A group of children sitting on the floor with a teacher.
A group of children sitting on the floor with a teacher.

Education Degree Programs

Nurture minds and forge lasting connections with students of all ages

Build Brighter Futures with one of our Degrees in Early Childhood Development and Education  

Children are our future so there is no higher calling than opening young minds to learning. Bryant & Stratton College’s Early Childhood programs gives the first step towards a career in this rewarding field.

The Early Childhood Education associate degree and Early Childhood Care and Development diploma give graduates the skills and framework necessary to work with children in developmental settings. Students are prepared to work with children from infancy to middle-childhood in a program that is aligned to NAEYC standards and the CDA Credential. We offer you the opportunity to earn online or on campus education degrees that make it easy for you to follow this important career path. Our degrees in Early Childhood Education (ECE) prepare students to lead young children in educational activities designed to develop their minds and bodies during their most formative years.

For a firm foundation in early childhood education theory as well as childhood theory, choose our online ECE associate degree program. This program includes courses in curriculum planning, methods for assessing progress and ways to guide the behavior of young children. It also gives instruction in how to include families in the learning process for maximum success.  To jumpstart your entry into the classroom, you can earn your diploma in just 1 year and your associate’s degree in under two years through our online education program.

Both the associate and diploma degrees meet the 120-hour requirement for the Council for Professional Recognition’s National Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. This is the most widely recognized credential in Early Childhood Education.  All our online education degree programs also follow the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Not all education degree programs are offered each semester or at all Bryant & Stratton College locations.

Find the Education Program for You

The Early Childhood Education associate degree and Early Childhood Care and Development diploma give graduates the skills and framework necessary to work with children in developmental settings. Students are prepared to work with children from infancy to middle-childhood in a program that is aligned to NAEYC standards and the CDA Credential.

An Evolved Higher Education Experience

Bryant & Stratton College has been providing students with a strong, career-focused education for 170 years. With our career-focused degree programs and personalized support, you’ll graduate prepared to confidently pursue your career goals and make an immediate impact in your chosen field.

Five blue hands pointing towards a central white checkmark, signifying teamwork or collaboration.
Non-Profit and Accredited

Bryant & Stratton College is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) www.msche.org

Blue "45+" text indicating an age group or demographic.
45+ Degree Options

B&SC offers a wide range of degree options for high-demand careers in clinical and non-clinical healthcare, business, early childhood education, human & legal services, design, hospitality, and technology.

Blue icon of three arrows pointing in different directions: up, left, and right.
Flexible Class Options

We understand that everyone’s schedule and lifestyle are different. We offer on-campus, live remote, and 100% online class options — choose what works best for you.

Blue outline of a heart above two open hands, symbolizing care and support.
Personalized Support

Your success is our success. Our team of financial aid experts, faculty, academic advisors, and career services professionals are fully committed to helping you succeed every step of the way.

Blue icon of a person adjusting a gear atop three ascending bars, representing growth or progress.
Stackable Career Pathways

Many of our programs are “stackable”, allowing you to start with a certificate or diploma and then build on those credentials towards an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Four blue user icons connected in a circular network using lines, representing a collaborative or networking concept.
Vibrant Community

At B&SC, you’ll find a diverse and supportive community of students all striving for a more promising future. You’ll have a multitude of opportunities to engage with your fellow classmates and build lifelong friendships.

Education Degree Details

Bryant & Stratton College offers early education degree programs for those interested in working with young children. The program coursework focuses on child development, teaching methods, and child guidance. Find the program for you below!

AAS Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education program is designed to prepare students for careers in childcare, preschool teaching, and beyond by focusing on teaching methods, assessment, and curriculum development. Students in the program will also have the opportunity to student teach in a local elementary school. With a childcare degree from Bryant & Stratton College, you can make a difference in the lives of young children.

Diploma: Early Childhood Care

The Diploma in Early Childhood Care is a 36-credit program that teaches you the fundamentals of child growth and development and will prepare you for jobs as a childcare worker, aide, or as an assistant teacher.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are positions within early childhood education that do not require a degree. However, the right degree can open doors of opportunity and advancement within early childhood education settings. At Bryant & Stratton College, our associate and advanced diploma options offer the opportunity you need to build skills and demonstrate your commitment to learning success.

As with any program, you’ll need to take classes and perform well to earn your degree or diploma. At Bryant & Stratton College, we offer two opportunities for the education you need to make an impact for learning success in young children — an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and the Early Childhood Care and Development Diploma.

Yes, you can earn early childhood education degrees online. Make sure you choose a program from an accredited learning institution, one whose curriculum is specifically designed for online learning success as well as instructors with relevant experience in early childhood education as well as online teaching to university-level students.

At Bryant & Stratton College, we offer two educational paths to help you prepare for learning success with young children. At 60 credit hours, our Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education can take up to two years to complete. Our Early Childhood Care and Development Diploma is 36 credit-hours long and can be completed in less time.

Early childhood education is dedicated to helping the youngest of learners, from infancy to mid-childhood. Although there may be kindergarten or classroom co-teacher opportunities, early childhood education is not elementary education. If you have a desire to help guide behavior, foster communication and develop learning curiosity in the very young, early childhood education could be for you.

Take the Next Step

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

Start Your Free Application

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

Stay Informed, Stay Inspired – View our Education Blogs

Take the Next Step

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

Start Your Free Application

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

Visit A Campus

Our campuses provide the education needed to achieve your professional goals. If you’re ready to start your educational and career journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way.