Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education
Pursue Your Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education Online or On Campus at Post!Program Overview
All young children, from birth through eight, deserve quality care and education. If you want to help young children learn, grow, and develop mentally, socially, and emotionally, preparation is key. At Post University, we offer an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education (ECE) that could help you do just that. With a reflective and challenging curriculum of class discussions, applied learning assignments, and field experiences in early childhood, this program is designed to offer holistic learning experiences in early childhood studies.
Coursework for your associate degree in early childhood education, online or on our main campus, explores the characteristics and developmental stages of young children, infancy to age eight, while providing insight into the nature of families, cultures, and communities. You will be given learning opportunities to develop the skills used in the creation and implementation of developmentally appropriate, anti-biased curriculum that fosters a child’s self-esteem and social-emotional, cognitive, physical, language, and creative arts skills. You could use the education you receive in this program to pursue opportunities such as a Bachelor of Science in Child Studies here at Post.
Curriculum
Total Program: 60 Required Credits
General Education: 27 Required Credits
Major, Core, & Concentrations: 30 Required Credits
College to Career Core: 3 Required Credits
Industry-Focused Curriculum for Professional Skills
Coursework for your program is designed to help you build the foundation of insights necessary to:
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Understand characteristics and development of young children, as individuals and groups
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Build effective relationships with families and children
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Communicate the goals, benefits, and appropriate uses of assessment
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Implement culturally sensitive and age-appropriate approaches to curriculum and instruction
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Incorporate families as partners in a child’s education
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And more!
Sample Courses
Essentials of Early Childhood Studies
The course will introduce students to fundamental concepts, ethical conduct, core knowledge, best practices, and the NAEYC accreditation standards and competencies for early childhood educators. The course will strengthen students’ written, verbal, and technological communication skills as they explore concepts in the early childhood field.
Foundations of Early Childhood Education
This course provides an overview of the foundations of early childhood education theory and practice. Students will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that focus on development of the whole child (birth to 8 years old), with developmentally appropriate practices and appreciating the value of play. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to facilitate social interactions between children, provide effective guidance and discipline, and conduct observation and analysis of teacher-child interactions and curriculum experiences within early learning settings.
Children’s Literature and Language Arts
This course is designed to acquaint students with many literature genres beginning with storytelling and including genres such as folk and literature, fantasy, poetry, biographies, and more. The course explores the use of technology in educational settings and lesson plans for literacy. Students are required to complete formal and/or informal field experiences.
Early Childhood Practicum 1
This initial practicum for the Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education combines 25 hours of supervised fieldwork in an approved early childhood setting (birth to age 8) with integrative coursework. Building on 12 or more Child Studies credits earned in their major, students begin translating theoretical knowledge into practical application, aligning with developmentally appropriate practices and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards. Topics include the practical application of NAEYC’s Professional Standards and Competencies, ethical considerations in real-world contexts, implementation of teaching strategies, and introduction to field-based assessment methods.
The sample courses listed are intended to illustrate the types of coursework included in this program. Course offerings and requirements may change. Please consult the official University Catalog for current and complete program information.
Licensing Disclosure
Licensure and Program Disclosures
The Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education degree provides the opportunity to prepare learners to have a powerful impact on the lives of children, from birth through eight, and their families as early childhood educators. However, it is not a teacher certification preparation program for state licensure to teach in public schools in any state.
Post University assists in researching and providing information regarding licensure; however, each state has different requirements for such licensure outside of the required education. Such state requirements may include licensure exams, background checks, certain work experience, and more. It is ultimately the responsibility of each student to manage their own licensure process and to ensure that all requirements are met in order for the student to obtain licensure. Post University does not speak on behalf of any licensing board or body and does not guarantee licensure. Requirements for licensure are subject to change without notice.
Learn about teaching certification requirements through the state departments of education: https://www.ed.gov/contact-us/state-contacts.
Visit the University Catalog >> for Curriculum, Course Descriptions, and Program Outcomes.
“We know that every student has different aspirations, different backgrounds, different challenges, and different learning styles, and it requires individual solutions for each and every student. Every associate, staff, and faculty member is uniquely focused on that personal interaction.”
Ready to Apply?
Ready to Apply?The admissions team is available to walk you through each step of the application process and clarify any remaining questions.
Accreditation
Institutional Accreditation
College (University) is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.). Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the Commission should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
New England Commission of Higher Education
301 Edgewater Place, Suite 210, Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 425 7785
E-Mail: [email protected]
For more information on Post University's state licensure or accreditation, please visit the Accreditation page.
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
Post University’s undergraduate admissions process is structured to be accessible for students planning to study online or on campus. All applicants must complete an admissions application and demonstrate high school completion or an equivalent credential.
Acceptable documentation includes:
- An official high school transcript showing graduation
- A General Education Development (GED) certificate or equivalent diploma
- A home-school transcript recognized by the student’s state
- An associate degree transcript
- Official college-level credit, typically 60 or more semester hours, that may apply toward a bachelor’s degree
Applicants are encouraged to connect with admissions advisors, including participating in an advisory session or interview, to support their transition into their selected program.
