If you love working with children, an Early Childhood Education Certificate might be the natural next step in your career. Besides furthering your education, a certificate might get you a raise, open new career doors, and put you one step closer to a degree. Our list of schools offering ECE certificates will help you get started.
Originally published: December 2013
Last updated: October 2025
Early childhood education certificates are some of the most time and cost-effective routes to becoming an early childhood care provider or educator. Positions in a public elementary school may require additional schooling or licensure.
Table of Contents
- The 10 Best Online Early Childhood Education Certificate Programs
- Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
- Stanly Community College
- Coastal Pines Technical College
- Haywood Community College
- Eastern Wyoming College
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- Surry Community College
- Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
- Community College of Aurora
- Alamance Community College
- Frequently Asked Questions about ECE Certificates
A number of the certificate programs below allow students to specialize in a particular segment of early childhood education including:
- Special Education
- Childcare Basics
- Early Childhood Administration
Early childhood teachers in many preschool settings may earn a certificate that satisfies state standards for educator education. Furthermore, a number of the certificate programs below help to cover courses in more comprehensive academic programs such as diplomas, associate degrees, or bachelor’s degrees.
Related Rankings and Valuable Resources:
- Top Online Colleges for Early Childhood Education
- 20 ECE Scholarships
- 40 Best Books on Early Childhood Education
- Top Online Applied Behavior Analysis Certifications
- Top Online Sensory Integration and Occupational Support Certification Programs
- Top Certification Programs for Early Childhood Therapeutic Specialists
Methodology
To compile our ranking below, we looked at all online early childhood education-related certificate programs in the nation. We then looked at quality of instruction and support metrics including retention rate, graduation rate, and student-to-faculty ratio. Other factors we considered included the average net price to attend the program and the number of specializations students could choose.
The 10 Best Online Early Childhood Education Certificate Programs
| School | Certificates Offered | Tuition | Format | Accreditation | Graduation Rate | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | Child Development Specialist, Infant/Toddler Care, Family Child Care, CDA Prep, Admin | $107/credit (in-state), $200 (out-of-state) | Fully Online | SACSCOC | 33% | Lowest net cost of all programs surveyed |
| Stanly Community College | School-age, Social/Emotional Development, Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Admin | $2,432 (9 months) | Fully Online | SACSCOC | 19% | Multiple 1-year certificates with flexible schedules |
| Coastal Pines Technical College | ECE Basics, Child Development Specialist, Early Childhood Care | $107/credit (in-state), $570 (out-of-state) | 100% Online | GPSC + SACSCOC | 43% | State-approved with focus on early education basics |
| Haywood Community College | Early Childhood Admin, Preschool, Infant/Toddler | $1,290/semester (in-state), $4,362 (out-of-state) | Online | NAEYC | 42% | NAEYC-accredited program, strong faculty support |
| Eastern Wyoming College | Child Development Certificate (on-campus & distance) | $149/credit (in-state), $359 (out-of-state) | Online + On-campus | HLC | 48% | Two delivery options (online & hybrid) |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Childcare Admin, Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Intro to Education, Paraeducator, Special Ed | $210/credit (in-state), $304 (out-of-state) | Day, Evening, Online | NC-SARA | 46% | Wide range of ECE certificates (9 options) |
| Surry Community College | Early Childhood Admin, Infant/Toddler, Preschool | $76/credit (in-state), $268 (out-of-state) | On-campus & Online | SACSCOC | 37% | Includes practical courses like Health & Nutrition |
| Caldwell Community College & TI | Child Care Operator, School-Age Provider, Teacher Caregiver, Infant/Toddler | $76/credit (in-state), $268 (out-of-state) | Day, Evening, Some Online | SACSCOC | 32% | High retention (67%), multiple ECE tracks |
| Community College of Aurora | Entry-Level ECE, Teacher Certificate, Director Certificate | $386/credit (in-state), $411 (out-of-state) | On-campus | HLC | 11% | Large class sizes, diverse ECE certificate tracks |
| Alamance Community College | Admin, Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Child Care Essentials | $76/credit (in-state) | On-campus & Online | SACSCOC | 33% | Affordable tuition with flexible delivery |
1.) Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
- Location: Valdosta, GA
- ECE Certificates Offered: Program Website
- Child Development Specialist (14 hours)
- Advanced Child Development Specialist (20 hours)
- Early Childhood Program Administration (9 hours)
- GaTAPP Early Childhood Education Precertification (27 hours)
- CDA Preparation, TCC (11 hours)
- Early Childhood Care and Education Basics, TCC (9 hours)
- Family Child Care Specialist, TCC (15 hours)
- Infant/Toddler Care Specialist (15 hours)
- Delivery Format: Fully online
- Requirements: Each certification program listed above has its own individual requirements
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
- Tuition: $107 per credit hour for in-state residents and $200 for out-of-state students. Additionally, WGTC’s certificate programs have the lowest net cost of all programs surveyed.
