site supervisor or program director permit.

You will learn to instill positive guidance and discipline into your curriculum for infants, toddlers, and young children.

The program is designed for students looking to complete requirements for the Child Development Site Supervisor Permit through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing , and for site directors seeking professional development to renew permits for licensed facilities.

Classroom curriculum

• Child growth and development
• Classroom teaching strategies
• Center management
• Creating a developmentally based curriculum
• Current industry research and trends

Leadership curriculum

The curriculum delivers targeted instruction to prepare you to become a successful child care owner and build your qualifications as a director. Gain the confidence to manage and run any child care center.

• Budget administration
• Facilities management
• Personnel recruitment—best practices
• Supervisory skills

Early Childhood Education: Supervision and Administration learning objectives

• Create optimal learning environments through efficient staff interactions with children and their families
• Identify the differences in major learning theories and curriculum models as they pertain to early childhood education center philosophies and use them to enhance and develop appropriate care and education at child care centers
• Apply effective communication with families, staff, and communities about the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of children as a leader and director
• Identify high-quality settings for children using quality indicators such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children guidelines and standards and know what they are looking for as it pertains to getting child care centers licensing, permits, and regulations for the state of California
• Develop positive guidance and mentorship strategies to use when working with diverse groups of children including those with special needs

Meet state licensing requirements

• California Department of Education Title 5 The Early Childhood Education: Supervision and Administration certificate program satisfies California Department of Education Title 5 coursework requirements for the Child Development Program Director and Site Supervisor Permit.
• Department of Social Services Title 22 The program also satisfies the Department of Social Services Title 22 Community Care licensing requirements for qualified directors in a licensed early childhood program.

Program Overview

Estimated cost: starting at $2,760. (you pay only for courses you enroll in.) | international tuition cost, program requirements: 4 courses (20 quarter units). end with certificate of completion review., minimum hours of instruction: 200 hours of instruction., estimated duration: a full-time student can complete the certificate in 9–12 months., modality: this is a fully online program with live-online & self-paced course formats., special programs: this program is not approved for workforce or international students..

1. Required Course(s):

ECE 10: Supervision and Administration: Parents as Partners in Education

Robyn f stone, ece 11: supervision and administration of early childhood centers, part a, ece 12: supervision and administration of early childhood centers, part b, ninet moradi, ece 13: adult supervision and mentoring.

2. Completion Review:

Early Childhood Education: Supervision and Administration Certificate Completion Fee

Meet our instructors.

Jessica Roth

Lynne Mariam Goldfarb

Melissa Chi Le

Certificate Inquiry Form

Speak to a student services representative..

Call (408) 861-3860

Envelope [email protected]

Recommended Course Sequence

Flexible course sequence.

Courses may be taken in any order provided the prerequisites are met.

Substitutions

You may take one elective outside the certificate curriculum, if you receive prior approval from the Academic Services Department.

To receive your certificate

Upon completion of the course sequence you may request your Early Childhood Education Site Supervisor Certificate Completion Review .

Professional Development

Site supervisor and program director credentialing.

You must complete six semester units of coursework in administration and supervision of child care and development programs and two semester units in adult supervision to qualify for Site Supervisor and Program Director permits. Our courses help qualify you for these permits. Please go to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to learn how to qualify for Site Supervisor and Program Director permits by taking our courses.

Please visit the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for more information.

Licensure and Certification Policy

This is a mandatory licensure (permit) for this field of practice.

Please see our Licensure and Certification Policy to learn more.

Advisory Board

Certificate Program Chair 

NINET MORADI, BA, MA, has more than 20 years of experience in the field of early childhood education. She is an early childhood education professional advisor with the California Child Development Training Consortium. She has run her own child care program and has worked as an administrator of many child care centers with different philosophies, programs, and settings. She has helped several state-funded, for-profit, and nonprofit programs obtain licensing and launch high-quality programs. Moradi has a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Psychology. She has a California Child Development Director permit, holds certificates in Computerized Bookkeeping and Child Trauma, and is completing an Applied Behavior Analysis program. She has volunteered as a court-appointed child advocate for many years and began teaching at UCSC Extension in 2014. She has served as chair of the Early Childhood Education: Supervision and Administration Certificate Program Advisory Board since 2021.

Certificate Program Advisory Committee

ALICIA ARIZMENDI, M.S. TUPE Coordinator & Student Support Specialist, Morgan Hill Unified School District

ANGEL CHANG, M.Ed., PH.D. Bilingual Educator and Researcher, Stanford University Instructor, UCSC Silicon Valley Extension Early Childhood Education Program

MELISSA LE, B.A., MSTC Instructor and Chair, Early Childhood Education: Associate Certificate Program, UCSC Silicon Valley Extension

NINET MORADI, M.A. Instructor and Chair, UCSC Silicon Valley Extension Early Childhood Education: Supervision and Administration Program

NELL REDANIEL, CBEST Lead Teacher, Bright Horizons President and State Director, Santa Clara Valley Chapter of CAAEYC

ROBYN STONE, M.A . Instructor, UCSC Silicon Valley Extension Early Childhood Education Program

Establish Candidacy

Grade Requirements

Please note that only letter grades of C or higher may be applied to a certificate, and in some programs, students may have more stringent requirements. Students in most employer- and government-sponsored payment programs, such as workforce development, as well as international students on F-1 visas, need to maintain a B average to meet their requirements. Personal Financial Planning students have additional grade requirements for individual courses to attain a certificate.

See Grading and Credits Policy for further information.

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Get started today, early childhood education, about the program.

San José City College offers an Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) and various Certificates of Achievement in Early Childhood Education. Our Graduates of the Associate in Science Degree Program qualify through academic preparation and field experience for work in child centers, pre-schools, day care facilities, infant and toddler centers and other programs serving young children. They are able to use instructional techniques, which promote intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and creative growth in children. After completing the Associate in Science degree, students will be eligible for the Teacher Level of the State of California Children’s Center Permit, and qualify for employment as teachers in government and privately funded early care and education programs. In addition to working in childcare related facilities, the AS-T in Early Childhood Education also provides a foundation for students pursuing baccalaureate study in early care and education; child psychology; children, youth, and family services; child advocacy; social work and other social sciences. A grade of “C” or better is required in all ECE major, certificate and major elective courses.

Career Options 1

• Child Care Assistant
• Child Care Associate Teacher
• Child Care Teacher
• Child Care Master Teacher
• Infant-Toddler Specialist
• Children’s Center Teacher
• Family Child Care Provider
• Early Care Setting Program Director/Administrator

Some career options may require a two or four year degree

Certificates/Degrees

• Certificate of Achievement: Associate Teacher – Level 1
• Certificate of Achievement: Teacher – Level 2
• Certificate of Achievement: Master Teacher – Level 3
• Certificate of Achievement: Inclusion Specialist – Level 2
• A.S. Degree
• A.S.-T Degree

Child Development Permit Track - Certificates of Achievement

The three teacher focused certificates are aligned with the Child Development Permit (CDP) Matrix created by the California Department of Education. Per California Department of Education and Department of Justice, students will need to have TB clearance and fingerprinting to complete Certificate of Achievement – Level 2 and Level 3. Students planning to transfer to a 4-year university should follow the AS-T degree.

Students interested in pursuing the Child Development Program Director permit should meet with SJCC’s ECE Program Coordinator for more information regarding requirements.

For additional information, see a counselor, visit the Career/Transfer Center, or contact the following:

Associate Degrees

• Early Childhood Education - Associate in Science
• Early Childhood Education - Associate in Science for Transfe r

Certificates

• Early Childhood Education - Certificate of Achievement Level 2
• Early Childhood Education - Associate Teacher - Certificate of Achievement Level 1
• Early Childhood Education - Inclusion Specialist - Certificate of Achievement Level 2
• Early Childhood Education - Master Teacher - Certificate of Achievement Level 3
• Early Childhood Education - Teacher - Certificate of Achievement Level 2

ECE 016     Storytelling for Children     2 Units

Students will learn to use developmentally appropriate techniques for storytelling to engage children in active learning. Students will also learn to use storytelling as a means to integrate, reinforce, and extend curriculum. They will actively develop as storytellers, building their presentation techniques and their repertoire of stories for different purposes and different age groups of children. This course is recommended to meet the area of specialization in language and literacy for the Child Development Master Teacher permit.

Lecture Hours: 2  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None

CSU GE: None   IGETC: None   District GE: None

ECE 017     Literacy Development in Children     2 Units

Students will study literacy development among children from ages birth to 8 years. They will study topics including the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. The students will examine the social contexts of language learning, early literacy and assessment, and the design of curriculum and classroom environment that support literacy development. Off-campus observations/field trips will be required. This course is recommended to meet the area of specialization in language and literacy for the Child Development Master Teacher permit.

Recommended: Successful completion of ECE 105

ECE 018     Children's Literature     2 Units

Students will explore literature for children from birth to 8 years. Topics addressed include history of children's literature, contemporary genres, books and early literacy. The course will also examine diversity as reflected in literature. They will also gain skills in the selection and evaluation of the literature. Students will plan appropriate activities and integrate children's literature into early childhood curriculum. This course is recommended to meet the area of specialization in language and literacy for the Child Development Master Teacher permit.

ECE 020     Observation and Assessment Methods in ECE     3 Units

Students will learn the appropriate use of formal and informal observation tools, case study portfolios, recording, and rating systems. The use of multiple assessment and observation strategies, in various early childhood settings, will be covered. Emphasis will be on use of assessment strategies that inform and provide for developmentally appropriate curriculum. To ensure accurate observations and assessments, the importance of collaboration between teacher, families, and other professionals will be examined. (C-ID ECE 200)

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Prerequisite: FCS 070 and ECE 102 and ECE 108 ; all with a C or better. ECE 108 may be taken concurrently.

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: 2

ECE 098     Directed Studies in Early Childhood Education     0.5-9 Units

Individual or small groups of students, with previous course work in the discipline, who would benefit from Independent Study under the direction of faculty members in specific or related disciplines, may develop individualized learning contracts designed to enhance their individual instructional programs. The students and the faculty member in consultation with the Division Dean will determine appropriate learning objectives and activities as well as the numbers of units to be earned. Instructions and the Learning Contract forms are available in the Division Office. Repeatable to a maximum of 9 units across all disciplines.

