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Early Childhood Education Associate Degree Online

Are you ready to spark a career working with young learners? IWU's online associate degree in early childhood education gives you the foundational skills, expert faculty, and real-world experience to step confidently into the classroom and beyond. With a comprehensive curriculum grounded in Christian values, you'll develop into an effective teacher and ethical role model — whether you're pursuing a role as a teacher aide, childcare provider, preschool teacher, or working toward becoming a daycare director.

Why Pursue My Early Childhood Education Degree Online at IWU?

IWU's early childhood education degree online is built for adult learners and busy professionals who can't put their lives on hold to go back to school. The fully online format gives you the flexibility to study on your schedule while gaining real-world experience through hands-on opportunities with communities and families.

Your tuition rate is locked in from the moment you enroll — no increases while you study. A full support system is built into the program, from tech assistance to tutoring, every step of the way. This online early childhood education degree is also designed to transition seamlessly into IWU's B.S. in Early Childhood Education program, giving you a clear path forward if you choose to keep going. IWU's Christian faculty bring a biblical worldview into every course, helping you integrate your faith into a fulfilling career working with children.

What Will I Learn in This Online Early Childhood Education Degree Program?

This child development degree online covers a wide range of foundational topics that prepare you for both immediate career entry and higher-level degree programs. You'll learn from faculty with direct experience in early childhood education — professionals whose real-world expertise brings the curriculum to life.

Core areas of study include:

  • Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) — Understanding and applying teaching approaches that align with how children grow and learn at each stage
  • Curriculum planning for early childhood — Designing intentional, effective learning experiences across childcare, classroom, home, and community settings
  • Play based learning strategies — Leveraging play as a foundational vehicle for cognitive, social, and emotional development
  • Math and science for young children — Building early STEM foundations through engaging, age-appropriate instruction
  • Health, safety, and nutrition in early childhood — Creating environments that support children's physical well-being and safety
  • Observation, documentation, and assessment — Using evidence-based tools to track child progress and inform instructional decisions
  • Family and community engagement — Understanding diverse family dynamics and building collaborative partnerships that support optimal outcomes for young learners

What Makes IWU Different?

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Tuition & Aid

60 Credit Hours

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$325/ Credit Hour

Net Price Calculator

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement.

Financial Aid Tuition & Fees Info

Applicable fees for resources and services will be assessed throughout the program. Tuition and fees for prerequisites and required elective courses are in addition to the charges shown on the program cost sheet. Your tuition rate will remain the same as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program. The estimated cost of attendance is available on the financial aid webpage. Cost sheets may be requested from an enrollment counselor by calling 866.498.4968 or emailing iwuenroll@indwes.edu.

What You'll Study

Coursework in this early childhood education classes online program covers how to:

  • Support developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) and effective learning experiences across childcare, classroom, home, and community settings
  • Apply play based learning strategies and a wide range of tools and approaches to help diverse learners thrive
  • Develop curriculum planning for early childhood skills that translate directly to real classroom and care environments
  • Use observation, documentation, and assessment to track development and refine your teaching practice
  • Implement health, safety, and nutrition in early childhood standards across all learning environments
  • Strengthen family and community engagement by understanding diverse family structures and community dynamics
  • Apply Christian principles to your passion for helping children learn and grow

Indiana Wesleyan University

Courses in this Program

These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence. For a full list of courses and prerequisites required to complete your degree, please visit the course catalog. Click on a course below to view the description.

GEN-111,ECED-101,ECED-105,ECED-120,ECED-125,ECED-130,ECED-135,ECED-120,ECED-225,ECED-230,ECED-235,ECED-240

After Graduation

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Potential Careers

  • Childcare Worker
  • Daycare Assistant
  • Family Support Specialist
  • Preschool Teacher Assistant
  • Home-Based Service Provider

