Introduction
Early childhood education is one of the most rewarding career paths available today. Every day, early childhood educators shape young minds during the most critical period of human development. From birth to age five, children develop more rapidly than at any other time in their lives, and qualified educators play an essential role in building the foundation for lifelong learning, social skills, and emotional well-being.
The demand for qualified early childhood educators across the United States has never been higher. Parents, schools, and childcare centers are seeking professionals who hold recognized credentials such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential or state teaching licenses. Whether you are just starting your career or looking to advance into leadership roles, earning an early childhood education degree can open doors to meaningful employment, higher salaries, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in children’s lives.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about early childhood education degrees, how to prepare for the CDA credential or state licensure, career pathways, salary expectations, and how to choose the right program for your goals.
Understanding the CDA Credential vs. State Licensure
Before pursuing an early childhood education degree, it is essential to understand the two primary credentialing pathways available. Each serves different career goals and leads to different professional opportunities.
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is a nationally recognized credential awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition. It is designed for early childhood educators who work with children from birth to age five in various settings including childcare centers, family childcare homes, and Head Start programs .
The CDA credential demonstrates that an educator has completed 120 hours of formal training in early childhood education, gained at least 480 hours of professional experience working with young children, compiled a professional portfolio, and passed both an observation and a written examination . Many states require a CDA for lead teacher positions, and thirty-seven states offer scholarships specifically to support early childhood educators in earning their CDA credential .
The CDA is often considered the entry point to a professional career in early childhood education. It qualifies educators for roles such as lead teacher in private childcare settings, Head Start teacher, and early childhood program administrator. The CDA credential is also recognized for positions requiring the CDA as an alternative to an associate degree .
State Licensure for Public School Teaching
State teaching licensure is a different pathway entirely. While the CDA credential qualifies educators to work in private childcare centers, Head Start programs, and family childcare settings, state licensure is required to teach in public schools and many private schools .
State licensure typically requires earning a bachelor’s degree from a state-approved educator preparation program, completing a student teaching practicum, and passing state-specific licensing examinations. For early childhood educators, state licensure often covers grades PreK through 2 or PreK through 3, depending on the state. For example, Florida offers PreK-3 teacher certification, while Massachusetts offers PreK-2 licensure .
Some early childhood education programs explicitly state that they are not designed to meet licensure requirements for public school teaching. The Early Childhood Education programs at Rasmussen University, for instance, are not approved by any state agency that licenses teachers and do not lead to public school teaching licensure . Before enrolling in any program, you must verify whether the program leads to state licensure or is designed for private sector early childhood roles.
Early Childhood Education Degree Options
Several degree levels prepare students for early childhood education careers. Each level corresponds to different credentialing pathways, job opportunities, and salary potential.
Certificate Programs and CDA Preparation
Certificate programs are the shortest pathway into early childhood education. Many community colleges and technical schools offer certificate programs specifically designed to meet the educational requirements for the CDA credential . These programs typically include courses in child growth and development, early childhood curriculum, health and safety, and family engagement.
For example, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith offers an Early Childhood Education program where students complete the educational component of the national CDA credentialing within their first two semesters . Similarly, Rasmussen University’s Early Childhood Education Certificate program contains courses that provide the educational prerequisites for the CDA Credential, including Foundations of Child Development, Early Childhood Education Curriculum and Instruction, and Health, Safety, and Nutrition .
Certificate programs typically take six months to one year to complete and are ideal for individuals who want to enter the workforce quickly or who are currently working in childcare and seeking formal credentials.
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
An associate degree in early childhood education builds significantly on foundational training and qualifies educators for increased responsibility in the classroom. While an associate degree does not always unlock entirely new job titles compared to a CDA alone, it makes candidates substantially more competitive for positions like lead teacher or assistant director .
Many associate degree programs embed CDA coursework directly into the curriculum. Cleveland State Community College offers an NAEYC-accredited two-year degree program where the CDA and Early Childhood Education Technical Certificate coursework is embedded in the degree. Students can complete the CDA credential as part of their associate degree progression .
Associate degree programs also typically articulate with four-year institutions, allowing graduates to transfer their credits toward a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field .
Common roles and salaries for associate degree holders include preschool teacher at approximately $14 per hour, Head Start home visitor at approximately $18 per hour, and early childhood director or administrator at approximately $20 per hour .
Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education represents the highest level of preparation for classroom-based early childhood roles. For those seeking public school teaching licensure, a bachelor’s degree from a state-approved educator preparation program is typically required .
