If you have a passion for early childhood development, then an ECE certificate online could be your perfect stepping stone! This article covers 5 of the best early childhood education certificates you can earn online. These certificates will give you the skills and knowledge to start a rewarding career in this early childhood education. Get ready to discover flexible learning options, explore engaging curriculums, and find the perfect program for you.
Which Online ECE Certificate Program is Best?
There are a few different types of ECE certificate online programs, including ECE, Infant and Toddler Care, and Child Development Associate. Let’s take a more detailed look at these three focus areas.
GetEducated's Picks
- Fisher College Certificate in Early Childhood Education
- Rasmussen University Certificate in Early Childhood Education
- American Public University System Certificate in Infant & Toddler Care
ECE Certificate Online
An ECE certificate stands for early childhood education. An early childhood education certificate online is for those passionate about working with younger children. After attending ECE classes online, and completing the program, you will gain the skills you need to work with children who are 6 years of age or younger. You’ll teach these young children social skills and prepare developmentally appropriate curriculum. You will also learn how to communicate with them. During an early childhood education online certificate, you take classes like, Early Childhood Education Curriculum and Instruction, Foundations of Child Development and Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education.
It should be noted that just having an early childhood learning certificate alone won’t be enough to get a job as an ECE teacher. However, it will certainly help your chances of getting hired in jobs such as a preschool teacher, teacher aide, or childcare worker. Furthermore, the admission requirements for students interested in enrolling in a certificate program in early childhood education are easy to meet. In fact, you’ll need just a high school diploma or GED to meet the requirement.
Infant & Toddler Care Certificate
The Infant & Toddler Care certificate is a great fit for those who want to take care of children under 5. This early childhood certificate online will teach you all the skills and knowledge you will need to look after them. You’ll learn to identify all the different types of changes that these children go through, such as emotional, social, and physical changes. In addition, students learn how to plan and implement daycare programs effectively, and how younger children interact with their environments.
This certificate will help you work as a babysitter, childcare worker, or preschool teacher. The admission requirements for enrolling in this early childhood education certificate online include a high school diploma or a GED.
Online Certificate in Child Development Associate (CDA) Prep
The Child Development Associate certificate, or CDA for short, is a certificate made for those who want to earn their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. After enrolling in this early childhood development certificate online program, you’ll have three specialization options to pick from. The specialty options are Family Child Care, Preschool, or Infant and Toddler.
After completing this program, you will be able to apply for the CDA credential. In this program, there are several things you will learn. You will learn how to create a professional portfolio that you can use to apply for your CDA credential. You will also learn how to create a safe and secure learning environment for younger children. And lastly, you will learn ways to meet younger children’s social and emotional needs. Here are a few different courses you can expect to take for this program:
- Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child
- Child, Family, and Community
- Child Growth and Development
Having a Child Development Associate (CDA) Prep certificate will help you get a job as a teacher assistant, or a childcare worker. The admission requirement for students enrolling in this early childhood development certificate online is simply to have earned a high school diploma, or GED.
5 Best Schools for Online ECE Certificates
Are you wondering how to get a certificate in early childhood education of high quality? Here are 5 of the best ECE certificates you can enroll in.
Fisher College
Accreditation: NECHE
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $5,040Fisher College offers one of the best early childhood education certificates. In fact, this online program will teach you everything you need to know to become a successful early childhood educator. You can choose from three different specializations; family childcare, preschool, or infant and toddler.
This program consists of 30 credits and can be completed 100% online. There are a total of 9 core courses, and 1 elective course. To meet admission requirements, you must submit an online application with your high school transcripts or GED. It will take about 10 months to complete this early childhood education online certificate, which includes courses offered in eight-week blocks.
Upon completing this program, students meet the educational standards for all ECE certifications in Massachusetts. Not only that, but credits can be applied toward an associate or bachelor's degree.
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Certificate in Early Childhood EducationRasmussen University
Accreditation: HLC
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $8,000Rasmussen University was founded in 1900, and it offers another one of the best early childhood education certificates, called the Certificate in Early Childhood Education. This certificate will teach you how to interact with younger children in childcare and educational settings. You will learn how to effectively communicate with, and understand them. This early childhood learning certificate can be completed fully online, and it has a total of 36 credits.
There are 9 online classes in total, with each course consisting of 4 credits. You can also transfer up to 12 credits toward this program if you’ve already earned your CDA credential. To enroll in this program, you will only need a high school diploma, or equivalent. There are a total of 8 start dates for this certificate for early childhood education. You can also expect to complete this program in as little as 9 to 12 months.
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Certificate in Early Childhood EducationAmerican Public University System
Accreditation: HLC
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $6,300American Public University System was founded in 1991, and its early childhood certificate online focuses on infant and toddler care. This certificate teaches how to care for infants and toddlers, covering topics like development and disorders, parenting, and family dynamics. You’ll learn to identify the changes that occur in early childhood. You’ll also learn to plan programs that are right for this developmental stage of learning.
