Top 10 Online Associates of Early Childhood/Special Education Programs

Reviewed by Mary McLaughlin, Special Education Teacher; M.S. SpEd

early-childhood-ed-onlineIf you are planning on pursuing your associate’s degree in early childhood education or special education you should consider completing your degree through an online program. Many online programs allow you the flexibility to earn your degree while you maintain work and family responsibilities while acquiring the academic foundation necessary to enhance your skills and career potential.  Many of the top online schools have been awarding degrees and helping students reach their career goals for years especially for those just embarking on their college education within associate degree programs.  

Earning an associate’s degree in early childhood education can prepare you to work in a variety of childcare settings. Daycare centers, head start programs and early learning centers demand highly qualified and experienced staff. You may also seek employment in community college childcare centers and preschools. If you decide you love teaching, you may consider advancing your education by earning a bachelor’s degree in education to eventually gain certification to become a teacher.   Most also offer the added bonus of easily continuing your education with credits that transfer towards your bachelor’s degree.

The following Top 10 Online Associates of Early Childhood/Special Education Programs are some of the best available online for those looking to enter the early childhood education field. 

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Best of all, this list of online programs were chosen from schools which offer several advantages over others programs. Reasonable tuition rates, great student to teacher ratios, simple application processes, high acceptance rates, and excellent programs with well qualified, professional instructors are all factors we considered while making this list. So, without further delay, we offer you Top 10 Online Associates of Early Childhood/Special Education Programs.

1. Post University

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Post University has been in business for 120 years. It offers an early childhood education associate’s degree program that is available online. The cost to obtain the degree is $29,400 for 60 credits, which is the complete length of the program. Post University is holds an accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. The university has been ranked number 6 on the list of top online schools by College Crunch. This program offers small classes sizes and the option to complete your coursework from any location.

For more about Post University’s Online Associates in Early Childhood/Special Education Programs, go here.

2. Ashworth College

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This college offers an early childhood education associate’s degree program that can be completed in 4 semesters. Since all courses are offered online, you’ll work at your own pace. Semesters vary in length from 6 to 12 months depending on the amount of time you have available to dedicate to coursework. Ashworth College offers a 3 different payment plans. Students can expect to pay anywhere between $950 and $1250 per semester. This college holds an accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). It is ranked 7th for online education institutions by College Crunch. This program accepts previously earned college credits and may award credit for certain life experiences, reducing the number of credits you need to take to earn your degree.

For more about Ashworth College’s Online Associates in Early Childhood/Special Education Programs, go here.

3. Bellevue College

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Bellevue College has a physical campus located in Bellevue, Washington. They offer an early childhood education program and a special education program. The cost of tuition and fees to attend Bellevue College was $3763 for the 2012-2013 school year. Book and housing are additional costs that are not figured into this number. This college holds an accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. It is currently listed as “unranked” by U.S. News and World Report. The early childhood education program is presented in a format that includes observation, class participation and practical experience.

For more about Bellevue College’s Online Associates in Early Childhood/Special Education Programs, go here.

4. Clarion University

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This public school is a nationally recognized university in Pennsylvania, but they offer online programs for students anywhere. The early childhood education program can be completed entirely online. The program is 60 credits in length and prepares graduates to work in childcare centers, schools and head start programs. The reported tuition to attend Clarion University was $9090 for students attending during the 2012-2013 academic year. This degree program is fully accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children(NAEYC). Clarion University was recently ranked as the 16th best online school of 2013 by SR Education Group. The credits earned in this program can be applied to the bachelor’s degree program at Clarion University if you wish to further your education.

For more about Clarion University’s Online Associates in Early Childhood/Special Education Programs, go here.

5. Granite State University

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Granite State University is part of the University System of New Hampshire. It offers an early childhood education associate’s degree program that is available online. It can be completed in approximately 6 terms. The cost of attending Granite State University is $285 per credit for students that reside in-state. This university holds an accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). U.S. News and World Report ranks Granite State University’s bachelor’s degree programs #27 out of 237 schools. This is great news for students who plan to further their education by obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Credits earned in the associate’s degree program are designed to transfer seamlessly to the bachelor’s degree program.

For more about Granite State University’s Online Associates in Early Childhood/Special Education Programs, go here.

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6. Purdue University Global


Purdue University Global is one of the top online schools. They are a well-known university that has been around for years. The associate’s degree in early childhood education is 90 credit hours and takes 2 years to complete if you are attending full-time. The cost of attending Purdue University Global to complete this degree program is $33,390. This university holds an accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and The Higher Learning Commission. It is ranked 2nd among online schools by College Crunch. Credits earned from other colleges and institutions may transfer to Purdue University Global, possibly making your journey from classes to your degree much shorter.

For more about Purdue University Global’s Online Associates in Early Childhood/Special Education Programs, go here.

7. Penn Foster College

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Penn Foster College is an online school that offers an associate’s degree in early childhood education. They state that their tuition is priced very competitive with other schools. Most programs have an average credit rate of $79. The early childhood education program is 63 credit hours and can be completed in roughly 4 semesters. This college holds an accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) and has been awarded a license by the Arizona State Board for Private Post Secondary Education. Penn Foster College is currently not ranked. The program at this college is unique because they have no application fee and accept credit from some high schools and colleges. This can give you a head start when entering the program.

For more about Penn Foster College’s Online Associates in Early Childhood/Special Education Ppograms, go here.

8. Liberty University

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Liberty University is located in Lynchburg, Virginia. They have an early childhood education associate’s degree program that can be completed on campus or online. The program is 60 credit hours and can help you gain employment in childcare centers, early learning centers and churches. The cost to attend the online program at Liberty University is approximately $20,400. This university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. U.S. News and World Report ranks Liberty University as 89th on the list of regional universities in the South. This program allows a seamless transfer of credits earned during the associate’s degree program to the bachelor’s degree program.

For more about Liberty University’s Online Associates in Early Childhood/Special Education Programs, go here.

9. Ashford University

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Ashford University offers an early childhood education program online, so students can complete the program without ever needing to visit the campus. The total tuition, including books and fees, for the duration of the program is $31,121. This university holds an accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and The Higher Learning Commission. Ashford University was ranked 5th on the list of online colleges by MyCollegesandCareers.com and Once you’ve finished your associate’s degree, you have the option of continuing your education and beginning your bachelor’s degree. All credits earned in the associate’s degree program count towards your entry into the bachelor’s degree program.

For more about Ashford University’s Online Associates in Early Childhood/Special Education Programs, go here.

10. Concordia University

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This university is located in St. Paul Minnesota. It offers an associate’s degree in early childhood education that can completed entirely online. The program is 64 credits and can be completed at your own pace. The cost to complete this online program is approximately $22,400. This university is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and The Higher Learning Commission. It is ranked number 92 on the list of regional universities in the Midwest. The program also meets all of the requirements of the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credentialing Program.

For more about Concordia University’s Online Associates in Early Childhood/Special Education Programs, go here.

All schools shown here have been contacted and informed of their inclusion on this list. Schools that do not wish to be featured are immediately removed. School names are the registered trademarks of their original owners. The use of any trade name or trademark does not imply any association with the school.