Best Online Associate in Child Development Programs

Northern Oklahoma College delivers an associate of arts program in child development that prepares learners to enter the childcare field upon graduation. Students can complete classes online. Graduates may pursue positions like childcare assistant, Head Start teacher, and public school teacher's aide.

This 61-credit associate degree takes two years to complete. In addition to general education requirements, courses focus on child health, infant/toddler programming, and behavior and development of children. Students can also attain two certificates as part of the AA program: a certificate of mastery in child development and a certificate of administration of childcare programs.

Applicants must submit high school transcripts or GED documentation and ACT or ACCUPLACER scores. Competitive applicants have a minimum ACT score of 19. Northern Oklahoma College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Arkansas Tech University offers an online associate of science in early childhood education that prepares graduates to serve children in public and private sectors. This program meets guidelines for the child development associate credential. Additionally, the general education credits earned in this program can be applied to the school's bachelor of professional studies in child development.

This online associate degree requires 60 credits and can be completed in two years. Coursework includes child growth and development, foundations and theories in early childhood education, curriculum for early childhood education, and developmentally appropriate practices and activities for young children. Students also complete a nine-credit practicum.

Applicants must submit high school transcripts or GED documentation. Arkansas Tech University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Western Oklahoma State College offers an online AAS in child development that prepares learners for entry-level positions in Head Start programs, daycare programs, and public schools. This program is designed for graduates who want to enter the early childhood workforce upon graduation (rather than pursue further education).

This online child development associate degree requires 63 credits and can be completed in two years. Core coursework covers topics like behavior and guidance, health and safety, children's literature and language, and socialization and support of young children. The curriculum culminates with a capstone practicum.

Applicants must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Students who have an ACT score lower than 19 are required to take the ACCUPLACER exam. Western Oklahoma State College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Walters State Community College's online associate of applied science in early childhood education prepares learners to work with infants, toddlers, and young children up to the age of eight years. Graduates are eligible to apply for the child development associate credential and pursue work at childcare centers and preschools.

This associate degree requires 61 credits and can be completed in two years. Coursework includes classes like safe healthy learning environments, early childhood curriculum, development of exceptional children, and developmental assessment. Students also take two practicum courses, which require the completion of supervised clinical experience in early childhood education settings.

Applicants must submit high school transcripts (or the equivalent) and ACT or SAT scores. Students over the age of 21 years who have not taken college-level math and English courses must take the ACCUPLACER exam. Walters State Community College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Roane State Community College offers an online associate of applied science in early childhood education for graduates who want to work with children during their early developmental years. This program leads to a child development associate credential and allows students to begin working toward a bachelor degree. Roane State Community College's job placement rate after graduation is 97%.

Participants must complete 64 credits, which takes two years. Core courses cover developmental assessment, lifespan development psychology, and language and literacy in early childhood. To graduate, students must also complete a practicum and an exit exam.

Roane State Community College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Dakota County Technical College's online associate of science in early childhood education program prepares students to transfer to an early childhood teacher licensure program. Coursework develops competencies related to child development theory and educational practice, nutrition and safety, and cultural sensitivity.

This 60-credit associate degree takes two years to complete. Courses include child growth and development, interpersonal communication, learning and creativity in early childhood, and observation and assessment. Students must earn a "C" or better in all major courses in order to graduate.

Applicants should submit high school transcripts and take the ACCUPLACER exam. Students who have completed college-level math and English courses or have earned competitive ACT or SAT scores may be exempt from taking the ACCUPLACER exam. Dakota County Technical College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

North Central Missouri College offers an online associate of applied science in early childhood development that prepares graduates to work with young children after graduation.

This two-year AAS in child development requires 60 credits, including 15 credits of general education coursework and 45 credits of major coursework. Core courses cover topics like child development, creative expression and play, observation and assessment, and emergent language and literacy.

Applicants must submit high school transcripts and ACT test scores. If test scores are more than three years old, students may need to take placement testing. North Central Missouri College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The online associate degree in child development offered by Redlands Community College prepares learners for rewarding careers in childcare. This program easily transfers to bachelor's tracks at the University of Central Oklahoma and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Graduates can also obtain the child development associate credential.

Students who work more than 30 hours a week may qualify for scholarships. Among these scholarships opportunities is the Scholars for Excellence in Childcare award, which provides financial aid for childcare workers.

To qualify for this program, applicants must work in a one-star plus OKDHS or tribal-licensed childcare facility as a teacher or childcare provider; they must also have been employed at that location for at least six months before enrollment. Redlands Community College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Murray State College's online AAS in child development program prepares learners for careers in child developmental services. Graduates can pursue positions as childcare teachers, Head Start teachers, and early intervention specialists.

This online associate degree in child development includes 30-31 credits of general education courses and 33 credits of courses in child development. Students typically graduate in two years. Core courses include infant and toddler programs, curriculum and planning, cognitive activities, and administration of childcare centers.

Applicants must submit high school transcripts and ACT scores. Students may be required to complete transitional English or math courses prior to being admitted into college-level courses. Murray State College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Students at Tulsa Community College can complete an AAS in child development entirely online. Participants prepare to work in settings with preschool-aged children or pursue a bachelor's degree at a four-year college or university.

Child development enrollees must earn 60 credits, including courses in programming for infants and toddlers, children with special needs, and child and family in the community. They also complete a practicum in an appropriate setting and six credits of electives, choosing from classes like American sign language and introduction to psychology.

Distance learners must participate in an online learning orientation before enrolling in classes. Students can access online tutoring services through Blackboard, as well as IT and library support.