Lecture Hours: None  Lab Hours: 2.07  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: O

Prerequisite: Completion of the following course(s) and project approval is required by sponsoring faculty, division dean, and Vice President of Academic Affairs: FCS 070

ECE 100     Early Childhood Education Overview     1 Unit

Students are introduced to the field of early childhood education. They will learn about the stages of child development and the factors that influence it. They will explore curriculum for children from infancy to five years of age. This course will prepare students interested in early childhood education as a career.

Lecture Hours: 1  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Open Curriculum: No prerequisite, corequisite or levels

ECE 101     Introduction to Curriculum     3 Units

Students will explore the major content areas in early childhood curriculum (birth to age 6) and plan, present, and evaluate activities in early childhood classrooms. This course provides developmentally appropriate teaching strategies based on observation and assessments across the curriculum, including: academic content areas; play, art, and creativity; and development of social-emotional, communication, and cognitive skills. Students will analyze their teaching experiences and utilize this knowledge to inform and improve skills in working with children. Off-site observations may be required. (C-ID ECE 130)

Prerequisite: FCS 070 with a C or better

Recommended: ECE 102 and ECE 107

ECE 101B     Practicum in Early Childhood Education     3 Units

Students explore connections between theory and practice using child-centered, play-oriented approaches to teaching, learning and assessment, and knowledge of the major content areas in the early childhood curriculum. Planning, implementing, and evaluating experiences that promote positive development and learning for all young children will be emphasized. Students will utilize practical classroom experiences to demonstrate developmentally appropriate early childhood teaching competencies under the quality supervision of an ECE/CD (Early Childhood Education/Child Development) faculty and other qualified early education professionals. This course requires off-campus attendance at early childhood sites. (C-ID ECE 210)

Lecture Hours: 1  Lab Hours: 6  Repeatable: No  Grading: L

Prerequisite: FCS 070 and ECE 101 and ECE 102 and ECE 107 ; all with C or better, TB clearance, and fingerprinting clearance as required by California Department of Justice.

ECE 102     Principles & Practices of Teaching Young Children     3 Units

Students will examine the underlying theoretical principles of developmentally appropriate practices applied to programs, environments, emphasizing the key role of relationships, constructive adult-child interactions, and teaching strategies in supporting physical, social, creative and intellectual development for all young children. This course includes a review of the historical roots of early childhood programs and the evolution of the professional practices promoting advocacy, ethics, and professional identity as well as school environment experiences. Off-site observations will be required. (C-ID ECE 120)

Prerequisite: FCS 070 with C or better

Recommended: Completion of ECE 107

ECE 104     Art and Creativity for Children     3 Units

Students are introduced to the value of visual arts and creative activities in the classroom and how they support positive brain development in young children. Students will demonstrate an understanding of developmentally appropriate practices for creating art experiences for children. Students will learn to plan and present creative and problem-solving experiences for children.

ECE 105     Language Development for Young Children     3 Units

Students are introduced to language development during early childhood years and also among dual language learners. The topics include stages of language development, theories of language acquisition, and the roles of parents and educators in promoting language related activities. Students will learn to plan, prepare, and present a variety of developmentally appropriate activities to stimulate language development and usage. Children's books, poetry, storytelling, games, charts, puppetry, flannel boards, and the use of computer-based technology will be introduced. Students also learn to create materials appropriate for children with special needs and learning disabilities.

Recommended: Completion of ECE 102

ECE 106     Administration and Supervision of Early Childhood Programs I     3 Units

Students are introduced to the principles and practices of administration and supervision of early childhood education programs. The course covers program goals and philosophies, the roles and responsibilities of program directors, professionalism, licensing requirements and other regulations, program organization and planning, budgeting, staffing, and working with parents and the community.

Prerequisite: ECE 107 with a C or better

Recommended: Completion of 12 units in Early Childhood Education including core courses, FCS 070 and ECE 101

ECE 107     Child, Family and Community     3 Units

Students will examine the developing child in a societal context focusing on the interrelationship of family, school, and community; emphasis will be on historical and social factors. Patterns of development, child-rearing, and the value of education in contemporary American society will be discussed. The processes of socialization and identity development will be highlighted. Community resources that foster the positive development of the child in the context of the family will be identified. This course meets licensing and permitting requirements for early education settings. (C-ID CDEV 110)

Recommended: FCS 070

CSU GE: D   IGETC: 4   District GE: D

ECE 108     Health, Safety, and Nutrition in Child Care     3 Units

Students will be introduced to the laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures, and curriculum related to child health, safety, and nutrition in early childhood settings. The course includes topics on germs and illnesses, daily health inspection skills, health practices, nutrition, food safety, chronic illness, and disaster planning, and integrating these concepts into everyday planning and program development. This course is required for a child care certificate and AS degree in Early Childhood Education. (C-ID ECE 220)

ECE 109     Music, Movement, and Rhythm Activities for Children     3 Units

Students are introduced to designing music, movement, and rhythm activities for children. They will focus on the predominant theories of movement and music education and will create developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant curriculum. Students will learn to evaluate a wide variety of music, movement, and rhythm activities as they gain skills in planning and presenting these activities to children.

ECE 110     Administration and Supervision of Early Childhood Programs II     3 Units

Students will advance their studies of the administration and supervision of early childhood education programs focusing on program quality, reflective practices, marketing, team building and communication, working with staff and parents of diverse backgrounds and advocacy. Course meets the California State requirement for site supervisor and program director permits.

Prerequisite: ECE 106 with C or better

Recommended: Completion of 12 units in Early Childhood Education including core courses in FCS 070 , ECE 101 , ECE 102 , and ECE 107 .

ECE 121     Family Child Care Series: Working With Families     1 Unit

Students will learn different strategies to work with families in their family child care center. The focus will be on understanding families, communication, creating partnership with the families and connecting families to the resources available in the community.

Lecture Hours: 1  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: No  Grading: O

Advisory Level: Read: 2 Write: 2 Math: None

ECE 122     Family Child Care Series: Understanding The Child     1 Unit

This course provides students with a brief introduction to typical ages and stages in child development. Physical, cognitive and social milestones and behaviors will be observed for each developmental stage. Students will learn to design environments suitable for multi-age group of children. The observation of children is required.

ECE 123     Health and Safety Practices in the Family Child Care Home     1 Unit

Students will be introduced to the regulations, standards, policies and procedures related to child health, safety, and nutrition in family child care homes.

ECE 124     Family Child Care Series: The Challenging Child     1 Unit

Students will be introduced to guidance and discipline strategies appropriate for use in family child care homes. A variety of guidance or prevention techniques, as well as, appropriate discipline techniques will be identified and discussed.

ECE 142     Supervising Adults-The Mentor Teacher     2 Units

Students will examine the methods and principles of supervising student teachers in early childhood classrooms. They study the role of experienced classroom teachers who function as mentors to new teachers while simultaneously addressing the needs of children, parents, and other staff. Students are required to complete off-campus classroom observations.

Prerequisite: ECE 102 and FCS 070 with a C or better

Recommended: Completion of 12 units in Early Childhood Education including core courses in Child Development, Child Family and Community and Programs/Curriculum.

ECE 145     The Child With Special Needs     3 Units

Students will be introduced to the development of children with special needs from birth to school age. They will examine how families are affected by their children with special needs. The course gives an overview of laws relating to children with special needs and theories of early intervention in the inclusive classroom.

ECE 146     Child Guidance and Discipline     2 Units

Students study how to manage the behavior of children using a variety of communication, guidance, and discipline strategies. Students will learn to distinguish between typical developmentally appropriate behaviors, and atypical behaviors that jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of self and others. Students will also learn to support children in the development of self-regulation skills.

ECE 147     Teaching Young Children in a Diverse Society     3 Units

Students will identify the principles and practices of implementing an Anti-Bias Curriculum (ABC) for children. Emphasis will be placed on culturally and linguistically appropriate anti-bias approaches as they impact the work with young children and their families in early education programs. Students will reflect on issues related to social identity, stereotypes, bias, prejudices, and media influence. This course promotes equity and a deeper understanding of how to best support children as they gain a sense of identity and become confident members of our complex and diverse society. (C-ID ECE 230)

ECE 149     Inclusion of Children With Special Needs     3 Units

Students learn curriculum and intervention strategies for working with children with special needs. The topics include; designing inclusive environments, partnering with families, learning how to conduct observations and assessments from birth to school age, and preparing an education plan. Includes the role of the teacher as a professional working with families, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and cultural competence.

Prerequisite: ECE 145 with C or better

Advisory Level: Read: 3 Write: Math: None

ECE 150     Practicum Experience in an Inclusive Classroom     3 Units

Students will participate in supervised internships as assistants in early intervention or inclusion settings with children with special needs from birth through eight years. They will adapt curriculum, design natural environments, identify and assess special needs, and create individualized educational plans.

Prerequisite: ECE 149 with a C or better

ECE 155     Designing Curriculum in Family Child Care Settings     1 Unit

Students will learn how to design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum in family child care settings. The focus will be on designing an inclusive curriculum for multi-age groups and children with different abilities.

ECE 191     Infant Toddler Development     3 Units

Students learn current theory and research and developmentally appropriate practices, interactions, and environments for infants and toddlers in group care. Students will be introduced to theories and research regarding infant and toddler development, essential policies, and principles. They will learn to create environments that offer developmentally appropriate challenges for infants and toddlers. They will also examine how to develop meaningful connections between infant and toddler programs and their families. Students will be required to complete off-campus classroom observations.

ECE 192     Care and Education for Infants and Toddlers     3 Units

Students gain knowledge of different principles and practices to care and education of infants and toddlers in group settings. They will examine policies and regulations that lead to quality care for infants and toddlers. They will learn to observe and assess infants and toddlers for their development, and design developmentally appropriate curriculum for them. Students will be required to complete off-campus classroom observations.

Recommended: ECE 191

ECE 195     The School Age Child: Development, Behavior, Curriculum     3 Units

Students will study the physical, cognitive, social, and psychological development of children ages five through twelve years. This course focuses on how to plan developmentally appropriate curriculum and includes conflict management, children with special needs, and community resources. Students will learn how to observe children in a classroom setting and will be assigned to an off-site elementary school to complete observation assignments.

