A Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is an ideal choice for students who are passionate about working with young children from infancy to preschool age. These programs typically focus on the development of children from birth to eight years old and cover topics such as teaching, influencing, and caring for young children.
The cost of a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education degree program can vary greatly depending on the school and location. Prospective students should reach out to the financial departments of the schools they are interested in for an estimate of the program cost.
If you’re looking to enhance your teaching skills and prepare for a successful career working with young children, a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education may be the perfect fit. To start your journey, we have compiled 17 of the best Bachelor of Early Childhood Education programs as well as their fees and advantages that will give you insight if the program is fit for you.
10 Bachelor of Early Childhood Education: On-Campus
Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership: Fanshawe College
The Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership program is an innovative four-year degree program that equips students with the skills and knowledge to become successful and passionate leaders in the rapidly evolving field of education and early childhood development.
This program provides a solid foundation in child development, pedagogy, human relationships, curriculum development, and leadership skills through a combination of classroom instruction, applied learning, case studies, research, field placements, and a 14-week internship.
The program culminates in a final year capstone research project, providing graduates with not only a Bachelor’s degree in child development but also the necessary skill set to move into various leadership roles.
Tuition Fee
USD 5,812.95 / Semester
Program Outcome
- Study the impact of social and biological factors on early brain development and lifelong learning, behavior, and health.
- Understand the importance of families and community in child-rearing and the impact of culture, socio-economic status, and family structures on parenting.
- Design and implement an effective and inclusive curriculum for young children based on research and historical perspectives.
- Create inclusive early intervention programs for children with special needs.
- Evaluate early childhood programs, considering the diverse needs of young children and families.
- Develop self-knowledge, critical thinking, and professional habits essential for early childhood education leadership.
- Apply research skills in various projects, including data collection and interpretation.
Career Opportunities
The Honours Early Childhood Leadership program prepares graduates for leadership roles. The goal is to prepare professionals for supervisory or director positions in various early childhood programs or for further study in graduate programs such as the Bachelor of Education and Masters in early childhood education.
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies: University of Plymouth
This innovative course will give you a fresh perspective on childhood and help you find your niche in the competitive field of early childhood education degree online. You will explore various theories and realities of children’s early years through the lenses of sociology, social psychology, history, and philosophy.
Additionally, you can gain hands-on experience through the Work Based Learning module, or opt for professional recognition of your practice through the Work Based Learning Plus module which enables you to meet Early Years Educator standards and be counted in the ratios in early years setting through relevant assessed practice experience.
Tuition Fee
USD 17,364.06 / year
Key Features
- Study the relationship between play and learning in child development.
- Expand your career opportunities in education, social care, community work, psychology, management, and research.
- Observe how theories and policies are applied in real-world settings through visits to various provisions for children and families.
- Gain practical skills through on-the-job training during a work-based learning placement.
- Enhance your early years’ practice by gaining experience working with children and families through assessment in placement.
- Take a broader perspective of children’s development by studying the subject in practical, historical, and international contexts.
- Develop essential skills through various coursework-based assessments, including essays, surveys, child observations, group presentations, and video commentaries.
BA or BS in Education: Susquehanna University
Teaching certification in early childhood education, secondary education, or special education, along with an optional add-on certification in English as a second language (ESL) and a master’s in early childhood education, can help you connect with students from preschool to high school and inspire the future.
You will have plenty of hands-on experience and enter public school classrooms as early as your first year, giving you the confidence to lead a classroom confidently.
Tuition Fee
USD 54,440 / year
Program Outcome
- Provide learning opportunities that support children’s intellectual, social, and personal development.
- Use instructional strategies to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Create a positive and engaging learning environment.
- Plan instruction based on the subject matter, students, and curriculum goals.
- Differentiate instruction for individual student needs and abilities.
- Use effective communication to foster inquiry and collaboration in the classroom.
- Continuously reflect on actions and seek professional growth opportunities.
Bachelor of Education: Felician University
Before student teaching, you will complete six internships of 10-12 weeks each, for a total of 360 hours in real classrooms. Each semester of your freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years, you will spend one full day per week (Tuesday) at your internship school.
Freshman year will be at a Catholic school, the sophomore year will include one semester in a special education setting and one semester in an urban setting, and junior and senior years will be at the level/area of your chosen specialization.
Tuition Fee
USD 35,000 / year
Career Opportunities
- A speaker on educational issues.
- An education trainer for a corporation.
- A private tutor.
- A consultant.
B.A. in Early Childhood Education: Northeastern Illinois University
A B.A. in Early Childhood Education at Northeastern will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to educate children from birth to 8 years old, including program models and designs, pedagogical competencies, and an understanding of NAEYC principles, guidelines, and ethics.
