Best Early Childhood Education Degree Programs of 2024

With early childhood education becoming increasingly recognized as a crucial aspect of childhood development, the demand for qualified teachers and professionals in the field is rapidly growing.

An early childhood education degree provides the training and skills needed to help young children learn and thrive.

In this post, we’ll explore the top degree programs for 2024 to help readers make an informed decision about furthering their education in this rewarding career path.

Overview of Early Childhood Education Degree Options

There are different degree levels and specializations available in early childhood education.

Associate’s Degrees

Associate’s degrees are two-year programs that introduce foundational concepts in child development, learning theory, curriculum design, and classroom management.

Associate-level degrees can help students enter the workforce more quickly as assistant teachers or daycare workers. However, many states require at least a bachelor’s degree to obtain teacher certification.

Bachelor’s Degrees

Bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education are four-year programs that provide a deeper knowledge base and broader skill set.

Coursework covers subjects like child psychology, education methods, assessment strategies, health and safety practices.

Completing a bachelor’s fulfills the education requirements to become a licensed preschool or kindergarten teacher. Specializations may include teaching English language learners or children with special needs.

Master’s Degrees

For those seeking leadership roles or greater career advancement, master’s degrees offer advanced expertise. Programs emphasize curriculum development, research methods, policy and advocacy.

Specialty tracks may focus on administration, special education, child life, or family counseling. A master’s expands career paths to teaching at the college level, school counseling, educational therapy, or early intervention programs.

Now that we’ve reviewed degree levels and their typical functions, here are the top early childhood education programs to consider for 2024 based on reputation, outcomes, and areas of specialization:

Best Early Childhood Education Degree Programs of 2024

Best Overall Program: University of Washington

The early childhood and family studies program at the University of Washington in Seattle stands out for its stellar academics, resources, and career support services.

A few reasons this program claims the top spot:

Renowned Faculty: Students learn from leading experts conducting cutting-edge research in developmental psychology, education policy, and teacher pedagogy.

Real-World Experience: All undergraduates complete two field placements in community early learning settings to observe master teachers and hone hands-on skills.

Strong Career Network: Graduates enjoy excellent job placement support and connections to school districts, non-profits and government agencies nationwide hungry to hire UW alumni.

Varied Specializations: In addition to a general childhood studies track, specialized options include special education, infant/toddler teaching, library media, and teaching English language learners.

Generous Scholarships: Approximately one-third of students receive need-based or merit-based financial aid, with average scholarship awards around $8,000 annually.

With renowned academics, robust experiential learning components, and distinguished career outcomes, the University of Washington sets the gold standard for early childhood degree programs across the country.

Best for Special Education: University of Florida

For aspiring teachers interested in working with young children with disabilities or developmental delays, the University of Florida’s Department of Special Education offers a nationally ranked early childhood special education program.

Some key advantages:

Dual Certification Options: Undergraduates can earn dual certification in early childhood education and special education, highly valued by school districts.

State-of-the-Art Clinic: The on-campus clinic provides real-world experience assessing needs, designing learning plans, and implementing interventions with children ages 3-8.

Focused Curriculum: Courses dive deep into evidence-based practices, specialized teaching techniques, adaptive technologies, collaboration with related service professionals and families.

Generous Scholarships: Competitive academic, need-based and talent scholarships are available, such as the Lisa Jackson Memorial Scholarship for $4,000 annually.

High Employment Rate: According to their teacher placement office, about 98% of graduates find jobs within the first year after receiving state certification.

For aspiring special educators passionate about the inclusive early learning field, the University of Florida’s acclaimed dual certification program is a top choice.

Best for Community Outreach: San Diego State University

Located in a region with great socioeconomic diversity, San Diego State University’s emphasis on community engagement through their Benerd College sets them apart. Here’s why their early childhood program ranks among the best:

Extensive Fieldwork: Beginning freshman year, students complete over 500 hours of hands-on practice. Rotations include family resource centers, Head Start programs, and local preschools.

On-campus Child Care Center: Early learning labs give undergraduates invaluable teaching experience working directly with infants through pre-K aged children.

Emphasis on Equity: Through coursework and extracurricular activities, students develop culturally-responsive practices to better serve low-income families and dual-language learners.

Service Learning Projects: Capstone projects focus on addressing real needs within San Diego’s vast network of social services. Recent initiatives include family literacy programs and play-based tutoring.

Generous Financial Aid: Approximately 80% of Benerd College students benefit from scholarships, work-study positions or tuition reduction programs.

SDSU’s down-to-earth, community-driven approach prepares teachers with heart to make the biggest impact where it’s needed most.

Best Master’s Program: Tufts University

For aspiring early childhood leaders or researchers seeking the most prestigious graduate education, Tufts University’s Eliot-Pearson Department stands out nationally.

Key benefits include:

Renowned Faculty: Their accomplished professors include pioneers in child development theory, teacher education models and educational policymaking.

Research Opportunities: Master’s students partner with esteemed faculty on studies exploring everything from racial disparities to play-based mathematics pedagogy.

Generous Funding: Robust graduate stipends allow students to focus full-time on classes and capstone projects without financial burden.

Acclaimed Clinics: The Eliot-Pearson Children’s School provides a living laboratory to design and test new curricula.

Career Preparation: Graduates receive support securing placements in colleges/universities, hospital child life programs, publishing, and advocacy organizations.

Distinguished Alumni: Notable early childhood leaders like founders of Early Head Start and Tools of the Mind curriculum are proud Tufts grads.

For aspiring researchers and future leaders serious about making a scholarly impact, Tufts’ top-rated early childhood master’s degree is unmatched.

Honorable Mention: University of North Carolina at Greensboro

UNC Greensboro’s esteemed School of Education is recognized for advancing social justice and equity within early childhood teacher development. Program highlights include:

Dual Licensure Available: Students can earn a birth-through-kindergarten teaching license plus optional endorsements in reading, ESL, or special education.

Scholarship Funding: The Broyhill Family Foundation Fellowship covers full tuition/fees for outstanding juniors/seniors.

Field Experiences: Hands-on practicum placements include the onsite UNCG Child Development Center plus over 50 community partners.

Community Engagement: Weekly service-learning projects addressing food insecurity, kindergarten transition support and family literacy programs.

National Recognition: Ranked among top 10 graduate programs preparing teachers to work in high-need schools by US News and World Report.

UNC Greensboro’s affordable, application-focused program prepares diverse graduates to support children and families facing the biggest challenges.

Exploring Online Options

For working professionals or those unable to relocate, online early childhood degree programs offer flexible, accessible pathways:

Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU’s fully online Bachelor’s and Master’s pathways provide broad exposure to child development philosophies, resources, technology integration, and assessment techniques. Affordable flat-rate tuition, generous transfer credit policies, 6-week accelerated courses and faculty mentoring make SNHU an attractive option.

University of Phoenix

UPhoenix’s online Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees emphasize practical skills like teaching methods, classroom management strategies, and building cooperative partnerships with parents. Convenient, multifaceted support services assist busy working students in completing their degree efficiently.

St. Joseph’s College of Maine

Earning national accreditation, SJC Maine’s fully online early childhood and special education programs blend asynchronous learning with interactive synchronous classes. Fieldwork placements are arranged near students’ homes, and degree maps keep part-time students on track to finish.

While online programs lack on-campus resources, these flexible options fit lifestyles of many eager to elevate their careers helping young learners. Comprehensive student support helps online students succeed.