Schools That Offer Early Childhood Education: 5 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

You love working with young children. You've decided to turn that passion into a career. You've started searching for schools that offer early childhood education, early childhood education schools near me, and bachelor's in early childhood education programs. But one important point to understand is that not all early childhood degrees lead to the same credentials or career options. Some programs are designed to support teacher licensure, while others prepare students for roles in childcare centers, Head Start, private preschool settings, or related fields. Comparing the program's requirements and career outcomes before enrolling can help you choose an option that fits your goals.

This guide isn't a generic "why early childhood education is rewarding" article. Instead, we'll cover 5 questions to ask before enrolling, the differences between CDA, associate, bachelor's, and master's pathways, how to research accredited or approved programs near you, and how different education pathways may connect to different early childhood careers.

Part 1: 5 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

When you look at early childhood degrees, many programs can appear similar on their websites. These questions can help you compare them more carefully.

Question 1: "Does this program lead to state teacher licensure?"

This is an important question if your goal is to teach in a public school. Some bachelor's in early childhood education programs are designed as teacher preparation programs and may lead to state licensure, while others are non-licensure programs. If you want to teach in a public school, check the requirements of the state where you plan to work and confirm that the specific program meets those requirements. Requirements for daycare, Head Start, and private preschool positions can differ.

Question 2: "Is the program accredited or otherwise approved for my intended career path?"

Check which organization or government agency accredits or approves the program and what that status means. Organizations such as NAEYC and CAEP have roles in early childhood and educator preparation accreditation, while state education agencies may determine whether a teacher preparation program meets state licensure requirements. Do not assume that one type of accreditation automatically means a program will meet every state's licensing or employment requirements.

Question 3: "What information can you provide about graduate outcomes?"

Ask the school for current information about graduation, employment, licensure, and other outcomes that are relevant to the program. If employment data are provided, ask how the figures were calculated, what graduates were included, and which types of positions were counted. This gives you more context than relying on a single placement percentage.

Question 4: "Do you offer field experience or student teaching?"

Hands-on experience can be an important component of teacher preparation. Ask how much field experience is required, when it occurs, where placements are completed, and whether the program arranges placements or requires students to do so. Requirements vary by program and state, so verify the actual hours and placement rules before enrolling.

Question 5: "What is the total cost, including fees and student teaching expenses?"

Some programs have costs beyond advertised tuition. Depending on the program, students may encounter technology fees, application fees, background-check costs, transportation expenses, books, supplies, or other charges related to field experience. Ask for a written estimate of the total expected cost and how financial aid may affect your actual amount.

Question Comparison

Does it lead to state licensure? Determines whether the program may meet the requirements for your intended teaching pathway.
Is it accredited or approved? Helps you understand the program's formal recognition and whether it aligns with your intended career path.
What are the graduate outcomes? Provides information beyond marketing claims.
What field experience is included? Shows how the program incorporates practical preparation.
What is the total cost? Helps you compare tuition and additional expenses.

Part 2: The 4 Types of Early Childhood Degrees and Credentials

When you search for early childhood degrees, you'll find several education and credential pathways. Each can have different admission requirements, costs, career options, and advancement opportunities.

Type 1: CDA (Child Development Associate) – Non-degree Credential

Duration: Varies according to preparation and assessment requirements.
Cost: Varies by training provider, application requirements, and other expenses.
What you may be able to do: Entry-level childcare and early childhood roles, depending on employer and local requirements.
Best suited for: People exploring entry-level early childhood work or seeking a professional credential without completing a degree first.

Type 2: Associate Degree (AA or AAS)

Duration: Often designed as a two-year degree, although completion time varies.
Cost: Varies significantly by institution, residency, financial aid, and course load.
What you may be able to do: Certain childcare, preschool, assistant, or other early childhood roles, depending on local requirements.
Best suited for: Students seeking an undergraduate credential or a possible pathway toward a bachelor's degree.

Type 3: Bachelor's Degree (BA or BS)

Duration: Often designed as a four-year degree, although transfer credits and enrollment status can change completion time.
Cost: Varies by institution, residency, financial aid, and program format.
What you may be able to do: A broader range of early childhood roles, including some positions requiring a bachelor's degree. Public-school teaching generally requires meeting state-specific licensure requirements.
Best suited for: Students pursuing roles that require a bachelor's degree or seeking additional career options within early childhood education.