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
2.) Stanly Community College
- Location: Albemarle, NC
- ECE Certificates Offered: Program Website
- School-age Certificate (6 classes, 2 semesters, 1 year)
- Social/Emotional Development Certificate (6 classes, 2 semesters, 1 year)
- Infant/Toddler CDA Certificate (6 classes, 2 semesters, 1 year)
- Infant/Toddler Care Certificate (5 classes, 2 semesters, 1 year)
- Early Childhood Admin Certificate (5 classes, 2 semesters, 1 year)
- Early Childhood Preschool Certificate (5 classes, 2 semesters, 1 year)
- Delivery Format: Fully online
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
- Tuition: $2,432 (9-month enrollment)
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 19%
3.) Coastal Pines Technical College
- Location: Waycross, GA
- ECE Certificate Offered: Program Website
- Early Childhood Care and Education EC13
- Early Childhood Care and Education ECC2
- Child Development Specialist CD61 (14 credit hours)
- Early Childhood Care and Education Basics EC31 (9 credit hours)
- Delivery Format: 100% online
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
- Tuition: $107 per credit hour for in-state residents and $570 for out-of-state
- Accreditation: Georgia Professional Standards Commission and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
4.) Haywood Community College
- Location: Clyde, NC
- ECE Certificates Offered: Program Website
- Certificate in Early Childhood Administration (16 credit hours)
- Certificate in Early Childhood Preschool (16 credit hours)
- Certificate in Infant/Toddler Care (16 credit hours)
- Delivery Format: Online
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
- Tuition: $1,289.75 per semester for full-time in-state students, $4,361.75 per semester for full-time out-of-state students
- Accreditation: Commission on Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
5.) Eastern Wyoming College
- Location: Torrington, WY
- ECE Certificates Offered: Program Website
- Education Child Development Certificate (24 credit hours, completed in two semesters)
- Education Child Development – Distance Learning Certificate
- Delivery Format: On-campus and online
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Tuition: $149 per credit hour for in-state students; $359 for out-of-state residents
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
6.) Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- Location: Green Bay, WI
- ECE Certificates Offered: Program Website
- Childcare Administration (18 credit hours)
- Intro to Education (9 credit hours)
- Infant/Toddler (12 credit hours)
- Licensing Basics Ages 0-2 (9 credit hours)
- Licensing Basics Ages 3-5 (9 credit hours)
- Preschool (18 credit hours)
- Educational Support Assistant (15 credit hours)
- Introduction to Paraeducator Careers (12 credit hours)
- Special Education (12 credit hours)
- Delivery Format: Day, Evening, Full-time, Part-time and Online
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Tuition: $209.60 per credit hour for in-state students; $304.05 for out-of-state residents
- Accreditation: National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
7.) Surry Community College
- Location: Dobson, NC
- ECE Certificates Offered: Program Website
- Early Childhood Administration Certificate
- Early Childhood Education Certificate
- Infant and Toddler Care Certificate
- Delivery Format: On-campus and Online
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Tuition: $76 per credit hour for in-state residents; $268 for out-of-state residents
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SCC offers a certificate in Early Childhood Education online. This 16-credit hour early learning program includes courses like:
- Health, Safety and Nutrition
- Child, Family, and Community
- Child Development
- Child Guidance
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
8.) Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
- Location: Hudson, NC
- ECE Certificates Offered: Program Website
- Child Care Operator (16 credit hours)
- School-Age Provider (16 credit hours)
- Teacher Caregiver (16 credit hours)
- Infant/Toddler (16 credit hours)
- Delivery Format: Courses are taught during the day and evening, and some courses are available online
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
- Tuition: $76 per credit hour for in-state residents; $268 for out-of-state residents
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
9.) Community College of Aurora
- Location: Aurora, CO
- ECE Certificates Offered: Program Website
- Early Childhood Entry Certificate, Level I – E.C.E.
- Early Childhood Teacher Certificate, Level II – E.C.E.
- Director Certificate
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29:1
- Tuition: $385.75 per credit hour for in-state residents; $411.30 for out-of-state residents
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 11%
10.) Alamance Community College
- Location: Graham, NC
- ECE Certificates Offered: Program Website
- Early Childhood Administration Certificate
- Early Childhood Child Care Essentials
- Early Childhood Infant/Toddler Care Certificate
- Early Childhood Preschool Certificate
- Delivery Format: On-campus or Online
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Tuition: $76 per credit hour for in-state residents
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
These certificate programs require between 12 and 16 credit hours of coursework for completion.
Scholarship Opportunities
Paying for an ECE certificate program doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Many scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities exist to help students who want to pursue careers in childcare, preschool teaching, and early learning. Below are some national and state-specific options.
National Scholarships & Grants
- T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship Program
- Available in many states, this program helps cover tuition, books, and travel for those earning an ECE certificate or degree.
