The University of Phoenix offers graduate student degrees in early childhood development. Four options are offered at the post-baccalaureate level including a Master of Arts in Education/Early Childhood Education (certification and non-certification options), a Master of Arts in Elementary Teacher/Early Childhood Education and a certificate in early childhood education for working teachers who already hold a teaching certificate or license and would like to increase their credentials. As of May 2011, the curriculum for the master's degree program includes 16 courses, some with field experience and two separate student teaching experiences. The school offers financial aid for those who qualify.
Stratford Career Institute offers students a diploma program in early childhood education that can be completed in as little as six months. Unlike other programs, all of the materials and texts that are necessary to complete the curriculum are included in the cost of tuition and sent directly to you. The curriculum is divided into five modules, or units of study, that focus on all aspects of the field, including learning styles of early childhood students; how to collaborate with peers; and physical, cognitive and emotional development of the early childhood learner. When students have completed their program, they will have earned a diploma in early childhood education and be qualified for employment in entry-level positions in daycare and preschool institutions. As of spring 2011, the cost of tuition for the program is $949 with an extra $300 savings available through the school's website. Students also have the option of placing a $10 down payment to enroll and then making 18 monthly payments of $35.50.
Walden University offers students the option of pursuing a bachelor's degree in early childhood development with a dual concentration. Students may choose a concentration in preschool or toddler age, or choose to specialize in both with the dual concentration option. The bachelor's degree program has an estimated completion time of 4.25 years and offers coursework in areas of childhood development such as literacy development; physical, emotional and cognitive development; and professional characteristics like parent/child advocacy and curriculum design. As of May 2011, tuition fees are $100 per credit for fundamental math and English. All other courses for the degree are $260 per credit. Federal financial aid is available for those who qualify, and supplemental grants are offered.
Ashford University offers a program that focuses on the business management of early childhood development centers. This option is for those who are interested in the field of early childhood development but would rather work on the administrative side of the operation than in the classroom. The Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management at Ashford University has many different concentration options available to students, including early childhood education and child study. The degree can be completed in 120 credit hours, with 50 of those being electives that allow the student to specialize in a certain field of study. The university accepts federal financial aid. As of spring 2011, tuition costs are $390 per credit hour, plus other fees, including a technology fee of $1,290.