Type 4: Master's Degree (MA or MS)

Duration: Often one to two years after a bachelor's degree, but requirements vary.
Cost: Varies by institution and program.
What you may be able to do: Depending on specialization, roles may include curriculum, early intervention, administration, research, or higher education.
Best suited for: Professionals seeking additional specialization or qualifications for particular leadership or advanced roles.

Education Pathway Comparison

CDA: Non-degree professional credential that may support entry-level early childhood work.
Associate: Undergraduate degree that may support early childhood employment or transfer to a bachelor's program.
Bachelor's: Four-year degree pathway that can support a wider range of roles and may be part of a teacher-licensure pathway.
Master's: Advanced degree that can support additional specialization or certain leadership and professional roles.

Part 3: Early Childhood Education Schools Near Me – How to Find Accredited or Approved Programs

You've searched for early childhood education schools near me. Here's how to research programs carefully.

Step 1 – Check the program's accreditation or approval

Research the specific accreditation or approval held by the program and confirm what it covers. NAEYC and CAEP are examples of organizations associated with accreditation in early childhood or educator preparation. Verify current accreditation information directly with the organization and school.

Step 2 – Check your state's Department of Education

If your goal is teacher licensure, check the education agency in the state where you intend to teach. State-approved teacher preparation programs and licensure requirements can differ, so confirm that the specific program meets the requirements applicable to you.

Step 3 – Look for relevant educator-preparation accreditation

CAEP accreditation can be one factor to research when comparing educator preparation programs. However, accreditation should not be treated as a substitute for checking your state's individual licensure requirements.

Step 4 – Visit or research several programs

Schedule campus visits or virtual information sessions when available. Ask the 5 questions from Part 1 and, where possible, talk with current students or recent graduates about their experiences.

Step 5 – Compare costs and financial aid

Complete the FAFSA if you are eligible and plan to apply for federal student aid. Compare estimated net price, financial aid, fees, books, transportation, and other expenses rather than looking only at the published tuition rate.

Research Resources

NAEYC: Information related to early childhood education and professional standards and accreditation.
State Department of Education: State-specific teacher preparation and licensure information.
CAEP: Information about educator preparation accreditation.

Part 4: Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education – Online vs Traditional

When you research bachelor's in early childhood education, you'll find both online and on-campus options. The right format depends on your schedule, learning preferences, location, and field-placement requirements.

Online advantages:

Flexibility for students balancing work or other responsibilities.
Potentially less commuting and greater access to programs outside your immediate area.
A wider selection of program formats.
Can lead to the same type of degree credential when the online and on-campus programs are formally equivalent, although licensure requirements still need to be checked.

Online disadvantages:

Field experience or student teaching may still require in-person participation.
Networking opportunities may differ from those available in an on-campus program.
Online study requires independent time management.

Field experience requirement:

Programs that lead to teacher licensure commonly include supervised field experiences and student teaching, but the required amount and placement process vary by institution and state. Ask the school whether placements are arranged for you and whether you can complete them near your home.

Examples of Online Bachelor's Programs to Research

University of Cincinnati: Research its current early childhood education offerings, format, tuition, and field-placement requirements directly with the university.
University of Florida: Review current early childhood education program options and admission requirements directly with the university.
Arizona State University: Review current online early childhood education offerings, tuition, and licensure information directly with the university.
Western Governors University: Review current program structure, tuition model, and field-experience requirements directly with the university.

Online vs Traditional

Flexibility: Online programs may provide more scheduling flexibility.
Cost: Total cost varies by institution and should include tuition, fees, books, transportation, and other expenses.
Field experience: Both formats may include in-person requirements when the program leads to teaching licensure.
Networking: On-campus programs may offer more direct in-person interaction, while online programs may use virtual networking and placement opportunities.
Student teaching: Requirements depend on the specific program and state.

Part 5: Schools That Offer Early Childhood Education – Programs to Research by Region

Here are examples of schools that offer early childhood education programs by region. Program availability, specialization, accreditation, tuition, and licensure pathways can change, so verify current information directly with each institution.

Northeast:

Boston University – Wheelock College of Education and Human Development
University of Connecticut
Bank Street College of Education – primarily graduate-level education programs

Southeast:

University of Georgia
University of Florida
Georgia State University

Midwest:

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Ohio State University
University of Michigan

West:

University of Washington
Arizona State University
University of California, Irvine

Community Colleges to Research

Northeast: Northern Essex Community College and other local community colleges may offer early childhood education pathways.
Southeast: Valencia College and other institutions may offer early childhood education programs and transfer pathways.
Midwest: College of DuPage and other community colleges may offer early childhood education coursework.
West: Pasadena City College and other California community colleges may offer early childhood education programs and transfer options.