ECE 500     Introduction to ECE Field     0 Units

This course is presented in a workshop format for parents, students, and professional development for early childhood educators. Introduces various topics in the field of early childhood education, like development of children, curriculum, discipline, and health and safety. Completion of this class helps prepare students for credit classes in Early Childhood Education.

Lecture Hours: 2  Lab Hours: None  Repeatable: Yes  Grading: N

Open Curriculum: No prerequisite, corequisite or levels.

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Online BA in Early Care and Education

New scholarship covers your entire education.

ECE students can apply for the new Early Learning Equity Scholarship and get all of their costs covered!

What you can earn

Credits earned, time commitment, upcoming deadline, transforming early childhood education.

The online Early Care & Education (ECE) program centers young children, families, and communities through interdisciplinary coursework and practice-based learning rooted in equity, diversity and inclusion.

Students join ECE for the flexibility and affordability, gaining a full UW education while living and working in their own community.  And our instructors and staff provide each student with dedicated support and coaching.

If you are committed to transforming the early childhood education field, we invite you to join our next cohort of change-makers.

After graduation

ECE equips you with the skills, knowledge, and experiences that will elevate your strengths and talents to excel in your career development. Graduates in this program continue their professional development in current or new roles and transition into leadership positions. These positions include lead teachers, coaches, and program directors in non-profit community-based settings and early learning sites.

• Preschool teaching
• Early childhood administration
• Children’s museums educator and communications
• Early learning assessment
• Early learning coach and specialist
• Early education policy and advocacy
• Education research
• Family & community support

The ECE program can also serve as a pathway for graduates interested in K-8 education, health related fields, child life specialist, social work, psychology, or other fields related to children’s learning, development and well being.

• Want to become a K-8 teacher? Although ECE graduates do not earn a teaching certificate, it is a great foundation for one of our teacher preparation programs.
• Aiming to earn your master's degree? After earning your bachelor’s degree through ECE, we offer a wide array of graduate-level programs that support your career goals.

Let's connect

We're so excited that you're thinking about joining our undergrad program! Join our mailing list to learn about upcoming information sessions, deadlines, scholarships and more!

Join mailing list

Prefer a one-on-one experience? Prospective students can schedule an admissions advising appointment .

The ECE program is offered entirely online, which means you can log in anytime and from anywhere to complete coursework before weekly deadlines. We use an online learning management system to host course materials and interactions with your peers and professors. While most learning occurs asynchronously, you’ll enjoy some real-time collaboration opportunities.

To earn your B.A. in Early Care & Education, you'll need to complete all required ECE courses along with any remaining general education courses and electives. The program’s duration varies based on the amount of college credits you’ve previously earned. Full-time students typically graduate in about two years, while part-time students usually graduate in about three years.

Technical requirements: You will need access to reliable high-speed internet, webcam, microphone, and a device capable of capturing video and audio, like a smartphone. The program may require additional software that UW offers at low or no cost, with tutorials provided.

Once you enroll, your academic adviser will review any transfer credits and help you create a personalized graduation plan to complete your degree, which may include general education and elective courses. The sample graduation plans outline the required ECE courses only and do not include general education or other graduation requirements.

• Full-time graduation plan
• Part-time graduation plan

The following list includes required ECE courses.

Explores current and historical themes, research, and programs in the field of early care and education, offering students the opportunity to explore their own professional identities.

Drawing upon the history of multicultural education, social justice education, culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogies, critical perspectives in early childhood education, and anti-bias education, this course supports professionals serving young children and families to develop skills needed to engage in equitable practices.

Builds on foundations of critical pedagogy, social justice education, and culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogies. Focuses on the intersections of identity (e.g., class, dis/ability, and gender), self, systems of power and privilege, and working with young children. Designed to better understand how art and children's texts can be used as tools for equity.

Builds on foundations of critical pedagogy, social justice education, and culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogies. Focuses on the intersections of identity (e.g., race, ethnicity, language, and sexual identity), self, systems of power and privilege, and working with young children. Designed to better understand how art and children's texts can be used as tools for equity.

Instructionally Supportive Interactions: Importance of equitable high-quality early childhood education. Specific types of environments and responsive instructional interactions that support children's thinking, language, and problem-solving. First of a two-part series.

Social and Emotional Support and Well-Organized Classrooms: Focus on importance of equitable high quality early childhood education and specific types of environments and responsive instructional interactions that support children's social, emotional and self-regulatory skills. Second of a two-part series.

Focuses on the kinds of knowledge, ways of knowing and modes of inquiry relevant to early care and education. Through identifying and reviewing substantive research in their areas of interest, students locate ideas for inquiry within the research literature in early care and education.

Seeks to deepen understanding of contemporary social issues and problems that impact families and young children. Discusses legislation and other policies from a local, national and global perspective. Explores the complex web of social, private, and governmental organization that impact families and young children.

Focuses on the key role that family and community contexts play in supporting development, as well as the key role early childhood programs can play in promoting family engagement. Participants examine interdisciplinary principles on how best to support a developing child's primary relationships through family engagement, and responsiveness to differences between families.

Helps identify individual strengths, set professional goals, and practice necessary professional skills, such as job-searching, networking, and developing oral and written proficiency.

Synthesizes and demonstrates learning across the ECE major. Brings together research, theory and hands-on practice in service learning in order to highlight overall degree competencies and promote development of a professional portfolio.

Focuses on developmental foundations and theoretical and researched-based models of early childhood curriculum. Studies approaches to designing, organizing and implementing early learning programs. Studies curricular content for supporting children's learning and development in physical development; social and emotional development; approaches to learning; cognition; and language and early literacy.

Teaching From the Inside Out: Being a Resilient Educator: Equips students with skills and strategies to optimize their effectiveness as early childhood educators. Students learn how to be as healthy as possible, possess the confidence to manage stressful situations, connect effectively with others and focus on the positive aspects of life.

Addresses the significance of social and emotional development in the early years. Discusses the adoption of models and evidence-based practice strategies that focus on promoting social-emotional development, providing support for children's appropriate behavior and preventing challenging behavior. Examines how adult resiliency and wellness relate to improved early care and teaching.

Focuses on observation and methods used to study and understand young children in the context of families and society. Develops skills to understand children's behavior in learning environments. Examines approaches to and purposes for assessment and documentation of children's development and learning. Explores approaches to assessing early learning environments.

Supporting Language & Literacy Development in Preschool: Increases knowledge about language and literacy developments between ages 3 to 5 and the ways in which these developments are critical precursors to the emergence of and success with formal reading skills, and to build participants' use of evidence-based language and literacy practices within the preschool classroom.

Increases knowledge about cognitive developments between ages 3 to 5 and ways in which these developments are critical precursors to emergence and success with later content and skills in mathematics and science. Learn to design and implement effective instructional practices and interactions with children that support their learning and development.

Examination of the latest research on brain development in early childhood and the application of this knowledge in the creation of learning environments that promote physical, language, cognitive, social and emotional development. The roles of family, classroom and community provide context to build relationships that support each child's development.

overs the topics of disability and ableism specifically focused on educational contexts.

Human learning in the educational setting. Cognition, development, learning, motivation, affective processes and socialization. Emphasis on skills in influencing classroom learning and discipline.

Provides a survey of infant and early childhood development, including prenatal and neonatal factors, and social/societal influences, using an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion informed framework. Emphasizes how risk and protective factors can impact social emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Includes research based principles and approaches to supporting families and caregivers of young children.

We believe early childhood professionals learn by applying knowledge through action, observation and reflection. ECE students take part in Community Based Learning (CBL), a place-based education, centering learning in the physical environment, local culture, history, language, and with the people of a community.

You will have many opportunities to integrate your classroom experience into your CBL Experience. You will build on your cultural and contextual knowledge of children’s learning through real-world opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills in early learning settings.

Our students participate in two types of experiential learning:

• Community-Based Learning Experience : Weekly time spent engaging with young children through your work or volunteering in an early learning setting is required for many courses.
• Applied assignments: Examples of applied assignments include videos of your practice, environment or child observations, case studies, and an interview with a professional or parent. These may be completed at your Community-Based Learning Experience site.

Already working or volunteering with children in an early learning setting? You can complete the community-based learning experience at your current job! If you need support finding a setting, our CBL coordinator will help you find a place to do your community-based learning.

It will take a minimum of 7 quarters to complete the program. To graduate from the University of Washington, you must have a minimum of 180 quarterly credits. How long it takes to graduate depends on a number of factors, including how many credits you are transferring in with and how many credits you take per quarter as an ECE student.

You can connect and schedule an advising appointment with our Lead Admissions & Outreach Adviser who can provide one-on-one support with: 

• Admissions process
• Scholarships and financial aid
• Transferring to UW

Schedule an appointment

Admission requirements and process

Please reach out to us at  [email protected] if you need any support during the application process!

New students start each autumn, and you can choose either full-time or part-time enrollment.  Applications open in January each year . Applicants who submit by our priority deadline (April 1) will be notified first about admissions decisions. They will also be notified about scholarship opportunities in May. Because of the different steps and requirements, we recommend starting your application process as early as possible.

To be eligible for this program, you must have met the following requirements:

• Live in the United States and do not require an F-1 visa.
• Completed at least 45 transferable quarter credits from regionally accredited colleges or universities (1 semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits)
• Earned a cumulative transfer GPA of 2.0 or higher.

If you have completed fewer than 40 transferable quarter credits at the time you submit your application, you will also need to complete the College Academic Distribution Requirements (UW admission requirements that can be satisfied by high school and/or college coursework). Please contact us at [email protected] if you have questions about this requirement.

• Include transcripts from all institutions attended
• Your transcripts must include your name and coursework
• If you have fewer than 40 transferable credits at the time of application, you must also submit and official or unofficial high school transcript

Instructions

Respond to each of the questions below using these instructions. You may choose to submit either written or recorded responses:

• Written responses: Write a short paragraph (150 words or less) in response to each question.
• Recorded responses: Make a video or audio recording with your responses (1-2 minutes per question). You will need to upload your recording to a cloud service such as Youtube, Google Drive, or Sharepoint and share the link in your application form.

Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you have questions about how to submit your application questions.

