School Info: Early childhood studies and occupations are very important to the education field and are vital in the educational developments of children. Ashford University offers students the opportunity to earn an associate degree in early childhood education with the successful completion of a program with a total of 64 credit hours. The program, which starts with 6 credit hours of introductory courses in dimensions of education and adult development, is also composed of major course requirements. Major course requirements in the program include courses in composition, communications, computer literacy, sociology, foundations of movement and motor activities, behavior management, and several other child growth specific courses. Classes at Ashford University are each 5 weeks in length, and some students are able to finish the program in less than a year, depending on transfer credits. The tuition rate for this program is $372 per credit hour and financial aid options are available to students that qualify for assistance.

Career Info: Students with an associate degree in early childhood education from Ashford University are skilled in early childhood topics such as development, learning methods, and teaching strategies. While the university makes it easy for students with this degree to continue their education to earn a bachelor degree in the field, many students, start their jobs as daycare or preschool teachers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, preschool teachers earned a median annual salary of $23,870 and employment changes estimate that new jobs in the field will increase by 19% by 2018, bringing an estimated 87,000 new preschool teacher jobs. Preschool and daycare employees are in high demand, making a graduate with a degree in the field beneficial. Additionally, an increasing interest in the importance of early childhood educations programs will increase demands for new opportunities as well.