Additionally, Northeastern is an entitled institution for the Gateways to Opportunity ECE Credential Levels 2-5, meaning students can qualify for Illinois state-recognized credentials as they take courses or complete their degree. The program is also accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Tuition Fee
USD 21,022 / year
Program Benefits
After finishing the B.A. in Early Childhood Education program, students can obtain Early Childhood Education licensure in the State of Illinois, meeting the required standards.
Career Opportunities
- Early Childhood Recreational Administrators
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Teacher Assistant
- Preschool Teacher
Double Degree in Early Childhood Education Primary Education – Universidad CEU: Cardenal Herrera
The CEU-UCH’s B.A. in Early Childhood Education program is unique because it offers a Master’s Comprehensive Employability Plan with five pathways for employability. These include training in English and Valencian, a title for teaching Catholic Religion, preparation for Opposition, and Transversal Competence Accreditation.
Additionally, the program provides direct contact with the profession through active teachers in the field and workshops and seminars in schools and institutes. Students who have completed a higher cycle of Vocational Training can also have their credits validated.
The program also offers international opportunities such as language training, international exchanges, and practices in bilingual schools. Lastly, students can pursue double degrees with compatible schedules and without additional cost.
Tuition Fee
USD 6,235.71 / year
Early Childhood Education (BA): Lindenwood University
The online childhood education certification program at Lindenwood University is designed to provide students with the academic coursework and real-world experience necessary to work with children from birth through third grade.
The program includes field experience working with young children and experienced teachers, as well as a curriculum in teaching methods that focuses on core academic areas.
To be placed for student teaching, students must pass the Missouri Content Assessment, a certification requirement. The program is affiliated with the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and the Missouri affiliate of the organization is active and holds a yearly conference.
Tuition Fee
USD 9,550 / Semester
Career Opportunities
According to data from the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard and Department of Treasury from 2018, graduates in Early Childhood Education (BA) programs earn 27% more than the national median 10 years after enrolling.
BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies: University of Portsmouth
This Childhood and Youth studies degree program equips students with the skills and hands-on experience needed to support children and give them the best start in life, regardless of their circumstances.
Through the course, students will gain a deep understanding of the factors such as the education system, youth culture, and social media that affect children’s development and will also have the opportunity to delve into specialist topics such as outdoor education, safeguarding, and the role of play in child development.
Additionally, students will learn how to support children with special educational needs (SEN) and those from a care background, ensuring that no child misses out on the educational and development opportunities available.
Tuition Fee
USD 11,172.95 / year
Career Opportunities
The need for professionals with the knowledge and skills to work with children and young people will always be present.
After the program, you could work in areas such as:
- policing
- youth work
- social care
- teaching (with further study)
- educational welfare
- probation
Degree in Early Childhood Education: Universidad de Leon
The program trains qualified professionals to become teachers in Early Childhood Education as a regulated profession, equipping them with practical knowledge of classroom management and the ability to regulate the processes of interaction and communication in groups of students from 0-3 years and 3-6 years old.
This program is for those who want to learn how to promote and facilitate early childhood learning, create and regulate learning spaces in diverse contexts, and understand the organization of Early Childhood Education centers.
Tuition Fee
USD 1,720.16 / year
Offers
- Internships in schools.
- Proper facilities for instruction and learning.
- Dedicated and skilled educators.
- Opportunities for national and international study abroad programs in countries such as Germany, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, United States, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
B.A. Honors In Early Childhood Studies: Middlesex University Dubai
The BA Honors early childhood course online is designed for students interested in the development, care, and education of young children. It draws from a variety of disciplines, such as history, psychology, philosophy, sociology, law, and management, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field of childcare and education.
Throughout the program, students will gain an understanding of childcare and education policies, procedures, teaching, caring, training, and learning and are required to ground their judgments and conclusions in relevant evidence and informed arguments.
The program is a three-year full-time course, with students completing four modules per academic year, assessed through examinations and coursework assignments.
Tuition Fee
USD 40, 322.91 / year
Career Opportunities
- Speech & Language Therapist
- Play Development Worker / Play Therapist
- Primary Teacher (teaching qualification required)
- Family Support Worker / Social Worker
- Hospital Play Specialist
- Training Co-ordinator
- Early Years Specialist/Adviser (in the government sector)
- Early Years/Nursery Teacher
7 Bachelor of Early Childhood Education: Online
Online Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education (Birth – Age 5): The University of Cincinnati Online
UC Online’s Bachelor in Early Childhood Education (ECE) a program that enhances the educational experience of educators working with children from birth to age 5. It builds on associate degree competencies to strengthen professionals’ ability to design and implement developmentally appropriate learning environments for young children.
The courses are designed to provide you with relevant information and strategies that can be applied in the classroom immediately. It is important to note that this degree program does not lead to licensure for teaching Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5.
Tuition Fee
USD 6,768 / Semester
Career Opportunities
- Preschool Teacher
- Family Child Care Provider
- Head Start Teacher
- Infant/Toddler Specialist
- Program Administrator in an early childhood setting
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies): Edith Cowan University
This course, which has received national accreditation, aims to prepare graduates who possess the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful educators in both school and various early childhood environments. A key feature of this course is connecting theory with practice.