Work in Various Industries

  • Industry

Program FAQs

Indiana Wesleyan University’s Early Childhood faculty include nationally recognized experts in literacy and early childhood development. Faculty such as Tina Shultz specialize in the Science of Reading, while Rita Gamble is an expert in dyslexia and reading intervention. Ann Gorbett holds a doctorate in Early Childhood Education and brings extensive academic and classroom experience. Faculty are located across the United States, providing diverse perspectives and current, research-based instruction.
Students can contact IWU’s Financial Aid Office by phone, email, or through their online student portal. Most inquiries receive a response within a few business days.
Nearly every course includes a field experience component, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in real early childhood settings. This practical approach ensures graduates are job-ready and confident in working with children and families.
Students pursuing the licensure track are prepared to become K–3 teachers in public or private schools. Non-licensure pathways prepare students for roles such as preschool teacher, childcare center director, family support specialist, early childhood program administrator, and other positions supporting children from birth through third grade.
Students gain experience across key developmental stages, including infant/toddler, preschool, and primary education. Coursework focuses on child development, instructional strategies, and classroom management across these age groups.
Graduates pursuing licensure complete required state testing and become licensed teachers. Others pursue employment in early childhood settings, advance in their current roles, or continue their education in graduate programs.
All courses include field experience opportunities, and licensure students complete student teaching. These experiences provide essential hands-on training in real classroom environments.
Yes. The program is offered fully online, with the exception of required field experiences and student teaching, which are completed in person in approved local settings.
Most courses are completed in 6-week terms, while student teaching is a 14-week experience.
Students typically take one course at a time in a structured sequence, allowing them to focus on one subject while balancing work and family responsibilities.
Students progress independently through a structured course sequence.
Yes. Students connect through discussion boards, virtual meetings, and professional learning communities, allowing them to build relationships and share experiences.
Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, meaning students complete work on their own schedule without required live sessions.
Students should plan to spend approximately 1–2 hours per day on coursework, including reading, assignments, and fieldwork.
Students follow a structured course sequence but may pause between courses if needed, working with an academic advisor to manage their schedule.
Program length varies depending on transfer credits and enrollment pace. Many students complete the program in approximately 2–4 years.
Yes. IWU offers multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing students to begin when it best fits their schedule.
After enrollment, students gain access to their online learning platform, course materials, and academic support resources. They are encouraged to connect with advisors and prepare for their first course.
Students have access to academic advising, tutoring, library resources, technical support, and career services to support their success.
Yes. Field experiences provide mentoring and professional development opportunities through interaction with faculty and experienced educators.
Yes. Field experiences function as internships and are completed in person in early childhood settings.
Transfer credit may be accepted from accredited institutions, with evaluation completed during the admissions process.
Students with a current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential may receive credit. Additional experience may be evaluated through Prior Learning Assessment.
Students complete performance-based assessments such as teacher work samples, digital portfolios, and recorded teaching sessions to demonstrate their skills.
IWU’s Early Childhood programs emphasize that early childhood education is both a profession and a calling. The Christ-centered approach prepares students to serve children and families with compassion, purpose, and excellence.
Students who are self-motivated, passionate about early childhood education, and committed to serving children and families thrive in this program.
The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and aligned with high-quality standards. Students may also benefit from programs such as TEACH grants.
Yes. Christian faith is integrated throughout the program, including weekly devotions and opportunities to reflect on how faith informs teaching and service.

Program Requirements

  • Proof of standard high school diploma or GED certification.
  • Submit a signed FERPA Release Form.
  • Proof of up-to-date TB test.
  • A signed Field Placement Requirement Notification form
  • Applicants who do not hold a valid license in the field of education will be required to submit a criminal history background check conducted at the applicant's expense. Admission to and/or progression in designated programs will be based upon criteria set in the Criminal History Background Check Admissions Policy.
  • Original transcripts from all previous college or university study at a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
  • NOTE: Applicants should be aware that Indiana State Legislation has mandated that expanded background checks are required for those working with students in Indiana schools.
    • Applicants will also be required to adhere to any additional State Mandates required for educators.
    • Though candidates will be required to submit an initial background check and other documentation that is acceptable to the university as part of their application materials, those successful submissions, will only serve to gain admittance to that academic program.
    • All accepted candidates should understand, that at the candidate’s expense, additional background checks, proof of mandated training, and/or health-related documentation will most likely be required before participating in clinical experiences.
  • NOTE: Applicants need to be prepared to have vaccination records on hand, if requested by an outside facility, to prevent delay of any required Field Experiences. Since this is an “outside” of IWU request, it will be up to the student to be prepared.
  • Completion of 60 semester hours.
  • Completion of the core requirements with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • A minimum of "C" must be achieved in ECED 101, ECED 120, ECED 105, ECED 125, ECED 130 and ECED 135 or their equivalent courses.
  • Payment of all tuition and fees in order to receive a diploma.

The AS in Early Childhood Program is a lock-step program. Students who are unable to complete an ECED course or who receive an unsatisfactory grade for their specific program will be allowed to repeat that course with another group of students if arrangements are made with the registration Change Counselor and the School of Integrated Learning and Development. Tuition and fees will be charged for repeating the course.

Accreditation

  • Completion of 60 semester hours.
  • Completion of the core requirements with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • A minimum of "C" must be achieved in ECED 101, ECED 120, ECED 105, ECED 125, ECED 130 and ECED 135 or their equivalent courses.
  • Payment of all tuition and fees in order to receive a diploma.

The AS in Early Childhood Program is a lock-step program. Students who are unable to complete an ECED course or who receive an unsatisfactory grade for their specific program will be allowed to repeat that course with another group of students if arrangements are made with the registration Change Counselor and the School of Integrated Learning and Development. Tuition and fees will be charged for repeating the course.

Take the Next Step

If working with young children is your calling, IWU's early childhood education degree online gives you the skills, the experience, and the faith-based foundation to answer it. Explore early childhood education classes online, learn more about program requirements, and take the first step toward a career that shapes the next generation.

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