- Head Start & Early Head Start Scholarships
- Many Head Start programs provide tuition support for employees pursuing ECE credentials.
- Child Care Aware of America Scholarships
- Funding support for childcare professionals pursuing ECE certificates and CDA (Child Development Associate) credentials.
- CDA Council Scholarships
- Support for students preparing for the Child Development Associate Credential, often covering exam and coursework costs.
State-Specific Initiatives
- North Carolina Early Childhood Scholarships
- Designed for students in ECE certificate or associate programs; awards range from $500–$2,000 depending on enrollment.
- Georgia HOPE Career Grant
- Available for students in high-demand fields like ECE at Georgia technical colleges.
- Wisconsin T.E.A.C.H. Initiative
- Covers most tuition for part-time or full-time ECE students, with additional funding for books and travel.
- Colorado Early Childhood Professional Credential Incentives
- Provides scholarships and financial awards for students pursuing CDA and ECE-related coursework.
Federal Aid Options
- Pell Grants – Need-based federal grants that can apply to certificate programs at accredited schools.
- Federal Work-Study – Provides part-time campus or community jobs for eligible students in ECE programs.
- State & Institutional Aid – Many community colleges offer tuition waivers, book stipends, and institutional scholarships for ECE students.
Career Outcomes
| Career | Median Salary | Growth (2024–2034) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool Teacher | $36,460 | +15% | Certificate/Associate |
| Childcare Worker | $28,520 | +5% | Certificate |
| Childcare Center Director | $52,610 | +6% | Certificate/Bachelor |
Frequently Asked Questions about ECE Certificates
What job can I get with a degree in ECE?
Generally, a Certificate in Early Childhood Education qualifies you to work with children from birth to age 8. This means it can open a variety of career opportunities including:
- Preschool Teacher
- Childcare Provider
- After-school Care Worker
- Childhood Camp Counselor
- Head Start – various positions
How do I choose a program to earn my certificate?
Choosing the right program for you is critical. The program you choose should fit your schedule, fit your budget, and fit your needs.
- First, check that the program fits your schedule. Do you need to work while attending school? Some programs might now allow students to have a job, while others may require it. Generally, working in your field while earning your certificate will make you a more competitive job applicant later on.
Additionally, the program length needs to be acceptable to your timetable. A truncated program will take less time to complete, but the workload will be heavier (making working more difficult).
- Second, the program needs to fit your budget. In today’s world, it’s generally accepted that it’s necessary to go into debt for higher education. However, you should never take on too much debt, or student loan payments will weigh you down.
If paying for school is difficult, see if you qualify for any financial aid. The availability of scholarships and aid varies greatly from program to program.
- Finally, make sure that the program fits your needs. If you want to work at a specific place, check and see what the job requirements are. Public schools must adhere to state and federal standards; meaning that applicants might need to attend an accredited school.
Additionally, some certificate programs are designed to be eventually transferred into credits for an early childhood education degree; an attractive option if you’re thinking of furthering your education in the future.
What are the requirements to apply to an ECE certificate program?
Since the coursework will be college level, most programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old and have their high school diploma (or GED). Additionally, most schools have an application fee. To apply, visit the school’s website and complete the online application. Make sure to follow any necessary deadlines or your enrollment may be delayed.
What are the differences between online and traditional schools?
Traditional schools previously were held as the standard, and it took a long time for online programs to get traction. However, today most online programs are respected by potential employers. Additionally, most online programs allow for more flexibility than traditional schools.
Students sometimes can take courses on an independent study basis. Programs can be taken full or part-time, and online courses can accommodate work schedules. With all that flexibility, it’s no wonder why more and more people are choosing to earn their Early Childhood Education Certificates online.
How long does it take to earn an Early Childhood Education Certificate?
The length of the program will vary greatly from school to school. Some programs allow you to earn your certificate in as little as 6 months while others take two years. Don’t think that a 6-month program will be easier; you should have the same amount of work, just less time to complete it.
How fast can I get an ECE certificate online?
Many online early childhood education certificates can be completed in 6–12 months. Accelerated programs may finish in as little as one semester, while part-time options can take up to two years depending on credit hours and pacing.
Are online early childhood education certificates respected by employers?
Yes. As long as the program is accredited and/or recognized by the Council for Professional Recognition (CDA) or regional accrediting bodies, employers generally treat online certificates the same as in-person programs.
Can ECE certificate credits transfer into a degree?
In many cases, yes. Several community colleges and technical schools design their ECE certificates so credits apply toward an associate or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Always confirm transfer agreements with the school.
What’s the cheapest online ECE certificate?
The most affordable options are typically found at community and technical colleges. Some programs, such as those at Georgia technical colleges or North Carolina community colleges, charge as little as $76–$107 per credit hour, making them among the cheapest online ECE certificates in the U.S.