The program offers an early childhood education master’s program and has established partnerships with more than 1,000 schools and early childhood facilities, providing pre-service teachers the opportunity to gain practical experience in a wide range of settings, including public, private, urban, rural, and remote areas, and working with children, families, and communities.
A distinguishing feature of this course is that pre-service teachers have the opportunity in the fourth year of their course to specialize and broaden their knowledge and skills in an area of interest. In their final year, pre-service teachers have the opportunity to apply for an internship in either a school or early learning setting.
Career Opportunities
- Kindergarten
- Pre-Primary or Junior Primary Teacher
- Child Care Professional
- Pedagogical Leader
- Centre Director
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Family Advocacy Comprehensive: The University Of Nebraska Kearney
The Early Childhood and Family Advocacy degree at UNK is a dual program that combines the Family Science and Early Childhood Education programs. This major addresses the growing need for professionals trained to work with children and families within public agency programs, private childcare, and early childhood education centers.
The program is unique as it prepares students for non-teaching positions such as Early Childhood Family Advocates, which provide comprehensive educational and case management services to children and families.
Tuition Fee
USD 209 / credit
Career Opportunities
- Family Permanency Specialist
- Paraprofessional
- Childcare Coordinator
- Special Education Paraprofessional
Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood (Monash University): Kaplan Singapore
The Monash bachelor’s degree in early childhood education is a highly respected program designed for educators passionate about working with young children in preschools, childcare centers, and kindergartens.
It also provides an excellent opportunity for current educators with a Diploma in child’s services, early childhood care, and education or equivalent to upgrade their skills.
Upon completion, students will be qualified as skilled and effective early childhood education professionals with in-depth knowledge of children’s creative, physical, personal, intellectual development, and social capabilities.
This program enhances professional capacity and deepens understanding of the complex field of education, and provides a pathway for research and further learning. The program is ranked 16th in the World for Education by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019.
Bachelor of Science Early Childhood Development (Non-Certification): The University of West Alabama Online
The University of West Alabama’s online Bachelor of Early Childhood Development is designed for individuals seeking to make a positive impact in children’s lives by providing strategies to intervene at the earliest and most vulnerable stages.
It caters to working professionals looking to advance their careers in early childhood development and education, offering a fully online format with the flexibility to balance work and personal commitments and the ability to personalize one’s schedule.
The program covers best practices in promoting children’s mental and physical health, developing a toolkit to lead an early education classroom, or becoming a behavior specialist.
Tuition Fee
USD 39,000 / Semester
BA (Honours) in Early Childhood: Open University
If you currently work with children from birth to seven years or are looking to learn more about young children’s lives and experiences, this degree could be of interest to you.
This course will explore early childhood education from both national and global perspectives, emphasizing the crucial role of children’s perspectives and their active participation in their own experiences. Additionally, you will gain insights into early childhood education in a variety of social, cultural, and multi-disciplinary contexts.
Key features of the course
- Professionally and vocationally relevant across many early childhood contexts.
- This program provides a comprehensive understanding of early childhood education from various viewpoints.
- Covers young children’s play and creativity within the context of the family and early childhood settings.
- It fosters critical thinking and reflection on current challenges and discussions in the field of early childhood education.
This also has a Diploma of Higher Education in Early Childhood (W50) that has the same structure as the first two-thirds of this degree, and a Certificate of Higher Education in Early Childhood (W50) is also available as an alternative.
Tuition Fee
USD 7,652.82 / year
Program Outcome
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
You will be provided with support throughout the course via the Open University’s unique method of instruction and evaluation which includes an assigned personal tutor to provide feedback and guidance on your work, high-quality course materials, e-learning resources such as podcasts, interactive media, and online materials.
Top-up BA (Honours) in Early Childhood: Open University
This top-up route enables experienced early years practitioners to gain our BA (Honours) in Early Childhood in just one or two years.
If you already hold a Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma, or Diploma of Higher Education in Early Years/Early Childhood, you can enhance your professional development by completing two additional modules that focus on working with children, and how research contributes to our understanding of children and young people.
Key features of the course
- Offers a fast-track route to gaining our BA (Honours) in Early Childhood
- This program fosters critical thinking and reflection on current challenges and discussions in the field of early childhood education.
- It equips you with the necessary skills for further research, study, inquiry, and practical application in early childhood education.
Tuition Fee
USD 7,652.82 / year
Program Outcome
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Achieving Success in Early Childhood Education: Choosing the Right University for Your Bachelor’s Degree
Pursuing a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education is an excellent way to start a career in the field of early childhood education. It provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary for working with young children and their families. With this degree, you will be able to work in a variety of settings, including childcare centers, preschools, and family support programs.
By considering all the factors in choosing the right school when choosing your best university for a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education degree, you can ensure that you get the best education possible for your future career goals