Bachelor’s programs for state licensure include extensive pedagogical coursework, multiple field experiences, and a full-semester student teaching practicum. At Westfield State University, the Early Childhood Education with Licensure program includes two separate practicum experiences (PreK-K and grades 1-2), each worth five credits, along with accompanying seminars. Students must also pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTELs) and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.80 overall and 3.00 in pedagogical courses .
Similarly, the University of North Florida offers a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a concentration in PreK-Primary Licensure that prepares graduates for Florida teacher certification for children ages 3 through grade 3. The program includes a TESOL endorsement and requires passing the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations prior to completing the final internship .
For those not seeking public school licensure, bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education are also available. Rasmussen University offers a fully online, non-licensure Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education Leadership that prepares graduates for leadership positions in private childcare settings, Head Start programs, and early childhood development centers .
Bachelor’s degree holders working in public school settings earn significantly higher salaries than those in private childcare. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, kindergarten and early elementary teachers earn an average of $62,310 per year, while special education teachers at the same level earn $64,270 per year .
State Licensing Requirements Vary Significantly
One of the most important factors to understand about early childhood education is that licensing requirements vary dramatically from state to state. There is no single national standard for who can work as a teacher, director, or assistant in early childhood settings .
The Bipartisan Policy Center conducted a scan of licensing requirements across all fifty states and the District of Columbia and found substantial variation. For example, California requires child care center directors to have completed fifteen semester units of college coursework, including three units in administration, plus four years of teaching experience. Other states have different combinations of education, experience, and credential requirements .
Some states require a CDA credential for lead teacher positions. Others accept an associate degree in early childhood education. Some states have no specific educational requirements beyond a high school diploma for certain roles .
Before selecting an early childhood education program, research the specific requirements in the state where you plan to work. Contact your state’s Department of Education or child care licensing agency to understand the credentials required for your desired role.
Career Pathways and Salary Expectations
Early childhood education offers multiple career pathways with increasing levels of responsibility and compensation.
Entry-level roles such as child care worker or teaching assistant typically require only basic training hours. These positions pay approximately $12 per hour .
With a CDA credential or equivalent state certification, educators qualify for preschool teacher positions at approximately $14 per hour, Head Start home visitor roles at $18 per hour, and early childhood director or administrator positions at $20 per hour .
An associate degree in early childhood education makes candidates more competitive for the same roles and provides a foundation for future advancement .
A bachelor’s degree combined with state teaching licensure opens the door to public school teaching positions. Kindergarten and early elementary teachers earn an average of $62,310 annually. Special education teachers at the same level earn $64,270 annually .
Director-level positions in early childhood programs may require a combination of education and experience. Some states require a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field for director roles, while others accept an associate degree combined with significant experience or a CDA credential .
Many scholarship programs exist to support early childhood educators in advancing their credentials. The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship Program, funded by the Florida Division of Early Learning, provides financial and academic support to early learning educators pursuing credentials, certificates, and degrees in early childhood education .
How to Choose the Right Program
Selecting the right early childhood education program requires careful research. First, clarify your career goals. Do you want to teach in a public school classroom? If so, you need a state-approved teacher licensure program that includes student teaching and leads to state certification. Do you want to work in a private childcare center, Head Start program, or family childcare setting? If so, a CDA credential or associate degree may be sufficient.
Verify accreditation for any program you consider. For bachelor’s programs leading to licensure, look for CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) accreditation. Westfield State University’s educator preparation programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and accredited by AAQEP. The University of North Florida’s program is CAEP-accredited .
For associate degree programs, NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accreditation is a mark of quality. Cleveland State Community College and Lehigh Carbon Community College both hold NAEYC accreditation for their early childhood education programs .
For CDA preparation programs, look for the CDA Gold Standard Training Certification. Rasmussen University holds this designation, indicating that its courses align with CDA competency standards .
Finally, confirm state approval if you are pursuing licensure. The program must be approved by the state education agency in the state where you plan to teach. Programs cannot guarantee licensure in states other than their home state without additional verification.
Conclusion
Earning an early childhood education degree and preparing for the CDA credential or state licensure is an investment in both your future and the future of the children you will serve. The field offers multiple pathways suited to different career goals, from the nationally recognized CDA credential for private childcare settings to state teaching licensure for public school classrooms.
The demand for qualified early childhood educators continues to grow. With the right credentials, you can build a rewarding career that makes a lasting difference in young lives while earning a stable and competitive salary. Research programs in your state, verify accreditation and approval status, and take the first step toward becoming a licensed or credentialed early childhood educator today.