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AAS Early Childhood Education

Associate of Applied Science

Online or On-Campus

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Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science Degree

The Early Childhood Education associate degree program provides students with a foundation in childhood theory and how it’s applied in educational and childcare settings. Students will gain an understanding of early childhood theory and how it can be applied with children from infancy through middle childhood.

Graduates of the degree program will have the ability to work at childcare centers, Head Start programs, child development programs, early intervention programs, and public education classrooms. Students will develop the ability to plan, implement and assess learning experiences, guide behavior, and communicate and collaborate with families and colleagues to form a safe and happy learning environment for children.

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16-20 months

Approximate Program Length

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60 credit hours

Total Credits

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March 12

Next Start Date for Online Students

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May 07

Next Start Date for On-Campus Students

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Available on-campus and online to fit into your life

The Early Childhood Education associate program is also offered online by Bryant & Stratton College. The online Early Childhood Education program follows the same outcomes and curriculum as the campus-based program with the added flexibility and convenience of an online program. Students of the Early Childhood Education associate degree online can expect the same personal touch and support as provided by our campus faculty and staff.

Credits earned in online classes at Bryant & Stratton College are equivalent to those earned in campus-based classes at Bryant & Stratton College.

Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™

Graduates of the ECE degree program are encouraged to apply for the Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential™. This nationally recognized credential demonstrates expertise in the field of early childhood education and can significantly enhance your career prospects.

The CDA credential offers multiple pathways tailored to different professional goals, including center-based, family childcare, and home visitor programs. While Bryant & Stratton College is not affiliated with the CDA credential, students graduating with an associate degree in early childhood education are well-prepared to meet the training requirements needed to apply.

The CDA credential provides:

  • Validation of skills in the education of young children.
  • A competitive edge in roles such as preschool teacher, daycare administrator, or caregiver.
  • Opportunities to pursue positions in diverse settings, including K-12 schools, childcare facilities, healthcare organizations, and corporate learning centers.

Learn more about the CDA credential by visiting the Council for Professional Recognition’s website.

Where can you take an Associate in Early Childhood Education?

Whether you prefer the vibrant atmosphere of on-campus classes or the flexibility of online learning, Bryant & Stratton College offers programs tailored to your needs. Use our interactive map to explore campus locations or learn more about the online associate degree in early childhood education.

Virginia

New York

Wisconsin


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Online, on-campus, and remote learning options to earn a degree on your schedule.

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What You Learn in Our ECE Degree

Students in the Early Childhood Education associate degree program establish a foundation in the following areas:

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Design, execute, and assess meaningful, challenging curricula that promote comprehensive child development and learning outcomes for children of differing abilities and backgrounds.

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Observe, document, and assess young children to support their development and learning, and include families in the process.

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Organize work effectively to create a purposeful, responsive program, including preparation of written plans, progress records, parent communication, and reports.

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Upon graduation, students are encouraged to apply for the CDA credential.

Stackable Solutions

Scalable to Your Career Level & Goals

Bryant & Stratton College designs skill-building programs to fit your needs. In addition to online, on-campus, and live remote learning options, our degree offerings are scalable and stackable. Whether seeking to jumpstart your career or advance your education, we offer diploma, associate, and bachelor’s degrees to help you achieve your academic and career goals on your schedule.

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Overview

Learn to create programming for early childhood settings that fosters social and intellectual development in learners.

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Program Format

Online/On-campus

Program Duration

  • 2-Years Full-Time Study
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Possible Careers

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Overview

Prepare to support program development for early learners that fosters social, emotional and intellectual growth.

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Program Duration Icon

Program Format

Online/On-campus

Program Duration

  • 1-Year Full-Time Study
  • 2-Years Part-Time Study
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Possible Careers

Associate in Early Childhood Education Curriculum

For a full course listing, please refer to the Bryant & Stratton College catalog.

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Frequently Asked Questions

You can make a difference in the long-term success of the youngest learners in your community. With the right education, such as an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from Bryant & Stratton College, you can pursue various teaching careers in healthcare facilities, preschools, daycare centers, or Head Start programs.

If you’re interested in providing the best possible start toward learning success in young children, then you will want to pursue a degree in early childhood education. At Bryant & Stratton College, we offer degree and diploma programs that offer insight into learning theory and how it can be applied in classroom and childcare settings to help give you a competitive advantage when pursuing career opportunities.

As with any traditional degree, students interested in earning an associate degree in early childhood education will need to enroll in a relevant degree program, preferably with an accredited learning institution. At Bryant & Stratton College, our AAS in Early Childhood Education helps students develop foundational skills for promoting child development and learning outcomes. Plus, program courses can be applied to help fulfill the 120-hour educational requirement for the National Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

For many educators, a relevant degree in early childhood education is absolutely worth it. First, this degree can help them explore several important career opportunities. Second, they gain the fundamental skills needed to design age-appropriate curricula and support teaching and learning in young children. Third, they have the satisfaction of knowing they can make a long-lasting impact on the success of generations to come.

It’s a degree program that can help you understand how to apply learning theory in real-world childcare and early learning settings. It’s also tangible proof of your commitment to providing the best educational start possible start for our youngest learners. And it is a competitive advantage in the workplace, one that can open doors of opportunity throughout your educational career.

Childhood Development Careers for Your ECE Degree

What can you do with a Degree in Associates in Early Childhood Education?

Graduates with an associate degree in early childhood education online are prepared for fulfilling careers as preschool teachers, caregivers, daycare center administrators, and more. These roles often connect with K-12 schools, colleges and universities, healthcare facilities, and corporate organizations. Your early childhood development degree serves as a strong foundation for pursuing the CDA credential, further enhancing your qualifications and opening additional career pathways.

Daycare Center AdminPreschool Teachers, Except Special Education

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Take the Next Step

Online, on-campus, and remote learning options to earn a degree on your schedule.

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Start Your Free Application

No application fee, because applying to college should be easy and free.

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