When comparing community colleges, confirm current articulation agreements and transfer requirements with both the community college and the university you may later attend.

Part 6: Early Childhood Degrees – Career Paths and Compensation

Your early childhood degree can support multiple career paths. Compensation and job requirements vary by state, employer, experience, education level, role, and work setting, so published salary figures should be treated as general reference points rather than guaranteed earnings.

Public school teacher

Typical requirements: Often a bachelor's degree plus state-specific teacher licensure or certification.
Compensation: Varies considerably by state, district, experience, and education level.
Benefits: May include health insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and school-calendar schedules depending on the employer.
Employment outlook: Varies by location and subject or grade-level demand.

Head Start teacher

Typical requirements: Education requirements vary by role and applicable Head Start standards.
Compensation: Varies by employer, location, qualifications, and experience.
Benefits: Depend on the employing organization.
Employment outlook: Depends on local program funding, enrollment, and staffing needs.

Preschool director

Typical requirements: Education and experience requirements vary by state and employer.
Compensation: Varies by location, organization, experience, and center size.
Benefits: Depend on the employer and position.
Employment outlook: Varies according to local childcare demand and available positions.

Early intervention specialist

Typical requirements: Varies by state, specialization, and employer; some roles require specific credentials or graduate education.
Compensation: Varies by employer, location, and qualifications.
Benefits: Depend on the organization and position.
Employment outlook: Varies by local need and available services.

Childcare center owner

Typical requirements: Licensing, education, experience, and business requirements vary by state and type of facility.
Income: Highly variable and dependent on enrollment, operating expenses, staffing, tuition rates, and local demand.
Benefits: Business ownership provides control over operations but also involves financial and regulatory responsibilities.
Outlook: Depends heavily on the local market and business model.

Career Comparison

Public school teacher: Often requires a bachelor's degree and state-specific licensure.
Head Start teacher: Requirements depend on the position and applicable program standards.
Preschool director: Education and experience requirements vary by state and employer.
Early intervention specialist: Requirements vary by role, state, and specialization.
Childcare center owner: Requires attention to licensing, business operations, staffing, and local demand.

Part 7: Paying for Early Childhood Education Degrees

Early childhood degrees can involve significant costs. Available financial aid changes over time and depends on eligibility, so verify current amounts and requirements through official sources before relying on a particular award.

Federal Pell Grants

Need-based federal financial aid for eligible students.
Generally does not need to be repaid when eligibility requirements are met.
Eligibility and award amounts depend on federal rules and the student's circumstances.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

Provides grant assistance to eligible students who meet the applicable requirements.
Recipients generally have a service obligation associated with the grant.
If the required service conditions are not met, the grant may convert to a loan under the applicable rules.

Federal Work-Study

Provides eligible students with opportunities for part-time employment.
Available positions and earnings vary by school and student eligibility.
Some positions may provide relevant childcare or education experience.

Scholarships for early childhood majors

Professional associations may offer scholarships or awards.
State and local early childhood organizations may provide funding opportunities.
Community foundations and educational institutions may offer additional scholarships.

Loan forgiveness and repayment programs

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: May be available to eligible borrowers who meet the program's employment, loan, repayment, and certification requirements.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness: May be available to eligible teachers who meet applicable employment and other requirements.

Funding Sources

Pell Grant: Need-based federal grant; current award limits and eligibility should be verified through official federal sources.
TEACH Grant: Grant with service-related requirements; current terms should be verified before accepting the award.
Work-Study: Part-time employment program with eligibility and earnings that vary.
Scholarships: Funding opportunities vary by organization and applicant eligibility.
PSLF: Loan forgiveness program with specific eligibility and qualifying-payment requirements.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness: Forgiveness program with specific eligibility and qualifying-service requirements.

How to apply: Complete the FAFSA when appropriate and check the current federal application schedule and deadlines. Financial-aid deadlines can vary by program, school, state, and aid type, so do not rely on a single annual date without checking the current official information.

Part 8: Field Experience and Student Teaching – What to Expect

Hands-on experience can be an important part of an early childhood degree, especially for programs connected to teacher licensure. The number of required hours, timing, supervision, and responsibilities vary by program and state.