• The ECE program focuses on community-based early learning with children from birth to age 8 and their families. Tell us about your experience and/or interest in working with children in this specific age range and their families. 
• How has your background and experience prepared you to be effective in an environment that holds equity, diversity, and inclusion as a core to our mission and values?
• What impact have you had (or hope to have) in the early learning community for equity, diversity, and inclusion at your current position (or a position in the future)? What are you still working on?
• In what ways do you hope the ECE program will further your learning and skill set in equity, diversity, and inclusion? 
• The ECE program’s Community-Based Learning requirement is to work or volunteer for at least 3-5 hours per week at a formal early learning setting that serves children ages birth-8, and allows you to observe, enact practices, and occasionally film yourself interacting with at least 3-5 children. Examples include Head Start, ECEAP, childcare center, family childcare center, elementary school, etc. Do you currently work or volunteer in a setting that meets this criteria? If so, briefly describe the setting and your role. If not, are you willing and able to volunteer in this kind of setting for 3-5 hours per week while you are a student in the program? Briefly describe your ideal volunteer setting. Support is available to help you find a site.
• (optional) Are you applying as a member of the Native Cohort based at Tulalip?
• (optional) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
• Gather all required materials
• Visit the online application form
• Log into your account or create a new profile if you are a first-time applicant
• Complete all steps in application process and upload your documents
• Pay the nonrefundable application fee or request a waiver
• Submit your online application
• Submit transcripts
• When completing the online form, be sure to select: “Early Care & Education (Online)”
• If you have already earned your bachelor’s degree, select “Early Care & Education (Online) - Post-Bac”

You will be notified some time between June and August. Applicants who submit before the priority deadline (April 1) will be notified first.

In general, you should be able to transfer college-level academic credits for general education courses (described on the UW's Undergraduate Advising General Education page) and early childhood and education-related credits.

For more information about UW’s transfer requirements, including notable restrictions on transfer credit, please visit the UW Transfer Credit Policies page. 

To graduate from the University of Washington, you must have a minimum of 180 quarterly credits completed. Transfer students are encouraged to take courses that will transfer and count towards UW’s general education credits.

Please note: the majority of your ECE major coursework must be completed within our program. Most EDUC/ECE courses that transfer will count towards your general education requirements or general electives.

Costs and funding

The online ECE program is a self-sustaining, fee-based program. Course fees are charged on a per-credit basis and are the same for Washington residents and non-residents. Our course fees are less than, or comparable to, many similar programs in Washington state. The current estimated cost is:

• $231 per credit
• The total cost to complete varies based on transfer credits

Additional UW fees (registration, technology, etc) are not included in this estimate. 

It is highly recommended that students in the program complete the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) application. These applications are necessary for various forms of financial aid, including scholarships and loans. Because ECE is a fee-based program, students are not eligible for tuition exemptions or university grants, such as the Husky Promise. For more details, please visit the fee-based programs page on the Office of Student Financial Aid website. 

The Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards offers information and resources about student scholarship opportunities and mentors students through the various application processes.

Students may qualify for specific scholarships and other financial aid that are tied to their background or prospective career field, including the opportunities below.

The Early Learning Equity (ELE) Scholarship, made possible by an extremely generous gift from the Ballmer Group, covers a student’s unmet financial need, including the cost of attendance for Washington state residents. The scholarship is available to newly enrolled ECE students, or those returning  to ECE after one or more years away.

Through this one application, undergraduate students can apply for multiple scholarships worth between $900 - $5,000.

The Zesbaugh and Anderson-Olsen Scholarships generously supports undergraduate students in financial need who are committed to a career as an educator. Applicants should be pursuing a career in P-12 teaching, education policy, higher education, school counseling, social services, or a myriad of other education fields.

Child Care Aware of Washington (Early Achievers) is for early learning professionals working at an Early Achievers enrolled program. The Bachelor’s Degree Pathways Scholarships are contract based for 12 months, and include BA completion, DTA/Pre-BA and the Montessori Credential.

The Martin Achievement Scholarship and Martin Honors Scholarship are available for Washington community college students and graduates interested in obtaining bachelor's degrees from the University of Washington.

Students based in Washington state can also apply for scholarships and other financial aid earmarked for residents of this state. There are number of sites that offer information about these kinds of programs, including:

• Career Bridge: Pay for School
• theWashBoard.org

Transforming inequitable systems

Our curriculum is rooted in the belief that all young children and their families have the right to equitable learning and development opportunities in a just and culturally-thriving society. ECE students reflect on their identities and how decisions we make every day in and outside of the classroom are influenced by larger power systems. Assignments and cohort discussions encourage critical thinking about early learning, equity, and community.

Read our equity statement

Honoring Indigenous Land and Calls to Action: The ECE program shares a commitment that is essential to the process of working to be in good relationship with the Indigenous land on which our lives and institutions exist and the peoples of the land. Read our land acknowledgement .

We are here to support you!

Our faculty and student support team are committed to supporting you every step of the way: from your very first question about ECE to your graduation date, and beyond. We offer admissions advising to help you navigate the application process, and our academic adviser will be there to support you after you enroll in the program. We offer support in your community-based learning experience, and our faculty are committed to supporting you as you earn your degree, and prepare for your future.

Our support approach is holistic, encompassing all aspects of your student experience. Support ranges from academic planning and community-based learning placements, to career guidance and resource referrals, and more.

At the start of the program, you’ll meet with your adviser to develop an individualized graduation plan. Then you’ll connect regularly to check in on progress and discuss any obstacles you might be facing. Your community-based learning coordinator will work with you to identify and establish a community-based learning site. If you need help, we are here to listen and guide you to available UW resources.

Faculty in the program are dedicated to your success, employing a “high-touch” teaching approach to keep you engaged. They check in weekly with students and embed career goals in courses to make them relevant to your experience.

The faculty also help foster a reflective and collaborative community where students feel empowered and all voices are heard. Students grow this community by sharing experiences and best practices and offering feedback and support to each other.

New to online learning? Don’t feel intimidated by the online aspect of ECE. All levels of tech savvy are welcome — and we’re here to support you.

The technology is manageable and easy to use. We use a web-based learning management system to deliver course materials, and guided instruction and tutorials are built right into the curriculum. If you need extra technical support, our help from a technical support team is just a phone call or email away.

Frequently asked questions

No. ECE students do not receive a teaching credential through the program. If teaching in elementary schools is your career goal, ECE is a great first step for your undergraduate work. After graduating you can apply to one of our college's teacher education programs and earn your Master in Teaching (M.I.T.). If your goal is to teach middle or high school, the ECE program is not a good fit and we encourage you to check out one of our other undergraduate majors.

No. Because you are admitted directly to the ECE major, you can only pursue the ECE major while you are enrolled at the University of Washington.

The ECE program is fully online. While you may be able to take occasional on-campus classes, options are extremely limited. If you prefer an on-campus experience, we recommend the Early Childhood & Family Studies: Teaching & Learning program.

We are here to help! We offer info sessions and individual pre-admission advising. Schedule a virtual advising appointment.

Yes! If you work in an early learning setting with children (birth to age 8), it is likely that this will count as your CBL weekly hours. If you don’t work with young children, the CBL coordinator is available to support you to find a CBL placement. 

You can access coursework on your own schedule and complete the majority of your work on the weekends. There are flexible options for occasional synchronous small group sessions and meetings with staff and faculty.

Yes!  If you have already completed or will complete a bachelor’s or graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to enrolling at UW, you are considered a post-baccalaureate applicant. Please select “Early Care & Education (Online) - Post-Bac” option when you fill out the online application form. 

As a “post-bac” you will only need to complete the ECE major coursework as your general education coursework will be taken care of with the credits from your original bachelor’s degree.

Yes, you are a UW Husky. You will receive a UW student ID card, enjoy the same access to resources and events as campus students, and can walk across the stage at Commencement! Go Dawgs!

Program Faculty

Nancy Hertzog

Gail E. Joseph

Jodi Burrus Newman

Soojin Oh Park

Holly Schindler

Program staff.

Ruth O. Ayodeji

Alejandra Baires-Ramirez

Jenni Campbell

Camille Lemire

Sala Sataraka

Bridget wittke.

Alumni Profile

Best Early Childhood Education and Teaching colleges in the U.S. 2024

Early childhood education and teaching majors are responsible for developing the young minds of children ranging in ages from infancy to 8 years old. Persons who have a passion for and understanding of the individuality of young children may find that early childhood education and teaching is the perfect degree choice. The coursework is geared towards child development and student involvement. Instruction includes health, safety, and nutrition for young children, growth and development, language development, math, science, and the arts. Individuals must be able to develop the appropriate curriculum and learning environment based on the individual and group needs of the children and based upon the latest educational trends.

There's also a huge emphasis on creating and maintaining a child-safe and healthy environment. With a degree in early childhood education and teaching , a graduate can become a teacher, teachers' assistant, curriculum developer , or daycare worker. Successful teachers have the skills to motivate their students. They recognize the social, physical, intellectual, emotional, and creative strengths and weaknesses in each child and can effectively combine them to produce one coherent classroom setting. Verbal and written communication skills are also critical in this major because the student is not only working with children, but with their parents or guardians.

Best Early Childhood Education and Teaching colleges in the U.S. for 2024

Boston College has a great online program for students entering the field of early childhood education and connects high-quality academic instructors and students in a virtual learning environment. Students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree are eligible to take the required licensure exams in their home state immediately after graduation.

The University of Florida has certificate-level and master’s degree programs for prospective students in the field of early childhood education. Asynchronous online classes and lectures can be accessed on your laptop or phone and can impart marketable skills needed to work as a teacher or childhood educator.

The University of Georgia has a variety of certificate-level, bachelor’s, and master’s programs in early childhood education. Students entering the field can access online resources and interact with professors and their peers in virtual classroom settings.

The University of Hawaii Manoa offers online bachelor’s degrees that can provide a flexible route toward a career in early childhood education. This program provides post-graduation job placement resources to ensure their students enter the workforce with confidence.

NYU’s Bachelor’s in Early Childhood education track allows students to take online classes from the comfort of their homes and can be a great option for working professionals that want to get their master’s on their own time. This program is a great way for students to gain the skills they need to work in a classroom setting as a teacher or develop a curriculum in an administrative capacity.

Towson University has bachelor’s and master’s programs for those interested in working with children and adolescents as an elementary school teacher or para educator. The academic course load at Towson prepares students to complete the necessary licensure exams for their home state before applying to full-time roles.

