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Best Affordable Early Childhood Education Degrees Online Of 2023

Once you're ready to pursue an online bachelor's in early childhood education, follow these steps:

Consider Your Future Goals

Depending on the program, an online early childhood degree can lead to careers in traditional public school classrooms, Head Start programs, preschools or childcare centers. However, each early childhood education program is unique, so make sure you choose the one that best suits your future goals.

Consider whether you plan to pursue licensure to teach in public schools. If so, you should choose a degree that is on your state's list of approved educator preparation programs. If you want to work in private schools or non-classroom settings, you may not need a teaching license, but having one can bolster your résumé.

Generally, degree programs mention on their websites whether they lead to licensure. If you're unsure, you can reach out to the program's admissions director or the listed contact on the program's website.

Programs that lead to teaching licenses usually include in-person student teaching and internship and practicum experiences. Online programs typically allow learners to complete these experiences at schools in their local communities.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

We ranked the schools on this page with affordability in mind. Per-credit tuition rates for our top 10 picks range from $112 to $416. The typical bachelor's degree requires 120 credits, which translates to total tuition costs of approximately $13,000 to $50,000.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, as of the 2021–22 academic year, the average annual tuition rate for undergraduate programs at four-year institutions was $17,251, which translates to total tuition costs of nearly $70,000 over four years. The programs on our list are comparatively affordable.

You can fill out the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid to access financial aid opportunities like scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs. Student aid may also be available through your school and nonprofit associations.

Bachelor's Degree In Early Childhood Education

Students in the early childhood education program will study child development, gain a deep understanding of the importance of family involvement, and learn culturally and linguistically appropriate teaching practices. They will learn to observe, document, and assess children's progress, integrate academic content into the curriculum, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism as early childhood educators. Through hands-on experiences and elective courses focused on diversity, equity, and justice, students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact on young children's lives.

View the College's commitment to diversity

Study early childhood education at the University of Nevada, Reno to receive a comprehensive education that prepares you to become a licensed early childhood teacher (birth to second grade) while gaining a rich understanding of child development and fostering strong partnerships with families. Benefit from dedicated faculty who believe in every child's potential and a program that aligns with national professional standards and competencies for early childhood educators.

Early Childhood Grade Bands

The early childhood education program at Calvin consists of two grade bands that will prepare you to work with the youngest learners.

The Birth to Kindergarten and Pre-K to 3rd grade bands prepare educators to guide the youngest learners as they begin their academic career. At Calvin, you will learn from a team of professors with vast expertise and experience in the field of teaching. We also partner with local schools and early learning centers to provide you numerous field experiences, allowing you to put theories into practice and feel confident as you embark on your journey of inspiring young minds.

Academics - As you journey through Calvin's rigorous program, you will be known and well supported by professors who go the extra mile to invest in their students.

Internships - At Calvin, you will have numerous opportunities to apply what you learn on campus to the classroom through scaffolded field experiences, beginning your freshman year and continuing throughout the program.

Faith - We believe faith shapes practice and practice shapes faith. In Calvin's program, you will learn to incorporate faith into teaching practices, refining students' lives with intentional actions that have a big impact over time.

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