Early Childhood Education

Earn your associate degree in early childhood education at UAF and learn meaningful approaches for working with young children and their families. Ranked among the Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education Degree Programs in the nation,* this nationally accredited degree emphasizes development of the whole child (prenatal through age 8) and includes award-winning faculty members. You can complete your degree entirely online, or combine with on-site work depending on your preferences. We also offer transfer credit for your Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ or completed military modules.

*TheBestSchools.org, July 2020

Who Is the Early Childhood Education Degree Designed For?

The associate degree in early childhood education is designed for students enrolling in college for the first time, or those who are educated in other subject areas but want training for this field. Some courses are very beneficial for parents as well. Graduates will be prepared to help young children develop their intellectual, social, emotional and physical abilities, and provide support for families. There are also a variety of other degree options available for students who want to continue to a bachelor’s degree.

This degree is also available to complete 100% online, providing extra flexibility for those juggling work, education and other responsibilities.

Why Earn Your Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education at UAF?

  • Engage in a practical curriculum that emphasizes application of skills over testing and includes more early childhood education credits and fewer general education requirements than most other programs of its kind.
  • Benefit from best practices demonstrated at our on-campus Early Childhood Lab School whether you study remotely or on-site.
  • Learn from award-winning faculty and access the most recent research in the field.

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Quick Facts

Degree type:

  • Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S)
  • Offered as major and minor

Availability:

  • In-person
  • Hybrid
  • Online

 

Earn your Early Childhood Education Degree Online

Example projects in the early childhood education online degree program

Early childhood education classes at UAF include a variety of hands-on experiences with teaching and developing curriculum:

  • In our Thinking, Reasoning and Discovery course, you’ll choose a topic of interest to young children and then develop activities and materials to teach concepts of physical and life science, math and logic, and performing and visual arts. This will help you to think creatively about how children will best learn the key points in the unit and practice the activities together.
  • In the Nutrition and Physical Wellness course, you’ll engage in a variety of activities to help children stay physically fit and gain skills in physical activities such as handling balls or gymnastics. The course also looks in depth at nutrition, helping children learn the right foods to eat and how important it is to stay hydrated.

Experience online education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks

Our online programs are designed to give you flexibility while creating a learning experience in which you feel connected and supported. Web classes include a variety of online links, videos, virtual field trips and individual activities. One of our classes uses an e-book developed by faculty, in which assignments are completed through videos and submitted within the text. Many of our students attend part-time while they're working or raising a family. Like all of our online programs, the associate in early childhood education is offered at in-state tuition for students everywhere.

Learn more about earning your degree online at UAF

Find answers to frequently asked questions

Cost breakdown for the online associate degree in early childhood education

The estimated cost for the early childhood program based on current rates is $18,390.

See what your dollars go toward on the UAF eCampus Tuition and Fees page.

Earned Badges for Online Program

Military Friendly badgeQuality Matters badge

QM certifications are valid for five years.

 

Jamie KuhnWorking full-time and being busy with my family doesn’t leave much time for me to attend classes face-to-face. The online courses fit perfectly into my schedule and I have been very successful. My professors and advising team have been absolutely amazing. The quality of the curriculum and faculty has far exceeded my expectations.Jamie Kuhn,  Teacher at thrivALASKA Head Start

 

 

What Can You Do With an Early Childhood Education Degree?

This degree is designed to prepare early childhood educators to work effectively with children and families in a variety of settings.

 

 

Heike LoewerThe quality of classes can only be described as outstanding. And best of all: It is fun. I just love them, especially when looking back and realizing how much it helped further my job as well as my daily life.Heike Loewer,  recipient of UAF’s Joel Wiegert Award, which recognizes an outstanding associate degree candidate.

 

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education Requirements

The early childhood education degree explores child development from the point of conception through the toddler years. There is great detail included about pregnancy, pre-natal development, childbirth, newborn and infant care. The associate degree program also covers topics including safety and health, learning environments, culture and the young child, families, screening and assessment, curriculum development for various ages and inclusion of young children with special needs.
 
View all classes for the Associate degree in Early Childhood Education

Other Degree Programs to Explore at UAF

 

Get Started on Your Early Childhood Education Degree

Earn your early childhood education degree at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. We’re here to help.

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Transfer to UAF

Transferring to UAF? We can walk you through the process and help make sure you get the most out of the credits you’ve earned.

Apply Now and Request More Information

Earn your associate degree in early childhood education at UAF. Submit your application online today.