The University of Washington is an excellent place for students that want to teach, develop curriculum, and facilitate academic and social development. Online classes and testing options allow current students to manage their working lives while completing their degree on their own time.

For those interested in getting a degree in early childhood education, TCU offers bachelor's degrees that impart the skills needed for their students to excel as elementary school teachers and school administrators. Classes, study tools, and professional development resources make this program a top choice for prospective applicants.

University of North Florida offers 3 Early Childhood Education and Teaching degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 38 Early Childhood Education and Teaching students graduated with students earning 36 Bachelor's degrees, and 2 Certificates.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers 2 Early Childhood Education and Teaching degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 28 Early Childhood Education and Teaching students graduated with students earning 19 Bachelor's degrees, and 9 Master's degrees.

Find local colleges with Early Childhood Education and Teaching majors in the U.S.

What is early childhood education and teaching.

Students that pursue a degree in early childhood education graduate with the skills needed to teach and instruct children in an academic setting. These programs often include courses like language development, social and behavioral sciences, and preschool behavior to name a few. It is typical for these programs to range in length, so it is smart for prospective applicants to assess their level of interest in spending more time in the classroom to achieve graduate degrees. Programs prepare students to function independently as teachers and academic instructors, and take the necessary licensure exams for their home state.

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and Teaching

For those interested in quickly gaining the necessary skills to work in a classroom setting, an associate program in early childhood education typically takes up to two years. Students enrolled in an associate degree program often structure their course loads so that they can transfer to a bachelor’s track after they complete their second year, though some choose to take their licensure exams and enter the workforce immediately after graduation.

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and Teaching

Many students that pursue degrees in early childhood education pursue the traditional bachelor’s track at a four-year college or university, and these programs usually require general education and elective requirements to be met for an average of 120 credits. Potential applicants must understand the commitment associated with pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, as well as the financial implications.

Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education and Teaching

Whether you hold a bachelor’s degree or have been working professionally as an elementary school teacher for a few years, there’s never a bad time to enroll in a master’s program and open the door to exciting opportunities in the field of early childhood education. Master’s programs can last from one to two years and prepare students to hold administrative and leadership roles at charter schools and academies.

What is a Master’s in Early Childhood Education?

People who have a passion for understanding the individuality of young children may be a perfect fit for a master’s degree in early childhood education. The coursework is geared towards child development and student involvement, and instruction includes:

• Nutrition for young children
• Growth and development
• Language development

Students must be able to develop the appropriate curriculum and learning environment based upon the latest educational trends for both individual children and groups.

What Can I Do With a Degree in Master’s in Early Childhood Education?

With a degree in early childhood education and teaching, you can pursue a career in roles including:

• Childcare worker
• Preschool teacher
• Teachers’ assistant
• Special education teacher
• Preschool and childcare care director

For any of these careers, ideal candidates should possess a creative mind, a love of children, and the ability to adapt to unexpected occurrences. Below is a list of potential jobs that someone studying master’s in early childhood education could grow into.

Choosing the Best Master’s in Early Childhood Education Program

When choosing an early childhood education master’s program, ECE students need to consider a variety of factors including 

• Onlive vs. on campus programs
• Program costs
• Program length
• Accreditation
• Admission requirements

A master’s in early childhood education takes about two years to complete, but certain factors can alter that time frame. A program with a higher credit requirement, for instance, can take longer to finish. 

This section explores the many factors that students should consider when choosing a master’s program in early childhood education. 

Earning a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Students should consider a variety of factors when deciding on a college, including: 

• Program specializations
• Specific areas of focus (specialization vs elective courses)

Additionally, when deciding on a master’s program it is important to look at course offerings, program length, and skill development.

Courses in Early Childhood Education Graduate Programs

Since course offerings vary by school, students should review each institution’s curriculum to find the early childhood education degree that best suits their needs. However, certain foundational topics are common across most programs. While the names of these courses may differ, many degrees feature courses in the following topics:

How Long Does a Master’s in Early Childhood Education Take To Finish?

Typically, master’s degrees in early childhood education take two years to complete. However, program details may alter this time frame. For instance, accelerated programs allow ECE students to advance through coursework quickly. Cohort programs, on the other hand, prefer that students take courses as a group.

Most early childhood education master’s programs require 30-36 credits, so students need to complete 15-18 credits per year to finish the degree in two years. These credits are typically divided into fall and spring semesters only, though some programs include additional semesters. Students can also enroll part-time, taking smaller course loads but finishing in more than two years.

Skills Learned in a Master’s in Early Childhood Education Program

Pursuing a master’s degree in early childhood education requires patience and a significant amount of energy. Additionally, early childhood education programs can build these skills: 

• Communication
• Curriculum preparation
• Child development

By earning a master’s in early childhood education, graduates gain a competitive edge for careers in the field.

Master’s in Early Childhood Education Admission Requirements

When applying to ECE master’s programs, it is highly recommended that potential students apply to two types of school. 

The first group is target schools, or institutions with admission standards that give them a strong chance of acceptance. This provides applicants with “fallback” options if they don’t get accepted into their desired programs.

The second category of schools includes colleges and universities that appeal to the student but hold more vigorous admission details. This strategy gives applicants the possibility of acceptance at a prestigious university, with little risk. 

Prerequisites & Admission Material

Admissions standards differ among schools. Generally, anyone applying to an online early childhood education master’s program must hold a  bachelor’s degree in education  or a related field. Some master’s programs require applicants to hold teaching licensure or certification. 

Applicants may need to provide proof of experience working with young children, and many schools request applicants’ GRE, GMAT, or MAT scores. Below is the standard list of prerequisites and admission material for ECE Master’s programs. 

How Much Does a Master’s in Early Childhood Education Cost?

Tuition rates differ among colleges and universities, and certain factors may impact the cost of an early childhood education degree. For instance, private universities usually charge higher tuition rates than public colleges because private institutions depend more heavily on tuition money and private donors. 

Additionally, degree candidates may experience higher tuition rates at out-of-state schools. However, some out-of-state schools extend in-state tuition rates to all online students regardless of where they live. Students who study part-time may pay higher tuition rates, depending on the school’s policies. 

Along with tuition, ECE may have to pay program fees. Possible costs include 

• Technology fees
• Student services fees
• Fieldwork fees
• Health fees
• Housing fees

Students must also consider textbook costs and commuting expenses like gasoline and parking permits.

Certification and Licensure in Early Childhood Education and Teaching

While there are a multitude of options for current students and graduates that want to get a certificate or license in the field of early childhood education, some common and widely accepted include the early childhood educator (ECE) and the child development associate (CDA) designations. These can be used to boost your resume and gain the necessary skills to work in a classroom environment

What Can I Do with a Degree in Early Childhood Education and Teaching?

Early childhood education is a teaching specialization that prepares students to work with children and adolescents in a daycare or classroom setting. Those interested in pursuing this degree track often pursue roles as teachers or school administrators to develop curriculum, organize parent-teacher meetings, and assess academic progress. 

There is an ever-present demand for quality teachers that can inspire their students to learn and grow academically and socially in the classroom, and graduates that pursue programs in early childhood education can apply their teaching skills at public, private, and charter schools across the country. 

Early childhood education (ECE) students learn valuable skills for dealing with young children. They recognize the social, physical, intellectual, emotional, and creative strengths and weaknesses in each child and can effectively combine them to produce one coherent classroom setting. Because early childhood education teachers also work with parents and guardians, strong  verbal and written communication skills  are critical. 

With a degree in early childhood education and teaching, a graduate can pursue a wide range of professions, from teacher or childcare care director to less obvious careers, such as an early childhood consultant. 

Graduates with an online degree in early childhood education can work as teachers, special education instructors, and even at the administrative level as principals and deans. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers can make up to $61,000 annually, while special education teachers gross on average $67,000. Given the importance of academic growth for children starting at a young age, these roles are critical to the development of children from all walks of life. Teaching is a rewarding career, and there is always a demand for licensed educators. 

Earning an Online Early Childhood Education and Teaching Degree

Online vs. on campus ece degrees.

Many ECE students have the option to choose between an online or on-campus degree. Online degree programs offer flexible schedules and allow working teachers to maintain their current employment. 

On-campus programs, on the other hand, could help you form connections with the local school district. Furthermore, learning on-campus also fosters networking relationships. This networking occurs through practicums and internships, as well as symposia and other events.

While many students choose to attend universities and enroll in programs that require face-to-face interaction, and instructional lab time, there are online options for students interested in pursuing a degree in early childhood education. Students exploring online degree options have access to programs across the country, and may select a particular program for the specializations or certificates offered. Online students can enjoy the flexibility of attending lectures from the comfort of their homes, and can take quizzes and tests at their own pace. Working professionals often enroll in online programs so that they can continue to earn an income while building their academic portfolio.

Early Childhood Education and Teaching Career and Salary Overview

Early Childhood Educators work with our youngest children in the years before they enter Kindergarten. These preschool teachers, as they are often called, give them the basic knowledge that will serve as a foundation for what they will later learn in school.

Early Childhood Educator Careers & Degrees

Just as important as the lessons in numbers and the alphabet, are the good habits, fine motor skills, and an interest in learning they foster in students. With the right help during these formative years, a child may gain an educational advantage that will follow him throughout his life. The best early childhood educators, through a combination of training and experience, know how to utilize play to help children learn. The average 3-5 year old will likely have trouble learning to count to ten if forced to sit at a desk. But combined with a game, craft, story, or physical activity, counting could come quite easily to the same child. Early childhood educators also use these activities to improve their students' fine motor and social skills. Crafts that involve painting, for example, will help a student develop the hand-eye coordination needed to write; group games teach young students how to cooperate with others and work toward a common goal. By incorporating lessons into play, teachers have their students associate learning with fun. If done correctly, the child will grow into a student who takes pleasure in learning and thus is likely to do very well in school.

Early Childhood Educator Careers Path

Depending on the facility, early childhood educators may need a Bachelor's degree or only a high school diploma. For those who wish to work at better private facilities or in state recognized prekindergarten programs, an Associate's degree is usually the lowest education level accepted. College coursework will be in childhood development and early childhood education. Certification as a Child Development Associate (CDA) may also be helpful in securing a job.

Source: BLS

Compatible Personality Traits for an Early Childhood Educator

Excellent with children, patient, excellent communication skills, creative thinker, works well with others, kind, multi-tasker, handles stress well, willing to work odd hours, trustworthy, highly organized.