This program has 6 courses totaling 18 credit hours. You can also transfer up to 9 credits. Students must have a high school diploma or GED to apply. Full-time students can complete this certificate in just a year.
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Certificate in Infant & Toddler CarePenn Foster
Accreditation: NECHE
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $1,899Penn Foster, founded in 1890, offers the CDA Credential Prep Certificate. This certificate will teach you how to create a professional portfolio to apply for the CDA Credential. You’ll learn not only how to create a safe learning environment for young children but also how to support their social and emotional well-being. These online ECE courses can be completed fully online. This program has 5 courses, totaling 13 credits.
There are also 3 different concentrations you can choose from. These include Infant/Toddler, Preschool, and Family Child Care concentrations. Students must have a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll in this online early childhood education certificate. The completion time for this program varies depending on whether you choose the fast track or average track option. The fast track will take around 8 months, while the average track will take about 14 months.
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CDA Credential Prep CertificateLake Region State College
Accreditation: HLC
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $6,465This online early childhood education certificate will teach you all the skills you need for entry-level employment working with younger children. After that, you can start working in childcare centers or launch your own childcare business.
You will also have the option to choose between taking online ECE courses like the Introduction to Early Childhood Education course, or the Infants and Toddlers course. You’ll need a high school diploma or GED to meet the admission requirements. Since this is a fast-track program, it takes just one year to complete.
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Certificate in Early Childhood Education
Online ECE Certificates vs Certification/Licensure
What are the main differences between a certificate in early childhood education online and an ECE certification online? Certificates are earned from colleges or universities and show that you have completed a specific set of courses. Certifications, on the other hand, are earned by passing an exam from professional organizations. Another key point, certificates don’t have to be renewed, while certifications do.
You can renew your certifications every 1 to 3 years by completing continuing education credits, submitting a renewal application, and paying any associated fees. Earning an ECE certificate will often help you pass the exams for online certifications. Both certificates and certifications will make you more marketable to employers.
On the other hand, a teacher’s license is granted by the state. This license allows you to teach in schools. The prerequisites for earning a teacher license vary from state to state, but there are a few common requirements. You will need a bachelor’s degree, and must pass the state’s teaching licensure exam.
GetEducated's Picks
- William Carey University Bachelor of General Studies / Applied Behavioral Analysis & Special Education
- Fisher College Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education & Care
- Western Governors University Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Best Accreditation for ECE Certificate Online Programs
Earning your certificate from a regionally accredited program ensures you’re receiving a top-notch education that meets high standards. This can be crucial for future job prospects, as some employers or advanced degrees may require certificates from accredited schools. Not to mention, only accredited programs qualify for financial aid. In short, it shows your commitment to the field of early childhood education.
For this reason, all of the schools in our database are accredited. Look for accreditation from agencies like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
Think of accreditation as a stamp of approval, showing you received a high-quality education to give young children the best possible start.
Online ECE Program Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for enrolling in an ECE certificate online are simple.You will be able to enroll in a certificate in early childhood education online as long as you’ve finished high school, or earned a GED. After that, the next step is as easy as completing an online application to enroll. Those are typically the only admission requirements.
Is Getting an Online ECE Certificate Worth It?
If you want to get into the rewarding field of childcare, then an ECE certificate online is definitely worth it. Here are just a few examples of jobs you can get with an ECE certificate.
Preschool teachers work with young children ages 3-5 in school settings or childcare centers. Most preschool teachers need an associate’s degree at minimum, and a teaching license provided by the state. However, an ECE certificate would certainly help you with standing out among other candidates.
There are currently a total of 512,300 jobs for preschool teachers, earning a median pay of $37,130 per year. The job growth outlook is 3% over the next decade, which is as fast as average. Preschool teachers usually work 10 months per year, but some work year round.
Teacher aides help teachers to make sure students get the most out of learning. They might assist with setting up games and activities, or keep track of grades and attendance. They can also give students one-on-one attention, explaining things differently or helping them with their work. In essence, teacher aides lend a hand wherever needed, making the classroom run smoothly and giving both students and teachers the support they need to thrive.
An ECE certificate online will prepare you for this position, which pays a median salary of $35,550 per year. In some areas, like the West Coast and New England, teacher aides earn more, with median salaries reaching $38-$46k.
Childcare workers can find jobs in both private households and childcare centers. These pros earn an average salary of $30,370. They care for younger children and help shape their early development. These positions usually require just a high school diploma or GED. So, completing an early childhood course online or earning an ECE certificate will give you an advantage.
Start Your ECE Certificate Online Today!
If you’re passionate about nurturing young minds, then you should enroll in an ECE certificate online today! You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to launch a rewarding career in early childhood education. Learn child development, design engaging curriculums, and gain the hands-on experience to care for infants and toddlers. Start your journey now and make a positive impact on the lives of little learners!