A group of children sitting on the floor with a teacher.
A group of children and a teacher sit on colorful foam tiles in a circle, engaged in a learning activity with alphabet flashcards. The children are focused and interacting with the cards, which are spread out in the center.

Education Degree Programs

Flexible on-campus and online education degree programs for future educators

Education Degree Programs Online & On-Campus for Early Childhood Careers  

Bryant & Stratton College offers education degree programs designed to support students preparing for early childhood careers in classroom and care‑based settings. These programs focus on foundational learning, child development, and practical skills needed to work with young learners.

Bryant & Stratton College also provides online education degree programs, giving students flexible options to balance school with work and personal commitments. For those seeking a teaching degree online, these programs offer a practical first step toward working in early childhood education environments while learning in a format that fits their schedule.

Education Degree Programs Aligned with NAEYC Standards & CDA Credential

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) associate degree and Early Childhood Care and Development diploma give graduates the skills and framework necessary to work with children in developmental settings. Students are prepared to work with children from infancy to middle-childhood in a program that is aligned to NAEYC standards and the CDA Credential.

Both the associate and diploma degrees meet the 120-hour requirement for the Council for Professional Recognition’s National Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. This is the most widely recognized credential in Early Childhood Education. All our on-campus and online education degree programs also follow the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Not all education degree programs are offered each semester or at all Bryant & Stratton College locations.

Flexible Online Education Degree Programs

We offer on-campus and online education degree programs that make it easier to prepare for a career working with young children. Our early childhood education on-campus and online degrees prepare students to lead young children in educational activities designed to develop their minds and bodies during their most formative years.

Early Childhood Teaching Degree & Diploma Pathways

For a firm foundation in early childhood education theory as well as childhood theory, choose our on-campus and online ECE associate degree program. This program includes early education on-campus and online courses in curriculum planning, methods for assessing progress, and ways to guide the behavior of young children. It also gives instruction in how to include families in the learning process for maximum success. To jumpstart your entry into the classroom, you can earn your diploma in just 1 year and your associate’s degree in under two years through our on-campus and online education program.

Find the Right Education Degree Program

Bryant & Stratton College offers education degrees across degree levels, including associate and diploma. The Early Childhood Education associate degree and Early Childhood Care and Development diploma give graduates the skills and framework in early childhood education and early childhood development. Students are prepared to work with children from infancy to middle-childhood in a program that is aligned to NAEYC standards and the CDA Credential. Programs are available in both online and on‑campus formats, allowing students to compare education degree options by level and learning environment before exploring specific programs below.

An Evolved Higher Education Experience

Bryant & Stratton College has been providing students with a strong, career-focused education for 170 years. With our career-focused degree programs and personalized support from admission to financial aid to new career support, you’ll graduate prepared to confidently pursue your career goals and make an immediate impact in your chosen field.

Five blue hands pointing towards a central white checkmark, signifying teamwork or collaboration.
Non-Profit and Accredited

Bryant & Stratton College is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Blue "45+" text indicating an age group or demographic.
45+ Degree Options

B&SC offers a wide range of degree options for high-demand careers in clinical and non-clinical healthcare, business, early childhood education, human & legal services, design, hospitality, and technology.

Blue icon of three arrows pointing in different directions: up, left, and right.
Flexible Class Options

We understand that everyone’s schedule and lifestyle are different. We offer on-campus, live remote, and 100% online class options — choose what works best for you.

Blue outline of a heart above two open hands, symbolizing care and support.
Personalized Support

Your success is our success. Our team of financial aid experts, faculty, academic advisors, and career services professionals are fully committed to helping you succeed every step of the way.

Blue icon of a person adjusting a gear atop three ascending bars, representing growth or progress.
Stackable Career Pathways

Many of our programs are “stackable”, allowing you to start with a certificate or diploma and then build on those credentials towards an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Four blue user icons connected in a circular network using lines, representing a collaborative or networking concept.
Vibrant Community

At B&SC, you’ll find a vibrant and supportive community of students all striving for a more promising future. You’ll have a multitude of opportunities to engage with your fellow classmates and build lifelong friendships.

Education Degree Program Details

Bryant & Stratton College offers early childhood education on-campus and online degrees for those interested in working with young children. Our early education on-campus and online courses focus on child development, teaching methods, and child guidance. Find the program for you below!

AAS Early Childhood Education

This associate program is a strong option for students seeking a teaching degree online focused on early childhood education. The Early Childhood Education on-campus and online program is designed to prepare students for careers in childcare, preschool teaching, and beyond by focusing on teaching methods, assessment, and curriculum development. Students in this teacher education program will also have the opportunity to student teach in a local elementary school. With Early childhood education on-campus and online degrees from Bryant & Stratton College, you can make a difference in the lives of young children.

Diploma: Early Childhood Care

The Diploma in Early Childhood Care is a 36-credit program that teaches you the fundamentals of child growth and development and will prepare you for jobs as a childcare worker, aide, or as an assistant teacher.

Online Education Degree Programs vs. Diploma Pathways

Online education degree programs and diploma pathways differ in scope and depth, allowing students to choose an option aligned with their career goals and timeline. Diploma pathways typically focus on targeted skill development for entry-level roles in early childhood or education support settings and may be completed in a shorter timeframe.

Associate degree programs offer broader coursework and a more comprehensive educational foundation. This path can support expanded career opportunities and may also serve as a steppingstone toward future education. Comparing these options can help students determine which education pathway best supports their immediate needs and long-term goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are positions within early childhood education that do not require a degree. However, the right degree can open doors of opportunity and advancement within early childhood education settings. At Bryant & Stratton College, our associate and advanced diploma options offer the opportunity you need to build skills and demonstrate your commitment to learning success.

As with any program, you’ll need to take classes and perform well to earn your degree or diploma. At Bryant & Stratton College, we offer two opportunities for the education you need to make an impact for learning success in young children — an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and the Early Childhood Care and Development Diploma.

Yes, you can earn early childhood education degrees online. Make sure you choose a program from an accredited learning institution, one whose curriculum is specifically designed for online learning success as well as instructors with relevant experience in early childhood education as well as online teaching to university-level students.

At Bryant & Stratton College, we offer two educational paths to help you prepare for learning success with young children. At 60 credit hours, our Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education can take up to two years to complete. Our Early Childhood Care and Development Diploma is 36 credit-hours long and can be completed in less time.

Early childhood education is dedicated to helping the youngest of learners, from infancy to mid-childhood. Although there may be kindergarten or classroom co-teacher opportunities, early childhood education is not elementary education. If you have a desire to help guide behavior, foster communication and develop learning curiosity in the very young, early childhood education could be for you.

Take the Next Step

Whether it’s online, on-campus, or remote, our programs are designed to offer flexible learning options for your degree.

Start Your Free Application

No application fee, because applying to college should be easy and free.

Stay Informed, Stay Inspired – View our Education Blogs

Take the Next Step

Online, on-campus, and remote learning options to earn a degree on your schedule.

Start Your Free Application

No application fee, because applying to college should be easy and free.

Visit A Campus

Our campuses provide the education needed to achieve your professional goals. If you’re ready to start your educational and career journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way.