Salary Expectations for an Early Childhood Educator

The average salary for early childhood educators is $23,870 a year, with the middle fifty percent earning between $18,840 and $31,430. Pay will vary depending on education level and, by extension, the type of facility at which one works. Those with more education are likely to work in better facilities and command a higher salary. With more experience, early childhood educators may be able to move into head teacher or administrative positions where the potential for increased salary is greater.

Early Childhood Educator Careers: Job Outlook

The job outlook for early childhood educators in the coming years is expected to be very good. Though the number of young children is dropping (the children of the baby boomers having already passed this stage in life), there has been in recent years a greater emphasis put on early childhood education. As we have come to realize the importance of a child's early development, our society is increasingly demanding the services of preschool teachers. There will also be a need to fulfill the positions that open when current teachers leave the field. Early childhood educators who have more extensive education should be the most likely to find higher paying positions.

Slightly off the Path

• Teaching Assistant
• Elementary School Teacher
• School Administration
• Special Education Teacher

Early Childhood Education Career Resources

Professional organizations provide ECE graduates and students with multiple benefits, including access to networking opportunities, conferences, seminars, and other events. Many of these groups also assist with professional endeavors by providing members with job boards and current research. 

Some organizations may offer continuing education programs to help teachers maintain or upgrade their licenses. Below are five relevant organizations that ECE graduates and students should explore and get connected with.

Early Childhood Education and Teaching FAQ

What can I do with a Master’s in Early Childhood Education?

ECE is a broad field with opportunities both in and out of classrooms. Educators with this degree can become curriculum designers, daycare center directors, ECE specialists, education program specialists, elementary school teachers, ELL teachers in grades K-3, Head Start directors, and Pre-K teachers.

Is a degree in early childhood education worth it?

Yes, having a master’s degree in this field can increase the available job opportunities. This difference is reflected in wages, too. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those who have a master’s degree can expect to earn about $13,000 more per year than those with only a bachelor’s degree.

Is early childhood education a good career?

Yes, the primary reward of a career in early childhood education is the chance to play a key role in a child’s life. Teachers often serve as caring, responsive adults who offer attention, warmth and creativity, demonstrate how to communicate respectfully, and enthusiastically encourage individual accomplishments. 

Is there a demand for early childhood educators?

While some positions may have a larger demand than others, ECE workers overall have good career outlooks.

• Patience, empathy, and flexibility are just some of the skills needed to be a successful early childhood educator.
• Developing motor skills is a critical aspect of early childhood development that allows students to explore their environments, interact with their peers, and feed their creativity and curiosity.
• The purpose of this degree is to develop teachers that work with their students to facilitate emotional, cognitive, and social growth over the course of their studies.

List of all Early Childhood Education and Teaching colleges in the U.S.

Article Sources

• https://www.universities.com/find/us/best/early-childhood-education-and-teaching-degrees
• https://www.uhcl.edu/academics/degrees/early-childhood-education-ms
• http://ed.fullerton.edu/seced/academic-programs/ms-seced.php
• https://education.ucdenver.edu/continuing-education/master’s-programs/detail/Early-Childhood-Education-non-licensure-MA
• https://www.clemson. e du/education/academics/masters/teaching-and-learning.html
• https://und.edu/programs/early-childhood-education-ms/
• https://www.cdacouncil.org/resources/find-ece-organizations
• https://nafcc.org/
• https://ceinternational1892.org/
• https://www.naeyc.org/
• https://www.nbcdi.org/
• https://www.nhsa.org/
• https://amshq.org/About-AMS/What-We-Are-Doing/Awards-and-Grants/Teacher-Education-Scholarships
• https://nilrr.org/resources/scholarship-application/
• http://www.nea.org/Kinnaman
• https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/teach
• https://beta.bls.gov/dataQuery/search
• bls.gov/oco/ocos317.htm 

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Early Childhood Management (A.S.)

The  Associate in Science (A.S.) in Early Childhood Management degree will prepare students for careers working with young children in public/private child development centers and family home child care centers. From child growth and development and early childhood education to program development, you will get a well-rounded education in developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive practices that help to shape a child’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. 

Students can choose to focus on education or management. This degree will prepare students to teach children under the age of five or to direct operations at a child care facility. If students completed child care assisting and child care supervision programs in the Duval County School District after June 1, 1993 or the First Coast Technical Institute in the fall of 1992 or later, they may be eligible for some transfer credits. Credits from your degree can be used toward our Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Early Childhood Education or for transfer to another Florida state college or university as well as many private institutions.

Degree: Associate in Science (A.S.) Credit Hours: 60 Credits Online Program : Yes Program Code:  2203 Financial Aid Eligible : Yes

  [email protected]   (904) 633-8182 Option 2

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this program, students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the following program learning outcomes:

• Graduates will demonstrate written proficiency in grammar and format on documents related to early childhood management.
• Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of developmental domains and academic content in early childhood learning.
• Graduates will be able to demonstrate problem-solving abilities by identifying and describing developmentally appropriate practices for children birth through age five.
• Students create healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environments for young children.
• Students will use observation, documentation, and other appropriate assessment tools and approaches, including the use of technology in documentation, assessment, and data collection.
• Students will use their own knowledge, appropriate early learning standards, and other resources to design, implement, and evaluate developmentally meaningful and challenging curriculum for each child.

Career Options

Graduates of the Early Childhood Management associate degree are qualified to become teachers of children under the age of 3, VPK teachers, home child care operators (family child care) and child care center directors.

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Online Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Administration

Admissions requirements.

• Ways to Save on Tuition
• Career Outcomes

Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Administration Overview

It’s time to earn your early childhood administration degree. Become a leader in the early childhood field and be ready to make an impact on the lives of our nation’s youngest learners.

• Gain the skills to provide developmental and learning opportunities for children from birth to age 8, along with the knowledge and practical business skills to take on administrative or leadership roles.
• Earn a credential that can help advance your career — a bachelor’s degree is typically required for preschool and childcare center directors and employers may prefer candidates with a degree in early childhood education.
• Learn from faculty who are professionals in early childhood-related fields.
• Join our Educators Association for networking and educational opportunities.
• Shorten your path to a master’s degree with a graduate program pathway .

Gain Skills That Employers — and Young Children — Need

Be prepared for the following:

• Working with young children in center-based programs
• Providing or overseeing services to children through agencies
• Teaching young children in a variety of settings
• Professional development opportunities in early childhood programs
• Owning your own early childhood care or education facility

Review College Scorecard data for this program .

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Practical Experience

Complete five hours of field experience at an early childhood setting, such as child/day care or a home center.

An internship option allows you to gain real-world experience while you earn your degree online.

Engage With Fellow Students

Online discussion boards provide the opportunity to engage with students from around the country and learn from their experiences.

Students are also invited to join the Educators Association for further networking and educational opportunities.

Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The HLC ( HLCommission.org ) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Calculate Your Time and Cost

Estimate how much your prior learning credits can reduce your tuition and time to graduation.

What Courses Will I Take?

This social science degree is designed to build your knowledge and skills in early childhood growth and development; early childhood education and curriculum; business and management; and early childhood leadership and advocacy.

In your first course, you'll develop your degree plan with a faculty member to align your degree path with your career outcomes.

Sample Courses

• Early Childhood Curriculum Planning
• Child Safety, Nutrition, and Health
• Young Children With Special Needs
• Early Childhood Family, Community, and Advocacy
• Funding Development and Financial Planning

Program Requirements

1 semester credit hour = 1.5 quarter credit hours

3-Week Trial

Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Try an undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week trial period.

There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply.  That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.

Students who choose to continue at Purdue Global will be billed for the full first term's tuition, including the 3-week trial. See Notes and Conditions below .

You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You are also encouraged to complete orientation before you start classes.

Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

Upcoming Start Dates

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

Prepare for the Child Development Associate Credential

The course CE101: Introduction to Early Childhood Education meets the ten hours of training in each of the eight Child Development Associate (CDA) subject areas that are required for the highly regarded CDA credential. Many states require the CDA Credential for those who wish to take on a director of child development role.

The eight areas include:

• Planning a safe and healthy learning environment
• Advancing children’s physical and intellectual development
• Supporting children’s social and emotional development
• Building productive relationships with families
• Managing an effective program operation
• Maintaining a commitment to professionalism
• Observing and recording children’s behavior
• Understanding the principles of child development and learning

Earn Credit for the CDA Credential

If you’ve already earned your Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, you may be eligible for credit toward your degree. Students who hold a valid and current CDA credential (preschool, infant-toddler, or family child care) are eligible to receive this credit for the following Purdue Global courses:

• CE101: Introduction to Early Childhood Education — 5 quarter credits
• CE114: Early Childhood Development — 5 quarter credits
• CE220: Child Safety, Nutrition, and Health — 5 quarter credits

For more information on the CDA, see the Council for Professional Recognition website.

Get a Head Start on Your Master's Degree

Complete your master’s degree sooner with a graduate program pathway. It weaves graduate-level courses into your bachelor’s program, giving you a jump on your master’s degree requirements. You’ll save on time and tuition compared with finishing both programs separately.

Plus, your degrees don’t have to be in the same fields. You can customize your academic journey to support your career goals and interests. To learn more, view the University Catalog or connect with an Advisor .

Earn Credit for Prior Coursework and Experience

The average bachelor's degree student pays $15k and takes 2.3 years to complete their degree.

Ways to Save on Time and Tuition

Purdue Global works with students to find ways to reduce costs and make education more accessible. Contact us to learn about opportunities to save on your educational costs.

Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.

You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.

Learn about federal financial aid programs available for many of our degree programs.

Learn about federal and state grants and loan programs that may be available.

Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.

Undergraduate tuition savings for military include a 55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers and 38% per credit for veterans.

Earn credit for your military training. The average Purdue Global military student is awarded 54% of the credits needed for an associate's and 45% of the credits needed for a bachelor's.

View the total cost of attendance for your program.

What Can You Do With an Early Childhood Administration Degree?