Field observations:

May occur early in the program.
Students may observe experienced teachers in classroom settings.
Responsibilities generally differ from those of a student teacher.

Practicum:

May occur during the middle portion of a program.
Students may work alongside a mentor teacher.
Activities can include assisting with instruction, small-group activities, observation, and classroom routines.

Student teaching:

Usually occurs toward the end of a teacher-preparation program.
Students generally take on increasing classroom responsibilities under supervision.
A mentor teacher and university supervisor may both participate in evaluation and support.
The schedule can be demanding and may affect the student's ability to maintain outside employment.

Background checks:

Students completing field experiences may need background checks, fingerprinting, or other clearances depending on the state, school, and placement site. Costs and requirements vary.

Liability insurance:

Some programs or placement sites may require professional liability coverage. Confirm whether this is required, who provides it, and whether students are responsible for any associated cost.

Experience Comparison

Field observations: Early-stage exposure to classroom environments.
Practicum: Supervised participation and developing classroom experience.
Student teaching: More extensive supervised classroom responsibility, generally later in the program.

Planning tip: Review the student-teaching schedule and financial implications before reaching the final stage of the program. If outside employment could conflict with placement requirements, plan your budget and schedule accordingly.

Part 9: Frequently Asked Questions About Early Childhood Degrees

Do I need a bachelor's degree to teach preschool?

It depends on the setting, position, and state. Public-school pre-K positions may have teacher-licensure requirements, while private preschools and childcare centers can have different requirements. Head Start positions also have education requirements that depend on the role.

What's the difference between early childhood education and elementary education?

Early childhood education often focuses on younger children, but the exact age range varies by program and state. Elementary education may cover a broader range of elementary grades. Certification areas can overlap in some states.

Can I teach kindergarten with an early childhood degree?

Possibly, depending on the degree, teacher-preparation program, and state certification area. Check the specific licensure requirements in the state where you plan to teach.

How long does it take to become a preschool teacher?

The timeline depends on the credential or degree you pursue, transfer credits, enrollment status, program requirements, and state regulations. A CDA, associate degree, and bachelor's degree involve different education pathways.

What is the job outlook for early childhood teachers?

Employment outlook varies by occupation, location, education level, and labor-market conditions. Check current government labor statistics and local job postings for the role you are considering rather than relying on a single national percentage.

Do early childhood teachers get summers off?

It depends on the employer. Some public-school positions follow a school-year calendar, while preschool, childcare, and other early childhood settings may operate year-round.

Can I become a teacher with an online degree?

Potentially, if the program meets the requirements for the state and teaching credential you are pursuing. Programs connected to licensure commonly include supervised in-person field experience or student teaching, so verify those requirements before enrolling.

Part 10: Your Action Plan – From Starting Point to Early Childhood Teacher

If you have no college experience:

First stage: Research associate degree programs at community colleges and check whether credits can transfer to the bachelor's program you may later pursue.
Next stage: Complete the bachelor's program or transfer pathway that matches your intended career and licensure requirements.
Final stage: Complete required field experience and student teaching, if applicable, and apply for the appropriate state credential.
After graduation: Apply for positions that match your education, certification, and experience.

If you have some college but no degree:

Review your existing credits and ask prospective schools which credits may transfer.
Compare online and on-campus bachelor's programs based on cost, schedule, accreditation, and licensure requirements.
Complete required field experience and student teaching if the program is a teacher-preparation pathway.
Apply for the applicable credential and positions after meeting state and program requirements.

If you want to enter the field without immediately pursuing a bachelor's degree:

Research CDA and other entry-level credentials that are recognized in your area.
Explore childcare or early childhood positions whose requirements match your current qualifications.
Consider an associate degree if you want additional education or a potential transfer pathway.
Plan a bachelor's pathway later if your intended career requires a bachelor's degree or teacher licensure.

Key deadlines and items to track:

FAFSA opening dates and deadlines for the relevant academic year.
Program application deadlines for the specific school and enrollment term.
Financial-aid and scholarship deadlines.
Field-experience and student-teaching application deadlines.
State teacher-licensure requirements and application timelines.

Important: Program accreditation, state licensure rules, tuition, financial-aid amounts, admission requirements, field-experience hours, salaries, and employment conditions can change by institution, state, academic year, and individual circumstances. Verify current information directly with the school, relevant state agency, and official financial-aid or credentialing sources before making enrollment or financial decisions.

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