For detailed and format-specific requirements, including documentation and enrollment steps, please visit:
Why Students Choose Post University
“Online learning has empowered my commitment to personal growth while rebuilding my life.”
Tuition & Ways to Save
An education at Post University is designed to provide long-term value. Tuition is competitively structured, and financial aid opportunities are available for those who qualify. Admissions and financial aid teams work with you to review available options and explain each step of the process clearly.
With multiple funding opportunities available, you may qualify for more than you expect.
Tuition Reductions →
Tuition reductions are available for eligible active-duty military service members, veterans, public safety professionals, education partners, alumni, and others who qualify.
Scholarships →
Post University offers a variety of institutional scholarships. Dedicated scholarship advisors assist students in identifying both institutional and relevant external scholarship opportunities.
Financial Aid →
Federal financial aid programs are available for many degree programs for students who qualify.
Transfer Credits →
Post University will evaluate course credit completed at eligible institutions, as well as credit earned through approved examinations or prior learning experiences, for potential transfer.
Military Benefits →
Military education benefits extend to active-duty service members, reservists, veterans, their families, and eligible Department of Defense civilian employees.
Student Loans →
Federal and private loan programs may be available to students who qualify.
Tuition Reductions →
Tuition reductions are available for eligible active-duty military service members, veterans, public safety professionals, education partners, alumni, and others who qualify.
Scholarships →
Post University offers a variety of institutional scholarships. Dedicated scholarship advisors assist students in identifying both institutional and relevant external scholarship opportunities.
Financial Aid →
Federal financial aid programs are available for many degree programs for students who qualify.
Transfer Credits →
Post University will evaluate course credit completed at eligible institutions, as well as credit earned through approved examinations or prior learning experiences, for potential transfer.
Military Benefits →
Military education benefits extend to active-duty service members, reservists, veterans, their families, and eligible Department of Defense civilian employees.
Student Loans →
Federal and private loan programs may be available to students who qualify.
Ready to take the next steps?
Admissions advisors are available to answer your questions, explain the application process, and help you explore which program aligns with your interests and experience.
If you are considering Post University, we invite you to begin the conversation.
Why Post University?
At Post University, you are not an anonymous face in a crowded lecture hall. You are known and supported from your first conversation through program completion. That is the meaning behind Post Makes It Personal®.
Our approach is grounded in three commitments: career focus, value, and personalization. Whether you are beginning your undergraduate journey, returning to continue your education, or pursuing a graduate degree, Post University offers programs developed with professional practice in mind, led by industry-experienced faculty, and delivered in formats designed to fit into your life.
Post people come from many different backgrounds and life stages. Some are stepping onto campus for the first time, while others are learning online while balancing work, family, military service, or community commitments. Across every format, students are part of a community built on connection, structure, and shared purpose.
Early Childhood Education FAQs
What Could I Do With an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education?
Upon completing your Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education from Post University, you will have had the opportunity to explore developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive approaches for young children’s education. You could use the skills you build in the program to pursue opportunities creating, supporting, and implementing education programs for young learners in early childhood education settings.
What Degree Is Best for Early Childhood Education?
That depends on several factors, including future goals or the need for flexible learning options. At Post University, we offer two programs to help make a future in early child development and learning: the Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education and the Bachelor of Science in Child Studies. Which one may be right for you may depend on how much time you want to devote to your own education. With the learning flexibility provided in both programs, you could pursue your studies while working in the field, applying what you learn in class.
What Is an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education?
The Post University Associate of Science in the Early Childhood Education program offers learning experiences designed to help build appropriate skills and techniques to support the development of children aged birth through eight years old. Coursework explores early learning standards and appropriate assessments, along with culturally responsive strategies to support children developing typically as well as exceptional learners. The program also offers two 100-hour practicum courses to provide a focus on professional and ethical responsibilities and community engagement.
What Is NAEYC? Why is NAEYC Accreditation a Good Thing?
NAEYC stands for the National Association for the Education of Young Children. As an organization, NAEYC is dedicated to helping young children thrive and reach their learning potentials. Accreditation, in general, is a way of ensuring the educational quality of a learning institution, such as Post University, or even a specific program, such as the AS in Early Childhood Education. To achieve programmatic accreditation from the NAEYC Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs, our associate degree had to “demonstrate evidence of excellence by meeting the NAEYC Higher Education Accreditation Standards.”
What this accreditation means for Post students is that the program has gone through an external evaluation and has been found to meet or exceed quality educational standards while demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.
Is Early Childhood Education a Good Career?
It could be, if working with young children—possibly in child care, in a head start program, or with preschool teachers—is the kind of future you envision for yourself. An early childhood associate degree could help you develop the insights and skills used for implementing effective ECE learning environments and education programs.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education?
Like many associate degrees, Post’s early childhood education associate degree typically takes two years to complete, involves 60 total program credits, and is available on campus and online.
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