Prepare for opportunities in a variety of fields, whether you want to operate or own your own early childhood program or manage an early childhood agency or organization. Career pathways for graduates of the bachelor's in early childhood administration program could include:

• Head Start administrator
• Childcare worker or center director
• Owner/operator of an early childhood care or education facility
• After-school program worker
• Preschool teacher or director
• Self-employed worker

Average Salary

In Your State

General labor market and salary data are provided by Lightcast and may not represent the outcomes experienced by Purdue Global graduates in these programs. Purdue Global graduates in these programs may earn salaries substantially different or less than the amounts listed above. Salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education, and opportunities for employment that are outside of Purdue Global's control.

Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

Choosing a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Administration

Become a leader in childhood development and help change lives. Discover the value of pursuing a bachelor’s in early childhood administration.

It’s a tech-driven world. See how technology can be used to increase learning opportunities and expand a child’s understanding and perspective.

Grow your knowledge and awareness in childcare. Learn how additional programs, communities, and mentors can help you provide better quality support.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

Faculty members who have advanced degrees

Faculty members who hold a doctorate

Faculty publications in 2022–2023

Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2022–2023

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2023. 2022–2023 academic year.

Download the Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global. Prepare yourself for success with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood administration.

Your Path to Success Begins Here

Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

* Estimated Graduation Date and Average Completion: Estimated graduation date is based on the assumption that you will enroll in time to begin classes on the next upcoming start date, will remain enrolled for each consecutive term, and will maintain satisfactory academic standing in each term to progress toward completion of your program. Completion time is based on a full-time schedule. Programs will take longer for part-time students to complete.

Certification Exams: Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.

Credit for Prior Learning: Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy .

Credit Toward Master’s Degree: The University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any future programs. Speak to an Advisor about admissions requirements and transfer credit opportunities and see the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.

Degree Completion Time and Average Net Price: Cost and completion times for individual programs may vary. Average institutional completion time for Purdue Global degree students who graduated in the 2022–2023 academic year. Average net price reflects all institutional-level charges for all graduates, including those who transferred to Purdue Global, after application of scholarships, tuition reductions, grants (including federal Pell grants for undergraduate students), employer tuition assistance, and/or military tuition assistance. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2023.

Education Requirements: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Preschool and Childcare Center Directors. How to Become a Preschool or Childcare Center Director. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/preschool-and-childcare-center-directors.htm#tab-4 .

Graduate Program Pathways: To start a Graduate Program Pathway, students should consult with their Student Advisor to confirm eligibility. Not all Graduate Program Pathways are available on all tracks, and some may require students to meet academic standards to continue taking graduate courses in their bachelor’s degree program. Visit the University Catalog for more information.

Internship: The student is responsible for identifying and obtaining approval for an appropriate internship in his or her location.

Three-Week Trial: Students who inform Purdue Global they do not wish to pursue the program during the 3-week trial will not be charged. Students who choose to continue at Purdue Global will be billed for the full first term's tuition, including the 3-week trial, and will need to meet other specific requirements. Classes will be applied toward a degree if satisfactorily completed and students select to continue their studies at Purdue Global. No credits are earned if the student withdraws during the introductory period (3 weeks for new qualifying undergraduate students), which begins day one of the first term. Graduate programs and BS in Professional Flight not included. Additional terms may apply to international and non-U.S. citizen students. For further information, see the University Catalog .

Mills College

Early childhood education.

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education with Early Childhood Special Education Preliminary Teaching Credential prepares students to work in early intervention, preschool, transitional kindergarten, and kindergarten education settings with infants and young children (ages birth through 5) who experience a range of disabilities.  This program’s equity-centered approach to praxis advances social justice and increases access and opportunity for all children. 

In your clinical experiences, you will have an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of effective early intervention and preschool special education. These clinical experiences total more than 900 hours, exceeding the 600 hours of fieldwork required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education with Early Childhood Special Education Preliminary Teaching Credential prepares students to work in early intervention, preschool, transitional kindergarten, and kindergarten education settings with infants and young children (ages birth through 5) who experience a range of disabilities. 

This 42-credit, two-year program’s equity-centered approach to praxis advances social justice and increases access and opportunity for all children. 

• The program’s experiential learning experiences aim to be the global standard; it prepares practitioners to lead in their professions as early childhood educators and leaders in California public schools.

Through collaboration with families, graduates of the program will support young children with disabilities, from birth through kindergarten, to live up to their potential.

Most courses in the MA in Early Childhood Education program meet CCTC standards, utilizing a strengths-based approach, which teaches students to approach early childhood with an appreciation of the diverse capabilities and resources children and families offer. The MA in Early Childhood Education program focuses on social justice and equity, centering on a disability studies approach. Students examine how societal systems set limitations based on “othered” identities, and how their instruction, interaction, and advocacy can create equitable and accessible learning opportunities.  The degree is conferred by Mills College at Northeastern University, and the teaching credentials are presented by CCTC. 

The Early Child Education (ECE) department maintains the belief that coursework and fieldwork must be integrated. Therefore, courses have assignments requiring engagement in educational settings, and students will be placed in experiential learning/educational fieldwork every semester of the two-year program. During a student's first year, they will be placed at the Mills College Children's School, where they are closely mentored by experienced and knowledgeable early childhood professionals. Students participate in weekly reflective circles with team members, where they discuss instructional decisions and interventions, receive feedback, and identify the next steps for supporting children and families. During the second year, student teaching will take place in an early intervention setting and a preschool-kindergarten setting.  

In their field placements, students have an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of effective early intervention and preschool special education. These experiential learning experiences total more than 900 hours, far exceeding the 600 hours of fieldwork required by the CCTC. Throughout the course sequence of the MA in Early Childhood Education program, students will compile a digital portfolio, including course assignments, such as reflection pieces, presentations, and papers. The portfolio will provide us with assessment evidence of varied experiences, depth of knowledge, and critical reflection around instruction gained during the program. A description of clinical experiences is  available here .

More Details

Unique features.

• The program meets the CCTC Preliminary Education Specialist, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) teaching credential.
• Our academic coordinator and credential analyst is available to guide you through the  CCTC  aspects of the application, orientation to the degree program, and completion of the program. 
• Gain clinical experience every semester for two years.
• Secure placement at our celebrated  Mills College Children’s School  and other schools/districts.
• Develop instructional competencies and personal disposition with seasoned mentors who are ECE professionals.

Program Objectives

• Complete 42 total credits
• Acquire 600 minimum hours of fieldwork
• Gain clinical experience every semester for two years
• Prepare to apply to the CCTC for a Preliminary Education Specialist credential with a specialty area of early childhood special education.
• Prepare to work with children with special needs in early intervention programs, preschool, transitional kindergarten (TK), kindergarten, and inclusive/special education classrooms.
• Achieve readiness to assume leadership positions within early childhood education as program directors or within policy or research institutions.

Career Outlook

The state of California is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in ECE. By 2025, all four-year-olds must be offered a placement in TK, resulting in the need for 11,000–16,000 new ECE teachers, including those with a specialty in working with students with disabilities.

The ECSE program director, Jaci Urbani, has participated in multiple state-led web conferences about the current and future needs for educators, specifically for special education and preschool-third grade (P-3). Specifically, discussion has focused on bringing diversity to the workforce by offering collaborations with community colleges (which the ECE department already has in place) and supporting those already working in the field without a teaching credential, such as teacher aides/assistants. 

Information on the ECE plans for the state is available in the following resources: 

• Learning Policy Institute:  Building a Well-Qualified Transitional Kindergarten Workforce in California: Needs and Opportunities  
• News release, Gov. Gavin Newsom:  Master Plan for Early Learning and Care: California for All Kids  
• Master Plan for Early Learning and Care: California for All Kids

Testimonials

—jaci urbani, director, early childhood education program, mills college at northeastern university, —debra brown, head of the mills college children’s school, —jenny bond, assistant head of the mills college children’s school at northeastern university, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education Ask about scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and external funding resources.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Application
• Application fee
• Letters of recommendation (2-3)
• The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
• Personal statement
• TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo exam scores for applicants whose native language is not English

Prerequisites and Application Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution 
• Completed at least one course in child development, early childhood education, developmental psychology, or child psychology
• Completed at least 40 hours of volunteer or paid work in a school or other educational setting, specifically with young children, prior to enrollment. We encourage prospective students to complete these hours as early as possible so that we may consider their experience during the application review process.  
• Passed all portions of the  California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)  for compliance with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing 

Basic Skills Requirements

• All candidates are required to have satisfied the  Basic Skills Requirement (CL-667) .  
• About the requirement:  All Mills College at Northeastern University credential program applicants must satisfy the  Basic Skills Requirement  before program admittance. 

What to submit:  The applicant must upload proof of meeting the Basic Skills Requirement for the credential analyst to review and approve when submitting the application for admission.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

The program’s experiential learning framework aims to be the global standard; we prepare practitioners to lead in their professions as early childhood educators and leaders in California public schools.

In their field placements, students have an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of effective early intervention and preschool special education. These clinical learning experiences total more than 900 hours, far exceeding the 600 hours of fieldwork required by the CCTC. Throughout the course sequence of the MA in Early Childhood Education program, students will compile a digital portfolio, including course assignments, such as reflection pieces, presentations, and papers. The portfolio will provide us with assessment evidence of varied experiences, depth of knowledge, and critical reflection around instruction gained during the program. A description of clinical experiences is  available here .

• Our academic coordinator and credential analyst is available to guide you through the  CCTC  aspects of the application, orientation to the degree program, and completion of the program.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Jaci M. Urbani

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll be connected to students at our 13 campuses, as well as 300,000-plus alumni and more than 3,500 employer partners around the world. Our global university system provides you with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally and serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Examples of jobs graduates may hold:

• Preschool teacher
• Kindergarten teacher
• Preschool director
• Director of early intervention services
• Director of special education services
• Education consultant

Skills acquired:

• Design differentiated and inclusive environments.
• Collaborate and consult with families, educators, and service providers.
• Assess young children for Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
• Implement evidence-based practices within a positive behavior support approach.
• Demonstrate respect for various cultures, languages, and other identities to facilitate an asset-based learning environment.
• Promote language and communication development.
• Commit to ongoing professional development and serve as an advocate for young children with disabilities and their families.

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Early Childhood Development: Global Strategies for Interventions

Examine best practices in child and family policies, advocacy, financing, and pathways to scale.

Associated Schools

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

What you'll learn.

Gain knowledge about the state of the science on effective interventions for early childhood development.

Learn what makes programs successful around the world in supporting early childhood development and why some programs fail.

Reflect on changes for your program, becoming familiar with the steps to design successful interventions that support early childhood development and understand what services you need to prioritize.

Explore strategies to enable widespread adaptation of quality programming and evaluate the effectiveness of your programming.

Course description

How can we ensure that we don’t fail the next generation of children? What investments do we need to make an impact? What implementation decisions do we need to make for program success?

An estimated 250 million children in low- and middle-income countries risk not meeting their development potential in the first five years of life—leading to lifelong impacts on health, learning, behavior, and overall adult productivity. During this critical time, strategic interventions can ensure children have a strong foundation to lead healthy, productive lives as engaged citizens.

There is an urgent need to increase access to high-quality early childhood development intervention programs on national and global scales. While the science behind the importance of early development and funding for these programs has increased globally, policy development, research, and implementation best practices have not been widely adopted. As the COVID-19 virus disrupts health, nutrition, childcare, and education services, and stretches social and child protection systems to their limits, children and families least able to cope are being hit hardest with inequities in childhood development widening. Evidence-based policies that support families and young children are needed now more than ever. This course examines best practices in child and family policies, advocacy, financing, and pathways to scale—showing you how to generate an innovative, scalable intervention strategy that supports early childhood development.

The course begins with a review of basic early childhood development concepts and successful implementation programs around the world. We learn why some programs succeed where others do less well and what strategies are key for enabling widespread adaptation of quality programming. For those working around the world in early childhood development programs, this course allows you to reflect and evaluate your own organization by reviewing real-world case successes, as well as a new global perspective from other learners. You will complete the course with new plans and ideas ready to implement within your program.

Successful implementation requires partnerships across implementation and research in real-world contexts. Together, Harvard University and UNICEF will bring global experience from communities to policy makers, evidence and experts from around the world. Aisha Yousafzai (Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health) and Pia Britto (UNICEF) will introduce you to real-world experts in programs, policy and research including Dr. Marquita Davis, Deputy Director of Early Learning at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation speaking about Head Start; Dr. Christine Powell from the Caribbean Institute for Health Research at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica speaking about Reach Up; Sumitra Mishra, Executive Director of Mobile Creches speaking about Mobile Creches; Sabrina Habib, the Co-Founder and Chief Exploration Officer at Kidogo speaking about Kidogo; Ayah Younis, Writer and Illustrator in Jordan from Ahlan Simsim; Marie Louise Samuels, Former Director Early Childhood Development in the Department of Basic Education in South Africa speaking about Grade R, and Claudia Andrea Zamora Reszczynski, Specialist in the National Team of Chile Crece Contigo at the Ministry of Social Development and Family of Chile speaking about Chile Crece Contigo.

Expert affiliations are listed for identification purposes only.

Instructors

Aisha Yousafzai

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Early Childhood Care & Education Certificate

Gain the knowledge and skills to specialize in the inclusive care and development of children aged 2-6 in licensed early learning settings in British Columbia.  

Funding Opportunity for Domestic Students

Hybrid online/in-person part-time basic ECCE program funded by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills available for domestic students

Location: VCC Downtown Campus

Program timeline: February 21, 2024 - December 23, 2025 (six terms)

Class time: Evenings (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm) and Saturdays (daytime, TBD)

Online courses are synchronous (Zoom and Moodle), the in-person courses run in the ECCE classrooms DTN.

Contact: [email protected]

What you will learn

On completion of the Early Childhood Care and Education Certificate, graduates will be able to:

Protect and promote the psychological and physical safety, health and well-being of young children 2-6 years of age.

Develop and maintain a warm, caring, and responsive relationship with each child and with groups of children.

Administer daily experiences that support and promote children's physical, emotional, social, communication, cognitive, ethical and creative lives.

Use pedagogical narration to interpret and respond to every child's skills, abilities, interests and needs with special focus on infants and toddlers and children who need extra support.

Analyze variations in developing among young children 2-6.

Establish and maintain an open, cooperative relationship with each child's family.

Establish and maintain inclusive, supportive, collaborative relationships with others working in the early care and learning setting.

Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with other community service providers working with the child.

Reflect on one's own knowledge, attitudes, and skills and take appropriate action for change.

Practice administrative and management skills as related to early care and learning settings.

Advocate for high-quality, accessible, comprehensive and inclusive early care and learning settings.

What to expect

Courses combine classroom lectures, presentations, discussions, practical exercises, and individual and group work.   Students take an active role and learn by observing early childhood programs during field trips and off-site field studies.   Students are exposed to the new ECCE resources SECD (Science of Early Child Development).   Guest speakers are invited for every course in order to provide community awareness and connections for the students.

The class time includes the use of the ECCE Lab.   The ECCE Lab is a combination of classroom space and several mock learning centers.   The instructors incorporate the practical application in their lectures.

Practicum students receive on-site support and supervision from college instructors and sponsors who are qualified early childhood educators.

Admission requirements

• Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
• Minimum 18 years of age
• English Language Proficiency  assessed at English 12 with a minimum ‘C’
• Interview with Selection Committee, in person or by video conference
• Two letters of recommendation, indicating suitability for the program
• 40 hours of volunteering work in a licensed childcare facility in BC

Upon Acceptance:

• Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC's Criminal Record Check instructions . Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate. 
• Students must submit a negative Tuberculosis (TB) skin test. If the TB skin test is positive, a negative TB chest x-ray is required.
• Diphtheria/Tetanus
• Measles, Mumps & Rubella
• Varicella (chicken pox)
• Hepatitis B

Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free in academic upgrading , university transfer or English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses.

Recommended Characteristics

The Early Childhood Care and Education Certificate is designed to meet the needs of adult learners who reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of our community.

The following attributes are recommended:

• Desire to work with children and families in early childhood programs and services
• Previous experience in working with young children
• Ability to communicate effectively in English

Fees and other costs  

Tuition deposit: $400 ( non-refundable )

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy .

Additional Details

4 Course(s)

3 Course(s)

5 Course(s)

2 Course(s)

Connect with us

•   Have a question? Email us [email protected]

Learn more about any admission requirements, career possibilities, and have your questions answered

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Why Earn a Early Childhood Education Degree?

Choose the Best Early Childhood Education Program

Our degrees and certificates in Early Childhood Education are designed to help you land rewarding jobs that work with kids.

• Child Development Webpage
• Download Brochure.

Request Info

Work with Children

As an early childhood educator, you’ll have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of kids.

Research has shown that early childhood education has an important positive impact on children because much of adult brain development occurs by age six.

Mission College's Child Development degrees and certificates meet entry-level requirements for early childhood programs in California. 

Attend as a Part-Time Student

The Child Development Program is designed to help you complete a degree in two years; certificates can be completed in one to four semesters.

We understand that life doesn't stop when you decide to enroll. The majority of our students attend the program part-time to accommodate existing family and work obligations.

Working adult students constitute a healthy portion of our student body. We also facilitate evening and online courses . 

Some our students are first-time college students, others are returning to classes. Other students are parents or grandparents. Regardless of your situation, you'll be in good company at Mission. 

Gain Hands-On Practical Experience

At Mission College we believe there's no substitute for hands-on experience. As with heart surgery or cutting hair, there's no substitute for practical, hands-on experience when it comes to working with young children.

Early Childhood Education major courses cover language and literacy, music and movement, children and play, teaching in a diverse environment, child health and safety, inclusion strategies, language and literacy, and more.

Work and learn within our on-site Child Development Center Lab School . It is here where you’ll observe classroom situations for assignments and collaborate with other educators on relevant projects including infant and toddler education. 

Working in classes of 9-22 children, aged one to five, apply what you’ve learned in the classroom, develop rapport with the kids, and practice dealing with unexpected real-world situations.

Mission Community College Child Development Program

Mission College offers the chance to earn a degree or certificate in Early Childhood Education without the burden of massive debt.

At only $46 a unit, our price is drastically lower than programs at four-year schools.

Furthermore, the California College Promise Grant waives fees for about half of all community college students. So, If you qualify, you can attend for free!

Jobs Working With Children

What can you do with an Early Childhood Education Degree? With renewed state and national attention on the importance of a quality preschool education, the job outlook for rewarding careers with children looks better than it has in decades.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the job market will grow by eight percent over the next decade (higher than average.) For preschool teachers, the increase is even bigger at 18 percent!

However you’ll need to meet state and federal requirements. This is where Mission College comes in: our Child Development courses and certificates meet entry-level education requirements for early childhood programs in California. 

Transfer With a Degree

Community college is an excellent, popular, and low-cost option for California students who want to transfer to a four-year university.

If you start at Mission's Child Development Program, easily transfer to a school that offers a bachelor's degree in early childhood development or in a related discipline. 

For example, SJSU offers a B.A. with Early Childhood or Community Focus. 

Our courses are CSU transferrable, so you'll save both time and money when you're ready to advance to a four-year program. However, if this sounds overwhelming at this phase of your education, don't worry! Work with the Transfer Center and we'll walk you through the process when it's time. 

• Get in Touch - Request info about our Child Development Program and we will get in touch with you.
• Download a Brochure.
• Apply to Mission College and Enroll. 

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Early Childhood Development

Technical certificate, program overview.

The Technical Certificate in Early Childhood Development offers comprehensive training in early childhood education, preparing students for careers as educators and caregivers. The program covers child development theories, curriculum planning, and classroom management techniques. Students learn to create supportive learning environments, promote social and emotional development, and engage with families and communities. The curriculum includes practical experience in early childhood settings, providing hands-on opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge. Graduates are prepared for roles in preschools, daycare centers, and other early childhood education settings. The program emphasizes the importance of nurturing and responsive care, ensuring that graduates are equipped to support the development and well-being of young children.

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Length of program.

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Tuition & fees, course catalog, class schedule, previous degree plans.

Financial Aid Eligibility

Financial aid availability varies by degree program, with some not qualifying for specific types of aid. Please review the chart below to understand your options and ensure you're aware of any program-specific restrictions.

Job Market Outlook

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CIP CODE: 13.121

Contact1: [email protected]

Contact 2: [email protected]

Mary Harris

Academic Coordinator

Campus: Jonesboro

• [email protected]
• 870-680-8715

Stacy Mooneyhan

Associate Professor of Early Childhood Development

Campus: Newport

• [email protected]
• 870-512-7873